Marine Corps

BARTHOLOMEW, KENNETH L.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Kenneth L. Bartholomew, Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as a squad leader with the First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Yang-gu, Korea, on 6 June 1951. Corporal Bartholomew was participating in an attack on a strategic, thickly-wooded ridge tenaciously defended by a fanatical enemy force that was well-entrenched in numerous log bunkers, when his squad was pinned down by devastating automatic weapons and small arms fire. Unmindful of his safety, Corporal Bartholomew made a lone-man charge against the enemy emplacements and, dashing across the open, fire-swept terrain he moved from one pillbox to another, neutralizing them with grenades and personally killing six hostile troops defending the ground. Then, he quickly reorganized his squad Corporal Bartholomew led it in a daring sweep up the ridge, overrunning the enemy position and seizing the objective.
General Headquarters Far East Command: General Orders No. 207 (August 13, 1951)

*BATLUCK, JOSEPH JACK (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Joseph Jack Batluck (1082444), Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with the Company H, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Provisional Marine Brigade (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, Pacific, in action against enemy aggressor forces northeast of Chindong-ni, Korea, on 8 August 1950. When his company was pinned down by heavy enemy machine-gun and rifle fire, Corporal Batluck repeatedly and fearlessly exposed himself to enemy fire in order to control and reorganize his squad. This action aided materially in reestablishing the assault lines and thereby gave his company fire superiority over the enemy, resulting in successful continuation of the attack. Further, assisted by a comrade, he voluntarily and without regard for his own safety, made repeated trips through enemy fire-swept terrain to evacuate six wounded Marines, enabling them to receive prompt medical attention. In this heroic action Corporal Batluck was mortally wounded.
General Headquarters Far East Command: General Orders No. 86 (December 19, 1950)
Home Town: Scranton, Pennsylvania

BEALL, OLIN D.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Olin D. Beall, Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Commanding Officer, First Marine Motor Transport Battalion, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of the Chosin Reservoir, Korea, from 29 November to 4 December 1950. Lieutenant Colonel Beall's actions contributed materially to the breakthrough in the Chosin Reservoir and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service
Headquarters: X Corps: General Orders No. 66 (December 15, 1950)

*BILLINGS, FRANK BOND, JR. (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Frank Bond Billings, Jr. (1074062), Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with the Detachment 1, First Service Battalion, First Provisional Marine Brigade (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, Pacific, in action against enemy aggressor forces at Yongsan, Korea, on 3 September 1950. While his company was pinned down by rifle and heavy machine gun fire near the top of a hill, Private Billings, with complete disregard for his personal safety, fearlessly moved forward alone, drawing fire from two enemy machine- guns that were holding up the company's advance. Although exposed to intense enemy fire, he coolly and methodically killed the enemy one by one as they attempted to man their guns, accounting for eight dead and two machine-guns out of action. When his platoon had advanced to join him, other enemy machine- guns opened fire. Unable to locate them, Private Billings again and on his own initiative, courageously crawled forward alone. While marking the enemy positions for his comrades with bursts from his own weapon, he was killed by enemy machine-gun fire.
General Headquarters Far East Command: General Orders No. 74 (November 28, 1950)
Home Town: New Brunswick, New Jersey

*BRUCE, JEWELL CLYDE (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Jewell Clyde Bruce (669078), Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company B, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Provisional Marine Brigade (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, Pacific, in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea on 18 August 1950. Corporal Bruce was a squad leader in a rifle platoon occupying a night defense position when the enemy suddenly launched a counterattack against his company's sector. With absolute disregard for his own safety, he dashed from foxhole to foxhole in an area swept by enemy machine-gun fire, shouting encouragement as he rallied his disorganized squad. The determination of their leader to drive back the aggressors was instilled into his men as he led a charge against the point of enemy penetration. Assuming a forward position, he delivered accurate and destructive grenade volleys on the enemy as grenades were passed forward to him. His outstanding leadership and great courage contributed substantially to the successful counterassault that drove the enemy from the Obangi Ridge. In the course of this action, he gallantly gave his life for his country
General Headquarters Far East Command: General Orders No. 44 (October 22, 1950)
Home Town: Mounds, Illinois

