Korean War - Distinguished Service Cross - Foreign Nationals
There are over 1,000 recipients of the Distinguished Service Cross and Navy Cross following the Korean War.
The United States has awarded the Distinguished Service Cross to 13 foreign nationals from Belgium, England, France, Korea, Philippine Islands, and Turkey.
Note: There is the chance that a valid recipient of the Distinguished Service Cross may not be listed here. Updates to correct any omission will be made available from time to time.
* Indicates Killed in Action (KIA), Missing in Action (MIA), Prisoner of War (POW), or Died Non-Battle (DNB)
Belgium
CRAHAY, ALBERT
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Albert Crahay, Lieutenant Colonel, Army of Belgium, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with the Gloucester Regiment (29th Independent Infantry Brigade), in action against enemy forces at Tong-ri, Korea from 22 through 25 April 1951. Colonel Crahay's command, assigned the mission of holding a sector in the brigade's front and flank, was viciously attacked and surrounded in one of the initial thrusts of the enemy's stupendous spring offensive. Bitter fighting ensured. Upon receiving orders to withdraw on the night of 23 April 1951, Colonel Crahay, realizing that all planned routes of withdrawal were unfeasible, daringly seized upon a momentary lull in the battle and organized, regrouped, and effected a spectacular lateral withdrawal across the Imjin River. After an arduous, circuitous march, his command rejoined the brigade the following day and was committed to cover the displacement of two battalions along the enemy-infested main supply route. He was seriously wounded while directing and coordinating this stubbornly contested action, but his incredible courage under fire and his intrepid actions inspired his officers and men to fight with unwavering persistency, which contributed significantly to stemming the relentless advance of the numerically superior foe.
Department of the Army: General Orders No. 54 (May 29, 1952)
Born: Belgium
Home: Belgium
England
CARNE, JAMES POWER (POW)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to James Power Carne, Lieutenant Colonel, Royal British Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Commander of the First Battalion Gloucester Regiment (29th Independent Infantry Brigade), in action against enemy forces from 22 through 25 April 1951, during the Imjin River Engagement. The enemy, in numerically superior numbers, started assaults against his position on 22 April 1951 and continued these fanatical attacks for three days and nights. The situation rapidly became critical as hostile forces were able to surround his battalion because of gaps in the Brigade front. In the face of devastating enemy mortar, machine-gun, and small-arms fire and by his indomitable spirit, great courage, and tactical skill, Colonel Carne truly inspired his exhausted men to repeatedly rally and repulse the seemingly endless hordes of Chinese Communists. Continually exposing himself to intense hostile fire, he moved about among his troops, encouraging them to hold firm against overwhelming odds. When it became apparent that a continued stand might result in complete annihilation, Colonel Carne organized small parties and ordered them to the rear, but elected to remain with the wounded to await whatever the future held. Colonel Carne's heroic conduct, superb leadership, and steadfast devotion to the troops of his unit reflect the highest credit on himself and the armed forces of the British Commonwealth.
War Department General Orders No. 3 (January 20, 1954).
Born: April 11, 1906 at Falmouth, Cornwall, England
Home: England
*MUIR, KENNETH (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Kenneth Muir, Major, Royal British Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while Second in command of the First Battalion, Argyle and Southerland Highlanders, in action against enemy forces at Songju, Korea on 23 September, 1950. Major Muir personally led Companies B and C in a dawn assault on the crest of a strategic hill occupied by the enemy. His fearless personal example, superb leadership, and total disregard for danger under heavy fire from the enemy contributed greatly to the capture of the hill objective. Later, when the battalion was being driven from the hill by an enemy counterattack, Major Muir rallied his men and personally led them back to attack and recapture the lost position. Despite heavy casualties suffered by the Argylls, he consolidated his men into a strong line of resistance. In the afternoon of the same day, the enemy staged a final counterattack in such strength as to overrun the friendly position. During this final assault by the enemy, Major Muir was seen standing alone on the crest, single-handedly firing a two-inch mortar against the enemy in order to cover the withdrawal of his men. It was during this gallant and intrepid action that he was mortally wounded.
