Lawrence H. Bater

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Lawrence H. Bater (RA12349842), Private First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division. Private First Class Bater distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Yongsan, Korea, on 11 August 1950. Private First Class Bater was a member of a motor patrol that was suddenly ambushed by a strong and determined enemy force. From well-concealed positions, the hostile troops directed intense and accurate fire on the patrol, forcing it to withdraw. Private Bater, completely disregarding his personal safety, voluntarily remained behind to cover the withdrawal of the patrol. Under withering enemy fire from three sides, he steadfastly remained in place, fearlessly engaging the enemy with his rifle. Until killed by the intense enemy fire, he defiantly resisted the fanatically charging enemy, inflicting heavy casualties on them with his deadly accurate fire. His heroic and selfless action resulted in the successful withdrawal of his comrades. Three days later, when his remains were recovered, he was found in the position he had held, the area around him littered with enemy dead.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 649 (August 18, 1951)