Jerimiah V. Hayhurst

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting an Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Silver Star Medal to Jerimiah V. Hayhurst (0-1918966), First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. During the early morning hours of 16 May 1953, Company G, holding a defensive position on Outpost Harry, in the vicinity of Surang-Ni, Korea, was subjected to an intense enemy artillery and mortar barrage followed by an attack by a large enemy force. Despite the imminent danger from enemy fire, Lieutenant Hayhurst entered an ammunition storage point to retrieve a wounded comrade. While advancing through the devastated area to aid the wounded man. Lieutenant Hayhurst was subjected to constant enemy shell fire. Though at times his path came within close proximity of the falling enemy rounds, he continued until he reached the wounded comrade and brought him to safety. Lieutenant Hayhurst then moved to the forward slope of the shell-ridden area, giving first aid to the wounded and offering them encouragement. Lieutenant Hayhurst’s outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Jerimiah V. Hayhurst (0-1918966), First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company H, 2d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. During the early morning hours of 28 October 1952, the recoilless rifle platoon of Company H, of which First Lieutenant (then Second Lieutenant) Hayhurst was leader, was assigned the mission of rendering fire support to friendly forces attacking Jackson Heights, in the vicinity of Kangong-Ni, Korea. A hostile light artillery piece was delaying the friendly attack and because of the exposed position of the friendly forces, continuous delay would have caused numerous casualties. While relaying his fire command to his gun crews, Lieutenant Hayhurst’s communications were destroyed by enemy artillery fire. With complete disregard for his safety, Lieutenant Hayhurst left his command post bunker and exposed himself to the intense enemy incoming artillery fire to personally carry the essential elements of fire data to his gun positions. While en route, he was struck by the force of an explosion from a close landing enemy shell, the flash blinding him and injuring his eyes. Although he was partially blinded, he reached his firing positions, giving each in turn the required data needed to accomplish the mission. His courage and steadfast determination resulted in the prompt delivery of the vital fire support which destroyed the enemy artillery piece and permitted the friendly forces to continue their attack. Lieutenant Hayhurst’s outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.