Rebel L. Holcomb

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Rebel L. Holcomb, Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division. Sergeant First Class Holcomb distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Chorwon, Korea, on the morning of 31 July 1952. On that date, the company of which Sergeant Holcomb was a member was preparing to launch an attack on an enemy-held hill when intense artillery, mortar, and small-arms fire pinned it down in an untenable position. Realizing that the company would suffer many casualties if it remained exposed to the merciless hostile fire, Sergeant Holcomb moved forward in a one-man charge up the slope of the hill. Advancing through a deadly fusillade, he inflicted heavy casualties on the foe with rifle fire and accurately-thrown grenades. When he had moved to within ten yards of the enemy’s mail line of resistance, he saw that the hostile troops were so deeply entrenched that grenades and small-arms fire would not be able to dislodge them. Moving back down the hill, he rejoined his comrades and obtained a flame thrower, Then advancing once more into the face of enemy fire, he again climbed to the crest of the hill. Moving methodically from bunker to bunker, he directed a searing flame on the enemy troops within, effectively ending their resistance. As a result of his courageous action, the friendly company was able to sweep forward and secure the hill.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 689 (November 10,1952)