Chester J. Lenon

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Chester J. Lenon (0-2206421), Second Lieutenant (Corps of Engineers), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with 77th Engineer Combat Company, 24th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. Second Lieutenant Lenon distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces near Haman, Korea, on 6 August 1950. On that date, Lieutenant Lenon, Platoon Leader, of the 3d platoon, was covering the withdrawal of Company I, 24th Infantry Regiment, south of Haman, Korea. During this action the platoon was pimped down by intense enemy small-arms and mortar fire. Despite the intense fire, Lieutenant Lenon and six volunteers, flanked the enemy and inflicted heavy casualties which enabled the remainder of the platoon to withdraw. Although wounded, Lieutenant Lenon refused to be evacuated, but remained in an exposed position delivering effective fire on the enemy until his men had reached safety. He then withdrew and despite his wounds devoted himself to the care and treatment of his wounded men.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 54 (September 6, 1950)