Richard R. Trenholm

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Richard R. Trenholm (RA19403870), Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as a Medical Aidman with an Infantry Company of the 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division. Private Trenholm distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Pia-ri, Korea, on 12 September 1951. On that date, Private Trenholm accompanied a force of infantrymen as they engaged in an assault against a heavily fortified, enemy-held hill. In the initial phase of the attack, the friendly troops were subjected to a heavy volume of automatic weapons and mortar fire. Many fell wounded, including Private Trenholm, who was severely wounded by an exploding mortar shell. Bleeding profusely and in great pain, Private Trenholm heard a wounded comrade call for aid. Although seriously weakened, he forced himself to his feet, made his way to the stricken soldier, and rendered aid. After assuring himself that the man was safe, Private Trenholm climbed painfully to a ridge to answer a second call for help. Upon reaching the hapless man, he dressed his wounds. Realizing that the soldier had to be evacuated for further treatment, Private Trenholm attempted to carry him down the exposed slope. While engaged in this task, a sudden burst of enemy machine- gun fire ended his life.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 275 (May 20, 1952)