Ross E. Sitler

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Ross E. Sitler (0-2014505), First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Platoon Leader of Company B, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. First Lieutenant Sitler distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Koyangdae, Korea, on 4 February 1952. On that date Lieutenant Sitler led his men in an assault against a heavily fortified enemy-held hill. As the friendly troops charged up the slope, they were subjected to a heavy volume of small-arms and automatic weapons fire, but they hung tenaciously to the slope and continued to inch their way forward. Finally, an artillery barrage made the hill so untenable that a withdrawal was the only possible maneuver that would save the friendly troops from annihilation. When the platoon was safely ensconced at the base of the hill, Lieutenant Sitler observed that two of his men had been unable to fall back and were still on the fire-swept slope. Without regard for his personal safety, he made two trips through the intense enemy fire and carried the wounded men to cover. Lieutenant Sitler had barely completed this rescue when he was advised that another of his men, who had moved across the slope in an effort to divert the enemy fire, had been wounded. With utter fearlessness, he again raced through the concentrated fire toward the stricken soldier. He continued forward until, wounded in the legs, chest, and arms, he could go no further. Although Lieutenant Sitler was unable to move, he continued to direct his men, who completed the withdrawal without further casualties.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 266 (May 25, 1952)