Derwood W. Sims

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Derwood W. Sims (0-1686690), 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 F, 2d Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. First Lieutenant Sims distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces near Chiktan, Korea, on 15 April 1951. Lieutenant Sims personally assumed command of the assault platoon of his company and led the unit in an attack against a large well-entrenched enemy force occupying fortified positions on mountainous terrain in the vicinity of Chiktan. During the fierce fire-fight that ensued, Lieutenant Sims was seriously wounded by machine-gun fire; however, he continued to lead the attack, exhorting his men to greater effort and shouting words of encouragement to them. During the platter phase of the assault, an enemy grenade burst near Lieutenant Sims’ position, mortally wounding him. His display of courage, fearless leadership and selfless devotion to duty so inspired his men that they successfully routed the enemy and secured the company’s objective.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 331 (May 23, 1951)