Robert E. Dare

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Robert E. Dare (RA6794378), Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as an Assistant Squad Leader in a platoon of Company K, 3d Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division. Sergeant First Class Dare distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces at Taejon, Korea, on 20 July 1950. On that date, Sergeant First Class Dare’s platoon was leading the company advance along the airport road when it was disperse into rice paddies and pinned down by cross-fire from six hostile tanks and an estimated enemy battalion. Sergeant Dare, with utter disregard for his safety, exposed himself to the intense fire to take command of the platoon. Displaying outstanding leadership and courage, he personally directed the fire of his machine-gun squad, reorganized the platoon, and ordered its withdrawal to a defensive position. During this action he was critically wounded, but continued to command the platoon. Refusing aid, he ordered his men to leave him behind and withdraw to a secure position. His initiative, aggressiveness, and gallantry during this engagement cost him his life but saved many of his comrades.