Howard Beard, Jr.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Howard Beard, Jr. (US55197372), Corporal, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. During the morning and afternoon of 17 July 1953, in the vicinity of Sinmok-Tong, Korea, Corporal Beard was a member of a company raiding force advancing on enemy held Hill 433. He aggressively climbed the slope and charged the enemy, throwing hand grenades and firing his weapon. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Corporal Beard repeatedly moved within a few yards of enemy bunkers and trenches to effectively fire upon the defenders. His courageous actions and constant encouragement inspired his men to fight still harder and to inflict extensive damage upon the foe. Observing heavy fire coming from a bunker, he valiantly rushed to an exposed position and fired upon the enemy troops in the fortification in an attempt to neutralize their fire. In this brave move to protect his comrades, Corporal Beard was mortally wounded by a burst of enemy small arms fire. Corporal Beard’s outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.