Emmette B. Martin

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Emmette B. Martin (RA15250403), Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as a Medical Aidman with the 65th Engineer Combat Battalion, 25th Infantry Division. Sergeant Martin distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces near Ipsok, Korea, on 27 November 1950. On that date, Sergeant Martin was wounded by an enemy mortar shell burst near his position. Although there was increasing enemy pressure from all sides and heavy small-arms and mortar fire, he, despite his painful wounds, continued to administer first aid and to evacuate casualties to a position of safety. The enemy continued to exert heavy pressure, and he was told that he was to withdraw with his company. Heedless of the immediate danger of the savage enemy attack, he refused to withdraw with his company, stating that there were too many wounded to leave behind. He remained with the wounded, who were unable to withdraw, treating and comforting them. Shortly thereafter the position was overrun.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 119 (March 5, 1951)