Department of the Army: General Orders No. 18 (February 18, 1953)
Born: England
Home: England
France
MISSERI, LOUIS
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Louis Misseri, Sergeant, Army of France, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with the Third Company, French Battalion, attached to the 23rd Infantry Regiment, 2d U.S. Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at Pia-ri, Korea on 26 September 1951. As a squad leader in an attack on "Heartbreak Ridge," Sergeant Misseri led his squad through an intense barrage of enemy mortar and artillery fire to the slope on which enemy bunkers were located. Dividing his squad into two sections, he personally led one section of three men in an assault upon the bunkers. While his comrades covered his advance, he moved forward alone through a hail of fire, attacked the first bunker, and silenced it. He continued his assault until the way had been cleared for his squad to advance and reorganize. When the enemy launched a counterattack, Sergeant Misseri, although seriously wounded, drove them back, inflicting fifteen casualties with is rifle. When this position became untenable and he was ordered to withdraw, he sent his men back one by one while he covered their withdrawal. The last man to leave the hill, except for one other who helped him because of his wounded condition, he would not allow himself to be evacuated until he had made a complete report of his mission. One of the very few men to each to top of "Heartbreak Ridge" during this costly attack, Sergeant Misseri's gallantry and extraordinary devotion to duty reflect the highest credit on him and uphold the finest traditions of the Army and the Republic of France.
Department of the Army: General Orders No. 12 (January 22, 1953)
Born: France
Home: France
Korea
CHUNG, IL KWON
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Il Kwon Chung, Lieutenant General, Army of the Republic of Korea, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Commanding General, Second (Republic of Korea) Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in the Republic of Korea on 16 October 1952. In an assault on "Sniper's Ridge," the division secured its important objective after three days of sever fighting. Despite heavy enemy mortar and artillery fire, Lieutenant General Chung visited front-line units with complete disregard for his safety, supervising the redeployment of troops and establishment of adequate and effective defense measures. He quickly initiated plans for the rapid evacuation of the wounded from forward aid stations and displayed a keen and sympathetic interest in the welfare of his men and the security of their newly won position. As the result of establishing well-organized and strong defense positions, the third determined hostile counterattack supported by heavy mortar and artillery fire against a smaller defensive force commanded by General Chung failed and the enemy was forced to withdraw. With outstanding professional knowledge, inspirational leadership, and sound tactical judgment, he directed the activities of unit commanders, which enabled them to immediately exploit opportunities afforded by the terrain and tactical situation. His patience, determination, ingenuity, and sincere concern for the welfare of his troops inspired all personnel and materially contributed to the successful operations against a numerically superior enemy.
Department of the Army: General Orders No. 84 (November 3, 1953)
Born: Korea
Home: , Korea
*CHUNG, NAK KOO (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Nak Koo Chung, Second Lieutenant, Army of the Republic of Korea, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with the Eleventh Company, 28th Regiment, Ninth (Republic of Korea) Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at Chorwon, Korea, on 13 October 1952. Second Lieutenant Chung's platoon was ordered to retake the outpost ridge line on Hill 395. The enemy was well-entrenched and capable of directing accurate and devastating artillery, mortar, and automatic-weapons fire. When the platoon moved out to attack, it was pinned down by intense enemy fire. Lieutenant Chung continued forward and three men, so inspired by his courage, followed him. Despite increasing volume of hostile fore, he continued his advance to the machine-gun bunker, hurled grenades into the position and silenced the gun. During this action, he lost his life. Members of the platoon, so inspired by his courage, immediately assaulted the position, successfully accomplished the mission of the unit, and inflicted heavy losses on the enemy.
Department of the Army: General Orders No. 49 (June 9, 1953)
Born: Korea
Home: Korea
KIM, CHONG O.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Chong O. Kim, Major General, Army of the Republic of Korea, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while in Command of the 9th (Republic of Korea) Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at Chorwon, Korea during the period from 6 through 15 October 1952. Major General Kim made ample plans and preparations for an attack on Hill 395 and under his courageous and skillful leadership his division successfully repulsed the onslaughts of two hostile infantry divisions with supporting elements and decisively defeated them. With disregard for his personal safety, he proceeded over routes subjected to heavy artillery shelling, visiting forward positions, seeking the most advantageous observation posts, and personally commanding and controlling his troops. Despite exposure to intense enemy fire and while under constant enemy observation, he observed effects of artillery preparations, kept his subordinate commanders and staff informed on the situation, and issued instructions based upon personal observations. His presence in front-line positions provided excellent fire support and was an inspiration to members of his command. General Kim's exemplary leadership and indomitable courage are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect the highest credit on himself and the Republic of Korea Army.
