Harry A. Krauss

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Harry A. Krauss (ER13281876), Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with an Infantry Company of the 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. Sergeant First Class Krauss distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Chorwon, Korea, on 3 October 1951. On that date, Sergeant Krauss’ company was engaged in an attack against well-fortified enemy hill positions. In the initial assault, the friendly force was pinned down by an extremely heavy enemy mortar and artillery fire. Realizing that in their present untenable position, his comrades faced annihilation, Sergeant, Krauss immediately gathered all of the hand grenades he could carry and, hurling them and firing his rifle, single-handedly charged the enemy emplacements. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he moved across the open terrain, fully exposed to the concentrated fire of the enemy. The bold attack of’ Sergeant Krauss successfully diverted the fire of the hostile troops and allowed his company to renew its assault. After expending all of’ his grenades he, steadfastly remained in his exposed position, firing his rifle with deadly accuracy until he was hit and mortally wounded by hostile fire. inspired by the great personal courage displayed by Sergeant Krauss, his comrades charged forward and drove the enemy force from their emplacements.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 996 (December 16, 1951)