Billy F. Reddick

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Billy F. Reddick (RA18358022), Corporal, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Infantry Company, 8th Cavalry Regiment (Infantry), 1st Cavalry Division. Corporal Reddick distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Nago-ri, Korea, on 10 October 1951. On that date the platoon of which Corporal Reddick was a member was assigned the mission of attacking and securing a strategic hill from a large hostile force. As the friendly troops advanced up the precipitous slope, they were subjected to a heavy volume of automatic weapons fire which forced them to halt their attack and seek cover. Locating the position from which the major portion of the hostile fire originated, Corporal Reddick, without regard for his personal safety, moved forward over the fire-swept terrain. Upon reaching a position a few yards from the enemy emplacement, he threw several grenades inside. Then, fixing his bayonet, he leaped within the bunker and engaged the hostile troops occupying it in hand-to- hand combat. Fighting fiercely, Corporal Reddick single-handedly killed seven of the enemy and neutralizing the bunker. Inspired by his fearlessness, the friendly troops renewed their advance and, as they advanced, Corporal Reddick took charge of an automatic-rifle team. Leading his men directly toward the objective, he directed their fire with great skill until he was hit and killed by hostile fire. His courage and devotion to duty were instrumental in the success achieved by his platoon in seizing its objective.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 163 (March 26, 1952)