William HARRIS Isbell, Jr.

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to William Harris Isbell, Jr. (0-18474), Lieutenant Colonel (Field Artillery), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Headquarters Battery, 7th Division Artillery, 7th Infantry Division. Lieutenant Colonel Isbell distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces at Kumhwa, Korea, on 14 October 1952. Observing that friendly elements were pinned down by withering fire during a bitterly contested engagement on key terrain, Colonel Isbell proceeded alone up the barren, rugged slope. When he reached the forward observer, he requested that artillery fire on the commanding ground be lifted. Fearlessly advancing approximately thirty yards to the first hostile position, he fired his pistol and lobbed grenades into the bunker. He then moved back to the crest of the hill and beckoned for the troops to join him. Inspired by his heroic challenge, the men rallied and moved forward, but as they approached the position, Colonel Isbell was mortally wounded by a mortar burst. His unflinching courage and intrepid actions set a lasting example of valor to all who observed him.