Wilbur A. Redman

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Wilbur A. Redman (RA36691603), Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as an Acting Platoon Leader with Company F, 2d Battalion, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division. Sergeant First Class Redman distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces near Chau-ni, Korea, on 17 and 18 May 1951. On that date, Sergeant First Class Redman’s platoon had the mission of defending a five hundred yard ridge line. On the morning of 17 May 1951, the positions on the left of his platoon were penetrated and Sergeant Redman was directed to provide cover for the withdrawal of these elements. Organizing a series of firing lines, he covered the entire withdrawal; then, remaining in position, he covered the withdrawal of his own platoon with an automatic weapon, inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy. On the following day, Sergeant Redman’s platoon was designated to conduct a rear guard action for the withdrawal of his company. From an exposed position, Sergeant Redman skillfully directed delaying actions which enabled the company to withdraw with minimum casualties, then took a position behind a machine-gun and covered the withdrawal of his platoon, delivering devastating fire on the enemy until the last man of the platoon had safely withdrawn.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 480 (June 30, 1951)