*BUDD, MALCOM LLOYD (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Malcom Lloyd Budd (655158), Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company B, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Provisional Marine Brigade (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, Pacific, in action against enemy aggressor forces near the village of Changallon, Korea, on 13 August 1950. When his company was disengaging the enemy to move to another zone of action, Sergeant Budd saw a member of the rear guard fall wounded. Voluntarily and unhesitatingly, with complete disregard for his personal safety, Sergeant Budd crossed approximately fifty yards of terrain under heavy enemy machine-gun, mortar, and small-arms fire to rescue his fallen comrade. After he had lifted the stricken Marine to his shoulders, Sergeant Budd was wounded fatally by a concentration of hostile machine-gun fire.
General Headquarters Far East Command: General Orders No. 65 (November 23, 1950)
Home Town: Big Piney, Wyoming

*CARSON, JOHN SPENCER (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to John Spencer Carson (0-46408), Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company A, First Tank Battalion, First Provisional Marine Brigade (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, Pacific, in action against enemy aggressor forces near Tangsan, Korea, on 3 September 1950. During an attack on an enemy position Second Lieutenant Carson, acting as tank liaison officer, observed that the platoon commander and platoon sergeant of a supporting tank platoon were seriously wounded. Unhesitatingly, he assumed command of the platoon and skillfully continued in support of the attack. Shortly afterward when the tank was hit by enemy antitank fire and began to burn, Lieutenant Carson grabbed a fire extinguisher and, disregarding his personal safety, fearlessly and courageously climbed out of the tank in the face of intense hostile fire and extinguished the blaze, thereby saving the tank and lives of the crew. In this intrepid action, he was struck in both legs by enemy small-arms fire which knocked him from the tank to the ground. Despite his severe and painful wounds, he refused to be evacuated and, crawling forward to the high ground, he directed the devastating fire of his tanks against enemy positions until he was mortally wounded.
General Headquarters Far East Command: General Orders No. 4 (January 9, 1951)
Home Town: Washington, D.C.

CLAPP, EDWARD A.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Edward A. Clapp, Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company B, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces near Inje, Korea, on 17 June 1951. Brutal crossfire from three machine-gun positions emplaced on commanding ground rained down on Private Clapp's platoon, inflicting numerous casualties. Although his assistant gunner was wounded and all ammunition carriers were assisting in evacuating the wounded, Private Clapp remained at his post and fearlessly continued to man his machine-gun, delivering point-blank fire into the enemy positions. When the platoon initiated a limited withdrawal, Private Class selflessly remained behind to provide protective fire for the platoon. He maintained his magnificent stand until the last man had safely cleared the area and then, struggling with his heavy weapon to deny its use to the enemy, he made his way to his unit. Private Clapp's intrepid actions and consummate devotion to duty reflect the highest credit on himself and uphold the esteemed traditions of the military service.
General Headquarters Far East Command: General Orders No. 207 (August 13, 1951)

CROWSON, T. ALBERT
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to T. Albert Crowson (296088), Staff Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as an Acting Platoon Leader of a Marine Rifle Platoon of an Infantry Company, Fifth Marines, First Provisional Marine Brigade (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, Pacific, in action against enemy aggressor forces near the Taebong-ni sector of Korea, on 17 August 1950. When he observed that one of his squads was pinned down by the crossfire of two enemy machine-guns during an attack. Alone and without regard for his own safety, he fearlessly reconnoitered the slope in front of the squad until he located the machine-gun positions. From a standing position in full view of the enemy, he opened fire with his carbine and began methodically to eliminate the guns' crew members, killing four and wounding an unknown number. His deadly fire silenced both hostile machine-gun emplacements, enabling this squad to rejoin the platoon and continue the assault. The daring action of Sergeant Crowson so inspired his men that they moved out with new vigor and determination to take their objective.
General Headquarters Far East Command: General Orders No. 87 (December 20, 1950)
Born: at Miami, Texas
Home Town: Miami, Texas

