Albert R. Kopsick

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Albert R. Kopsick (0-1882339), Second Lieutenant (Infantry), 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, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. Second Lieutenant Kopsick distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Kachil-li, Korea, on the night 8 June 1953. On that night, Lieutenant Kopsick was the leader of an ambush patrol which encountered a numerically superior enemy force while operating forward of the United Nations main line of resistance. Although wounded in the initial action, Lieutenant Kopsick quickly established a defensive perimeter, then moved about the fire-swept terrain to distribute ammunition and to encourage his men. Throughout the action Lieutenant Kopsick continued to brave the intense barrage and traverse the area until he was wounded a second time and lost the use of his legs. When he saw a wounded comrade lying in an exposed area, Lieutenant Kopsick ignored his own injuries and the heavy bombardment, crawled to the casualty, and administered first aid. After dragging the wounded soldier to a covered position, he continued to fire his weapon with great effectiveness and to inspire his men until reinforcements arrive the following morning and routed the enemy force. Even though he was in a state of semi-consciousness, Lieutenant Kopsick courageously refused to be evacuated until other wounded men had been treated. The extraordinary heroism exhibited by Lieutenant Kopsick on this occasion reflects great credit on himself and is in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 996 (November 8, 1953)