Department of the Army: General Orders No. 37 (April 29, 1953)
Born: Korea
Home: Korea
KIM, MAN SOUL
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Man Soul Kim, Master Sergeant, Army of the Republic of Korea, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with the Second Platoon, Sixth Company, Eleventh Marine Regiment, First (Republic of Korea) Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at "Outpost Betty", Korea, on 15 and 16 July 1953. Master Sergeant Kim's platoon was viciously attacked and came under intense artillery and mortar fire from a battalion-sized enemy force. Instantly recognizing the overwhelming odds, Sergeant Kim led his men into action, directing artillery fire on enemy positions. Despite the heavy artillery fire, hostile troops continued to advance and crept to a critical sector in the outpost's defense and engaged in close combat. Moving among his men and shouting encouraging, decisive commands, he poured accurate rifle fire into the enemy, killing several; then, leaving the comparative safety of his position, he showered the enemy with grenades, killing six others and dispersing the remainder. Later, when the determined, reorganized foe repeatedly attacked throughout the night, coming within close range of entrenched positions, Sergeant Kim, with unwavering courage and at great risk to his life, met each onslaught in hand-to-hand combat, inflicting heavy losses and eventually thwarting the enemy's attempt to overrun the position.
Department of the Army: General Orders No. 35 (May 13, 1954)
Born: Korea
Home: Korea
*KIM, MAN SU (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Man Su Kim, Sergeant, Army of the Republic of Korea, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with the Ninth Company, 29th Regiment, Ninth (Republic of Korea) Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at Chorwon, Korea, on 12 October 1952. While participating in a counterattack on strongly held enemy positions, Sergeant Kim's unit was pinned down by intense hostile artillery and automatic-weapons fire from commanding positions located on Hill 395. Despite the hail of enemy fire, Sergeant Kim voluntarily moved forward. Armed with a supply of grenades and his automatic weapon, he charged up the hill to the machine-gun bunker and successfully silenced the weapon. Although seriously wounded during this action, he immediately hurled his last grenade into an enemy position, eliminating additional hostile soldiers. He continuously shouted words of encouragement to his men, urging them forward to the successful attainment of their assigned mission.
Department of the Army: General Orders No. 72 (September 23, 1953)
Born: Korea
Home: Korea
Philippine Islands
*ARTIAGA, JOSE M., JR. (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Jose M. Artiaga, Jr., First Lieutenant, Army of the Philippines, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with the Tenth Battalion Combat Team, Philippine Expeditionary force to Korea, in action against enemy forces at Yuctong, Korea on 22 and 23 April 1951. Throughout the night his platoon was repeatedly assaulted by a fanatical and numerically superior hostile force of Chinese Communists. With utter disregard for his safety and constantly exposed to heavy machine-gun, mortar, and artillery fire, Lieutenant Artiaga moved about the sector held by his men to steady, encourage, and deploy them to insure the best defense of their positions. Despite exhaustion, isolation from other elements of the company, and the disaster which seemed imminent, his troops tenaciously repulsed repeated attacks and inflicted numerous casualties. While tirelessly directing the fire of his depleted force, he was mortally wounded, but his courage and indomitable fighting spirit so imbued his troops with a spirit of irrepressible determination that they held the positions until relief arrived.