FEAR, HERBERT E.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Herbert E. Fear, Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company B, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Provisional Marine Brigade (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, Pacific, in action against enemy aggressor forces on the Kosong-Sachon road near the village of Changallon, Korea, on 13 August 1950. At about 0730 on 13 August 1950, the squad in which Private First Class Fear served was ordered to break contact with elements of the 83d North Korean Motorized Regiment on the Kosong-Sachon road, near the village of Changallon. As the unit was withdrawing, intense enemy fire from machine-guns, mortars, and small-arms covered the area, wounding Private Fear and four of his comrades. Refusing medical aid for the painful wound in his left shoulder, he held his ground to cover the evacuation of the wounded men; and, when the enemy attempted to overrun his position, he killed three and deterred many others, gaining valuable time for the withdrawal of his comrades. During this action Private Fear was again wounded by mortar fire in the back and hips, but sill refusing first aid, he continued to fire until his squad had reached a safe place. Only then did he rejoin his unit, whereupon he collapsed form loss of blood and was carried to the aid station.
General Headquarters Far East Command: General Orders No. 87 (December 20, 1950)

HAYWARD, RICHARD W.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Richard W. Hayward, Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Commanding Officer of the Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces near Mundong, Korea, during the period from 31 May 1951 through 2 June 1951. Committed to secure strategically important key ground north of Mundong, Colonel Hayward displayed superb leadership and rare provision, directed the operations of his regiment. Traveling over a narrow mountain pass, hampered by driving rain and mud impeding movement by vehicle, Colonel Hayward supervised the movement of vital supplies to his assaulting units by foot, through treacherous, rugged terrain. When the First Battalion met stubborn resistance and its advance was retarded, Colonel Hayward, under intense mortar, artillery and small-arms fire, fearlessly proceeded to the forward battalion observation post to reconnoiter and evaluate the situation and deploy his troops for maximum support. Colonel Hayward skillfully deployed the Second Battalion as an enveloping force from high ground in a coordinated attack with the First Battalion. Moving his command post to the assaulting battalion to direct and coordinate the attack of the two battalions, he relentlessly pressed the assault and secured the strongpoint.
General Headquarters Far East Command: General Orders No. 207 (August 13, 1951)

HENRY, BRUCE D.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Bruce D. Henry, Staff Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Section Leader of a machine-gun section attached to a rifle platoon with the First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in North Central Korea, on 10 June 1951. Sergeant Henry was participating in an attack against a fanatical hostile force occupying strongly-fortified positions on a steep hill when his platoon's advance was halted by a devastating enemy fire. While attempting to set up his guns, Sergeant Henry was subjected to intense automatic weapons fire from an enemy emplacement on an opposite ridge. Unhesitatingly, Sergeant Henry made a lone-man charge up the fire-swept slope, and reaching the emplacement and closing in hand-to-hand combat with its four enemy occupants, killed two and took two enemy prisoners. Although Sergeant Henry sustained a painful wound in this action, he refused evacuation and fearlessly remained with his unit until the stubborn foe was routed and the enemy strongpoint secured.
General Headquarters Far East Command: General Orders No. 207 (August 13, 1951)

JAMES, MELVIN
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Melvin James, Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with the Company H, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Provisional Marine Brigade (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, Pacific, in action against enemy aggressor forces northeast of Chindong-ni, Korea, on 8 August 1950. Corporal James was advancing with his company in an attack along a steep, bare ridge line when they came under fire and were pinned down by heavy enemy machine-gun and rifle fire. Corporal James, with absolute disregard for his own safety, repeatedly exposed himself to intense enemy fire in order to reorganize and direct the action of his squad. As a result of his valiant efforts and courageous leadership, he company's line was reestablished, enabling it to regain fire superiority and continue the attack. With another Marine, he voluntarily made six perilous trips across terrain swept by enemy fire to evacuate six wounded comrades and facilitate prompt medical attention to them.
General Headquarters Far East Command: General Orders No. 44 (October 22, 1950)

*JOHNSTON, THOMAS HENRY (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Thomas Henry Johnston (0-49718), Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as a Platoon Leader with Company A, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Provisional Marine Brigade (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, Pacific, in action against enemy aggressor forces west of Yongsan, Korea, on 17 August 1950. At approximately 1600, the First Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, was attacking to seize heavily defended Obangi Ridge, the enemy's main line of resistance. While scaling the precipitous slopes, Lieutenant Johnston's platoon was pinned downed by heavy enemy machine bun fire from the hill's summit, preventing further advance. Lieutenant Johnston, passing through the forward elements of his platoon where he obtained hand grenades, and knowing full well the hazards of his undertaking, fearlessly made his way forward alone through intense fire to destroy the machine gun nest. Succeeding in attaining the crest, he threw a grenade which silenced the hostile position before he fell mortally wounded from a series of exploding enemy grenades. Lieutenant Johnston, by his conspicuous gallantry and heroic self sacrifices, was an inspiration to his men and contributed immeasurably to the final capture of the critical ridge, reflecting the highest credit on himself and the esteemed traditions of the military service.
General Headquarters Far East Command: General Orders No. 86 (December 19, 1950)
Home Town: Los Angeles, California

