Glen L. Whitlatch

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Glen L. Whitlatch (RA15410462), Corporal, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company D, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. Corporal Whitlatch distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Suso-ri, Korea, on 13 February 1951. On that date, while moving from Suso-ri to occupy the high ground north of the village, Company D was suddenly and fiercely attacked by an estimated enemy battalion, As the attack commenced, Corporal Whitlatch left his concealed position to run through the deadly hail of fire to his jeep on which was mounted a heavy machine-gun. From this exposed and hazardous position he delivered accurate, withering fire into the enemy ranks, halting the initial assault and killing approximately 39 hostile troops. Taking advantage of a temporary lull in the fighting, Corporal Whitlatch obtained a tripod for his weapon; then, as he started toward a selected firing position, the enemy launched a second banzai charge at the friendly position. Immediately placing his gun in action, he stopped this charge only twenty yards from his position. During this action, Corporal Whitlatch received a serious head wound caused by fragments from an enemy grenade. Refusing to relinquish his gun and return to the aid station for medical attention, he remained in position throughout the ensuing five hour battle, placing effective machine-gun fire on the enemy and preventing the friendly positions from being overrun.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 388 (June 2, 1951)