Edwin J. Messinger

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Service Cross to Edwin J. Messinger, Colonel (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Commanding Officer of the 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division. Colonel Messinger distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the area of Sillim-ni and Takpakkol, Korea, during the period 22 February 1951 through 11 March 1951. During this period, Colonel Messinger’s regiment had the mission of seizing and securing the Sillim-ni – Takpakkol area which was held by well-entrenched elements of three hostile divisions. Throughout the entire period, Colonel Messinger remained with the foremost units of his regiment, directing the advance and exhorting his men to greater efforts against the stubbornly resisting enemy. His calm, fearless conduct while under heavy enemy fire was an invaluable source of inspiration to all members of his command, and his aggressive leadership at critical points during the operation was a major factor in the successful accomplishment of the regiment’s mission.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 547 (July 15, 1951)

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Edwin J. Messinger, Colonel (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Commanding Officer of the 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division. Colonel Messinger distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Hangye, Hasolschi, and Sabanggarri, Korea, during the period 17 through 24 May 1951. When an enemy force, consisting of 12 divisions, attacked the 2d Infantry Division’s defensive positions in a massive offensive, Colonel Messinger fearlessly and aggressively led his regiment to secure a defensive position assigned to it. Under his daring and skillful leadership, the regiment successfully repelled the attack of two enemy divisions and nearly annihilated the enemy force. Colonel Messinger aggressively moved over difficult terrain, under intense enemy automatic-weapons and mortar fire, to direct personally both the defensive and offensive action of his unit. The indomitable courage, outstanding tactical ability and inspiring leadership of Colonel Messinger were responsible for the tremendous casualties suffered by the enemy and the complete failure of the hostile attack.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 516 (July 5, 1951)