LITZENBERG, HOMER LAURENCE, JR.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Homer Laurence Litzenberg, Jr. (0-3959), Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Commanding Officer, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea from 29 November to 4 December 1950, in the vicinity of the Chosin Reservoir, Korea. Colonel Litzenberg's actions contributed materially to the breakthrough of the Seventh Regiment in the Chosin Reservoir area and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.
Headquarters: X Corps: General Orders No. 66 (December 15, 1950)
Born: January 8, 1903 at Steelton, Pennsylvania
Home Town: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Personal Awards: Navy Cross (Korea)

MACY, JACK E.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Jack E. Macy (1086690), Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with the Company H, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Provisional Marine Brigade (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, Pacific, in action against enemy aggressor forces northeast of Chindong-ni, Korea, on 8 August 1950. At this time Sergeant Macy was acting platoon sergeant of a rifle platoon that was being relieved on position while still engaged with the enemy and under continuous heavy small arms fire and sporadic mortar fire. When the relief was completed, it was discovered that three men were missing. Sergeant Macy, with absolute disregard for his own safety and despite heavy fire from enemy weapons, voluntarily returned to the formerly occupied position in search of these men. During his search, and at the risk of his own life, he administered first aid to several wounded men comrades. After locating the missing men, all of whom were wounded, he made three trips through heavy enemy fire to carry the wounded men to safety. He then made a fourth trip to recover the body of a fallen comrade, but, because of intense enemy fire, was ordered to cover the body and leave it in position. Sergeant Macy's display of outstanding courage and devotion to duty is in keeping with our most cherished ideals and reflects great credit on himself and the military service.
General Headquarters Far East Command: General Orders No. 44 (October 22, 1950)

*McNEELEY, MORGAN BARNDOLLAR (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Morgan Barndollar McNeeley (0-8153), Major, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Headquarters, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Provisional Marine Brigade (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, Pacific, in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea on 10 August 1950. At approximately 1500, as his battalion was advancing toward Kosaong, Korea, its forward elements made contact with the rear guard of an enemy motorized regiment. During the ensuing engagement, Major McNeeley, with complete disregard for his life, fearlessly exposed himself to intense enemy fire while he skillfully coordinated supporting fire and accurately directed tank fire on enemy targets. As the battle progressed, the Third Marine Battalion was ordered to pass through the defense line of the Second Battalion to continue the attack. To expedite the passage and insure success of the Third Battalion's mission, Major McNeeley organized and led an advance patrol to search out enemy positions. While personally directing this perilous activity, he was mortally wounded by enemy machine-gun fire. His superb leadership, fearless determination, and extraordinary heroism under fierce battle conditions materially contributed to the successful accomplishment of the third Battalion's objective, aiding the United Nations' effort in Korea.
General Headquarters Far East Command: General Orders No. 86 (December 19, 1950)
Home Town: Santa Monica, California

MURPHY, WALTER F., JR.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Walter F. Murphy, Jr., Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as a rifle platoon leader with the First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in North Central Korea, on 10 June 1951. Second Lieutenant Murphy was leading an attack on a strongly fortified enemy-held hill, when his unit came under vicious mortar and automatic weapons fire, inflicting numerous casualties. Despite a wound sustained in this initial burst of withering fire, Lieutenant Murphy refusing evacuation, reorganized his platoon, and led it in a series of tenacious assaults against the enemy emplacements. Inspired by the unflinching courage of their valiant leader, his men charged forward through a hail of intense fire, over open, rugged terrain, determined to attain their objective. Though only Lieutenant Murphy and twelve of his resolute soldiers reached the enemy strongpoint, the stubborn foe was routed and a base established on the key terrain to provide covering fire for friendly units.
General Headquarters Far East Command: General Orders No. 207 (August 13, 1951)

