Raymond L. Hatfield

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Raymond L. Hatfield (RA15422227), Corporal, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company K, 3d Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. Corporal Hatfield distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Chorwon, Korea, on 6 March 1953. On that date, Corporal Hatfield, a radio operator, was in the command post on a strategic outpost when it was subjected to assault by hostile forces. The intense artillery and mortar barrage which accompanied the attack rendered all land lines inoperative in the initial stages of the action, and repeated shelling of the artillery observation post damaged all radios. Corporal Hatfield, realizing that the situation was critical, left the cover of the bunker, disregarding all thoughts of personal safety. He moved across the fire-swept trenches to a position in the open where he could adjust illumination and artillery fire against enemy troops advancing through their own barrage. He held his position in spite of intense and accurate enemy fire until he was fatally wounded. His courageous actions were largely responsible for inspiring his comrades to a tenacious defense of the outpost.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 603, (June 26, 1953)