Alton Beeks

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Alton Beeks (RA34647640), Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On the night of 14 June and during the early morning hours of 15 June 1953, Company E had the mission of raiding an enemy outpost in the vicinity of Sagimak, Korea. A platoon, of which Sergeant Beeks was platoon sergeant, departed from the friendly lines under heavy enemy fire and advanced toward the enemy stronghold when the platoon leader became seriously wounded. Sergeant Beeks immediately accepted the responsibility of command and led his platoon in combat. When ordered to return to friendly lines, he organized his platoon, supervised the evacuation of wounded and then remained on the objective to search for missing personnel. Although hampered by darkness and enemy fire, he found several wounded comrades and evacuated them to a point from which they could be returned to friendly lines by litter. When assistance arrived, he directed the further evacuation with the utmost efficiency. Sergeant Beeks’ outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.