Harvey O. Sweeney

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Harvey O. Sweeney (0-1334376), 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 I, 3d Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. First Lieutenant Sweeney distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces at Tangwon-ni, Korea, on 7 and 8 September 1951. When his platoon came under intense enemy artillery and mortar attack, Lieutenant Sweeney left his place of safety and moved to an exposed vantage point to better direct the defense. Despite a painful wound, he moved fearlessly among his troops, and by his calm demeanor and unflinching courage, encouraged them to stand firm. Wounded a second time, he refused medical attention and constantly braved withering fire to assist the wounded and coordinate the holding action. Moving to a friendly machine-gun which had been silenced, he found the gun inoperative and returned through the fire-swept area to obtain a replacement. Wounded a third time in both legs and no longer able to move, he refused evacuation and ordered that he be carried to a position from which he could direct the defense, thus inspiring his men to contain successive enemy attacks throughout the night. Despite numerous casualties and a dwindling supply of ammunition, he continued to direct the defense, and by his skill and courageous example enabled his men to ward of the assailants until assistance arrived.