James H. Lynch

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Service Cross to James H. Lynch, Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Commanding Officer of the 3d Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment (Infantry), 1st Cavalry Division. Lieutenant Colonel Lynch distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces near Hambung-ni, Korea, on 27 September 1950. As Colonel Lynch’s task force moved forward deeper into enemy territory, the motorized column suddenly was intercepted and brought under fire by an enemy force of ten tanks. Having no friendly tanks at his immediate disposal, and realizing that the enemy tanks, if unopposed, would bring about the annihilation of his command, Colonel Lynch, with total disregard for his personal safety, moved forward to effect the reorganization of his then scattered and confused force. Despite the devastating lane of enemy tank and machine-gun fire that was placed on the highway, he directed the placing of a two and a half ton truck across the road as a temporary road block, thus sufficiently retarding the advance of the enemy to allow friendly tanks to move forward from the rear guard position. During the vicious tank battle that ensued, he refused to take cover and moving about openly, organized rocket launcher teams and placed them in position. Through his courageous, aggressive action and superior leadership Lieutenant Colonel Lynch was directly responsible for the total annihilation of an overwhelming enemy force.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 132 (March 11, 1951)

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to James H. Lynch, Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Commanding Officer of the 3d Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment (Infantry), 1st Cavalry Division. Lieutenant Colonel Lynch distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea on 21 and 22 September 1950. As commander of Task Force LYNCH, Colonel Lynch was assigned the mission of organizing, coordinating, and directing the tactical operations of a task force to drive through enemy territory to a junction with Allied Forces near Seoul. Though faced by a confident enemy flush from recent victories, Colonel Lynch so skillfully maneuvered and employed his force that he confused and completely demoralized an enemy who had tremendous numerical superiority. Inspired by his courage and aggressive leadership, the men of Task Force LYNCH, in their drive northward, annihilated over nine hundred enemy troops and destroyed great quantities of enemy weapons, vehicles, and ordnance stores.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 189 (December 5, 1950)