John S. Mckim

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to John S. McKim, First 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 K, 8th Cavalry Regiment (Infantry), 1st Cavalry Division. First Lieutenant McKim distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Kyongan-ni, Korea, on 14 February 1951. On that date, the defensive positions occupied by Lieutenant McKims’ platoon were attacked by approximately seventy-five enemy troops. As the hostile force overran the 57-mm. recoilless rifle section, he realized that this assault posed a serious threat to the key terrain feature occupied by his unit which, in addition, was an important sector in the battalion’s defense. He immediately rushed forward under intense enemy small-arms, automatic-weapons, and mortar fire, set up a 60- mm. mortar in an exposed position directly on the skyline, and fired at the hostile troops in an effort to stem their attack. When his ammunition was exhausted, he stood erect, completely exposed to the enemy, and began hurling grenades at them. Throughout this action he shouted directions and words of encouragement to his men who, inspired by his great example of personal courage, fought fiercely to repulse the enemy. Through his determined efforts, the hostile force was repelled with heavy casualties and the vital positions were held. The gallantry and steadfast devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant McKim on this occasion reflect great credit on himself and uphold the highest traditions of the military service.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 784 (October 19, 1951)