Alan R. Jastram

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Alan R. Jastram (RA17249836), Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Headquarters Company, 3d Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division. Sergeant Jastram distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Hoengsong, Korea, on 12 February 1951. On that date, the Battalion Command Post was subjected to a fanatical attack by a numerically superior enemy force. Successful defense of the area depended on control of high ground one hundred yards to the rear of the command post, which was occupied by the enemy. Twice the Headquarters Company troops assaulted the ridge and were beaten off by the enemy. On the third attempt, when the attack seemed doomed to failure and his comrades were wavering under the intense enemy fire, Sergeant Jastram single-handedly attacked the hill, shouting words of encouragement to his comrades as he moved forward. Inspired by the boldness of his action, his comrades followed him in the attack, overran the enemy, and secured the commanding terrain. During this action Sergeant Jastram was killed by a burst of enemy fire.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 501 (July 3, 1951)