MURRAY, RAYMOND LEROY
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Raymond Leroy Murray (0-5127), Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while Commanding the Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea from 29 November to 4 December 1950. Charged with the tremendous responsibility of taking over the perimeter defense of Hagaru-ri, and subsequently pressing the attack to Koto-Ri in conjunction with another Marine regiment, (the then) Lieutenant Colonel Murray, with his ranks depleted by casualties and all his officers and men exhausted from several days of fierce fighting in sub-zero temperatures, launched vigorous attacks to the eastward to seize a vital enemy-held ridge and consolidate his positions. Affording protection for the airstrip where approximately one thousand vehicles containing division supplies, ammunition and equipment were assembled, he remained until all the wounded had been evacuated before directing his regiment in forming a rear guard for the entire column. Throughout the night, he beat of vicious onslaughts continuously launched by the enemy and, on the following morning, carried out a brilliantly executed counterattack, taking two hundred prisoners and leaving an ineffective and decimated enemy in his wake as he continued on to his destination, arriving that evening with units intact and ready to continue the attack to the south which contributed materially to the successful breakthrough of United Nations Forces in the Chosin Reservoir area and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.
Headquarters: X Corps: General Orders No. 66 (December 15, 1950)
Born: January 30, 1913 at Los Angeles, California
Home Town: San Diego, California
Personal Awards: Navy Cross (WWII), Navy Cross with Gold Star (Korea)

NICKERSON, HERMAN, JR.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Donald Nickerson, Jr. (0-5128), Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Commanding Officer of the Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces near Yong-gu, Korea, on 31 May 1951. Assigned the mission of securing a strategically important objective, Colonel Nickerson, displaying rare tactical ingenuity and inspirational leadership, skillfully directed the operations of his regiment. Learning that two of his battalions were heavily engaged and that the enemy was grouping for a counterattack, Colonel Nickerson unhesitatingly left the comparative safety of his command post and fearlessly moved forward over rugged mountainous terrain, under intense enemy mortar and artillery fire, to the most forward element of his command. Unmindful of his personal safety, he advanced to an exposed vantage point under heavy enemy fire and, through his brilliant guidance, his troops repulsed the ferocious counterattack, taking the offensive and overwhelming the fanatical enemy to secure the high ground dominating the vital road junction of Yong-gu. The outstanding devotion to duty and extraordinary heroism displayed by Colonel Nickerson in this action reflect great credit on himself and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.
General Headquarters Far East Command: General Orders No. 207 (August 13, 1951)
Born: July 30, 1913 at Boston, Massachusetts
Home Town: Boston, Massachusetts

PULLER, LEWIS B.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Lewis B. Puller (0-3158), Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Commanding Officer, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of the Chosin Reservoir, Korea, during the period 29 November to 4 December 1950. Colonel Puller's actions contributed materially to the breakthrough of the First Marine Regiment in the Chosin Reservoir area and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.
Headquarters: X Corps: General Orders No. 66 (December 15, 1950)
Born: June 26, 1898 at West Point, Virginia
Home Town: Saluda, Virginia
Personal Awards: 2@ Navy Crosses (2nd Nicaragua), 2@ Navy Crosses (WWII), Navy Cross (Korea), Distinguished Service Cross (Korea)

ROONEY, JOHN T.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to John T. Rooney, Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Commanding Officer of the First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces near the Hwachon Reservoir, Korea, on 29 May 1951. Lieutenant Colonel Rooney led his battalion in a daring assault against strategic enemy positions on commanding ground, bitterly defended by a numerically superior and strongly entrenched hostile force. Despite increased enemy activity and mounting resistance, he constantly braved intense hostile fire as he moved among his forward elements to direct and coordinate the attack. In the ensuring action Colonel Rooney was struck in the shoulder by a hostile mortar fragment but, ignoring the painful wound, continued to press the attack with such determination that the enemy was routed and the strongpoint secured.
General Headquarters Far East Command: General Orders No. 207 (August 13, 1951)

SMITH, OLIVER P.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Oliver P. Smith (0-920), Major General, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Commanding General, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of the Chosin Reservoir, Korea, from 29 November to 4 December 1950. Major General Smith's leadership contributed materially to the break-through in the Chosin Reservoir area and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.
Headquarters: X Corps: General Orders No. 66 (December 15, 1950)