Department of the Army: General Orders No. 28 (March 13, 1952)
Born: Philippine Islands
Home: Philippine Islands
*YAP, CONRADO D. (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Conrado D. Yap, Captain, Army of the Philippines, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with the Tenth Battalion Combat Team, Philippine Expeditionary force to Korea, in action against enemy forces at Yuctong, Korea on 22 and 23 April 1951. Shortly before midnight on 22 April 1951, his company, occupying defensive positions, came under a vicious hostile attack which seriously penetrated the perimeter. Exploiting the breach, the enemy launched successive, determined assaults throughout the night. Constantly exposed to machine- gun, mortar, and artillery fire, Captain Yap crawled from foxhole to foxhole, steadying his men and encouraging them to hold firm. Learning that his First Platoon had been overrun, and despite orders from his battalion commander to withdraw his unit, he fearlessly led a daring charge in a determined effort to reach the beleaguered platoon. Overwhelming enemy strength and heavy fire received from flanks and to the front notwithstanding, they relentlessly pressed the assault, regained the hill, evacuated the casualties, and rescued the isolated unit. Observing a stricken soldier on the slope of the hill, Captain Yap immediately started toward the man but was mortally wounded by a burst of enemy fire. Inspired by his heroic conduct, his men continued the fight with such determination and skill that the enemy attack was contained and numerous casualties were inflicted.
Department of the Army: General Orders No. 107 (December 14, 1951)
Born: Philippine Islands
Home: Philippine Islands
Turkey
ERGIN, MEHMET
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Mehmet Ergin, Sergeant, Turkish Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations in action against enemy forces at Sanggorangp'o, Korea on 28 and 29 May 1953. Sergeant Ergin's unit was dispatched to reinforce Outpost Vegas, which was under heavy enemy attack. Upon arrival he found the strength of friendly forces depleted and the enemy holding a portion of the position. Organizing his forces, he led them through heavy artillery, mortar and small arms fire in a valiant counterattack which drove the enemy back several hundred meters. When the enemy launched a counterattack against the newly won positions, he successfully met the attack and stopped the enemy's advance, forcing their withdrawal. With complete disregard for personal safety, he moved from one position to another encouraging his men despite heavy barrages of artillery and mortar fire. Later, using grenades and any weapon at his disposal, he led his unit forward again in counterattack, which succeeded in driving the enemy front the last friendly position under their control. His actions made it possible for friendly forces to regain control of a major outpost while inflicting numerous casualties on the enemy forces.
Department of the Army: General Orders No. 43 (June 24, 1955)
Born: Turkey
Home: Turkey
SUKAN, SINASI
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Sinasi Sukan, Captain, Turkish Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations in action against enemy forces at Sanggorangp'o, Korea on 29 May 1953. Captain Sukan voluntarily accompanied one of his platoons ordered to reinforce Outpost Carson, which was under heavy enemy attack. Upon hearing that both Outposts Carson and Elko had been surrounded, he led his troops in a successful counterattack, breaking through enemy lines, retaking Outpost Elko. He then quickly deployed his forces for defense, cautioning his men of the necessity of holding the position at all costs. He obtained a carbine and resupply of grenades and moved forward to an exposed position in a critical sector of the Outpost. Although exposed to a continuous devastating mortar and artillery barrage, he moved constantly around the fighting positions, encouraging the men, directing fire, and fighting with grenades and any weapon he could find, killing an estimated seventy-five enemy himself. After fighting continuously for sixteen hours he was wounded but refused to be evacuated.
Department of the Army: General Orders No. 43 (May 29, 1953)
Born: Turkey
Home: Turkey
*URER, RUSTU (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Rustu Urer, First Lieutenant, Turkish Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations in action against enemy forces at Sanggorangp'o, Korea on 28 and 29 May 1953. First Lieutenant Urer's unit, while defending Outpost Carson, was attacked by determined enemy forces estimated to have been of battalion strength. Undaunted by heavy barrages of artillery and mortar falling on the position, he moved from one position to another, encouraging his men and directing the fire of his command until he was wounded. Refusing to be evacuated and with complete disregard for personal safety, Lieutenant Urer led his platoon forward in a valiant counterattack, which drove the hostile forces from the trenches and killed sixteen of the seventeen enemy encountered. Although surrounded and subjected to repeated attacks, the small outpost, greatly outnumbered by the enemy, fought back for more than two hours until it was finally annihilated by a numerically superior force. Lieutenant Urer continued to fight from his bunker until he was mortally wounded by enemy grenades.
Department of the Army: General Orders No. 17 (March 8, 1954)
Born: Turkey
Home: Turkey
