Otis R. Waldrop

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Otis R. Waldrop (0-33686), Captain, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with a Marine Rifle Company of the FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in Korea, on 13 June 1951. Captain Waldrop was assigned the mission of attacking and seizing a high ridge well-defended by a series of fortified enemy emplacements. Leading his men up a narrow, exposed spine in the face of fierce automatic weapons and mortar fire, he repeatedly exposed himself to deploy his platoons, and on more than one occasion, went forward of the assault echelons in order to select a better route of approach for his platoons. By such courageous leadership, and the expert employment of supporting arms, he was able to press the attack so vigorously that the position was overrun and the enemy completely routed. Captain Waldrop’s bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.