SOWL, DONALD D.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Donald D. Sowl, Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as a Squad Leader with a Marine Rifle Company, Fifth Marines, First Provisional Marine Brigade (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, Pacific, in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea on 12 August 1950. Corporal Sowl was leading his squad in an attack on an enemy position when the entire company came under fire and was pinned down by a surprise enemy attack of automatic weapons and rifle fire from the right rear flank. During this unexpected enemy action Corporal Sowl was hit by a bullet that broke his upper arm; but he refused to be evacuated. Exposing himself to continuous enemy fire without regard for his own safety, he reorganized his squad and directed its attack against the position delivering the fire. Under his courageous leadership the squad, although greatly outnumbered by enemy forces and weapons, drove the enemy out of its positions, making it possible for the company to advance and occupy its assigned objective.
General Headquarters Far East Command: General Orders No. 44 (October 22, 1950)

THOMAS, GERALD CARTHRAE
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Gerald Carthrae Thomas, Major General, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Commanding General, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces near the Yang-gu-Inje Line, Korea, from 22 May to 20 June 1951. Major General Thomas' division was committed to dislodging fanatical hostile forces from their well-fortified and stubbornly defended positions north of the Yang-gu-Inje Line. After seizing the objective area, it became apparent that its successful defense required further advance in the rugged, mountainous region northward. General Thomas, displaying a superb mastery of military tactics, terrain evaluation, and aggressive, determined spirit, pressed forward and, through a series of skillful division maneuvers, secured vital key terrain features against bitter hostile resistance. To insure maximum utilization of the capabilities of the command, he maintained close personal liaison with the forward element and his presence over extended periods of time and during the peak of bitterest fighting served as a strong, steadying influence and set a lasting example of valor for his officers and men. Constantly vulnerable to hostile fire, he narrowly escaped death on one occasion when the helicopter in which he was riding came under a vicious barrage of mortar and artillery fire. His unflinching courage under fire, inspirational leadership and deep concern for the welfare of his men, contributed to the repeated success achieved by his command.
General Headquarters Far East Command: General Orders No. 207 (August 13, 1951)
Born: October 29, 1894 at Slater, Missouri
Home Town: Knollwood, Washington

*TWEDT, HAROLD ANTON (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Harold Anton Twedt (1113560), Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company A, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Provisional Marine Brigade (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, Pacific, in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea on 18 August 1950. In an assault on a strongly defended ridge line, Private First Class Twedt's automatic rifle platoon was pinned down by heavy fire from an enemy machine-gun and was unable to continue its advance. With absolute disregard for his own safety, he exposed himself to intense enemy fire in order to gain a position with a better field of fire for his weapon; and, although mortally wounded in this action, he continued to deliver a heavy volume of accurate fire against the enemy position until it was silenced. The valorous act in which he gallantly gave his life for his country enabled his platoon to continue its advance and to subsequently capture its objective.
General Headquarters Far East Command: General Orders No. 44 (October 22, 1950)
Home Town: St. Paul, Minnesota

*ZWARKA, LEWIS WILLIAM (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Lewis William Zwarka (253626), Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with an Anti-Tank Company, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Provisional Marine Brigade (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, Pacific, in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Yongsan, Korea, on 3 September 1950. On that date Sergeant Zwarka was serving with a 75-millimeter recoilless rifle platoon attached to the Second Battalion. At approximately 1300 hours on that date, while the platoon was advancing along the road near Yongsan, an enemy battery of antitank guns, mortars, and machine-guns were observed firing on friendly tanks. The first section of the rifle platoon was placed in action against this concentration, and intense counter-battery fire from the enemy ensued. When several casualties were inflicted, disabling one of the recoilless rifles, Sergeant Zwarka, unhesitatingly and fearlessly made repeated trips through unremitting enemy fire to assist in evacuating the wounded. Then seeing another 75-mm. rifle lying idle as a result of casualties among the crew, and realizing the importance of the weapon to his fellow marines, Sergeant Zwarka, with utter disregard for his life, made his way through concentrated enemy fire to recover the rifle. With the assistance of the remainder of the gun crew, he moved it to an alternate position covering a road approach, and in so doing received grave wounds which later cost him his life. His prompt action enabled establishment of a defensive emplacement from which effective fire could be delivered on the enemy.
General Headquarters Far East Command: General Orders No. 76 (November 30, 1950)
Home Town: Sugar Creek, Missouri