Andrew JOHN Gasquet, Jr.

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Andrew John Gasquet, Jr. (RA18329480), Private First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as a light machine-gunner in the 3d platoon, Company G, 2d Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division. Private First Class Gasquet. distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Kunu-ri, Korea, on 26 November 1950. On that date, constant enemy mortar fire enabled the enemy to penetrate the right flank of the company in the 3d platoon sector, forcing one squad to withdraw, thus leaving Private Gasquet and his machine-gun in an exposed position. By the time a secondary defense line was established by the squad which withdrew, the entire platoon area became untenable and the company commander ordered them to consolidate with the 2d platoon on their left. Private Gasquet elected not to withdraw in order to cover with machine-gun fire the movement of his platoon to their new position. The movement was accomplished with minimum casualties due to the accurate fire delivered by Private Gasquet. He continued to fire until his position was overrun by the enemy and shortly after, the company was forced to abandon their defenses. His intense devotion to members of his platoon was clearly demonstrated by his voluntary action of remaining behind to cover their withdrawal.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 139 (March 13, 1951)