Russell J. Mccann

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Russell J. McCann (0-1861919), Second Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as a Platoon Leader of Company K, 3d Battalion, 179th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division. Second Lieutenant McCann distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Songnae-dong, Korea, on 25 December 1952. On the morning of 25 December 1952, enemy forces launched a vicious attack against Lieutenant McCann’s company. The company outpost was destroyed and the friendly forces withdrew to secondary lines. Lieutenant McCann, realizing the enemy had to be stopped, reorganized his platoon and with speed and skill established a line of defense that momentarily halted the attackers. When the enemy assaulted again, a fierce hand-to-and engagement ensued. In the midst of the battle, Lieutenant McCann regrouped the platoon and led it in a well executed counterattack. The platoon was blanketed by a constant barrage of artillery, mortar, and small arms fire as it charged up the rugged hillside. Inspired by the personal bravery of Lieutenant McCann, the men continued toward the objective, again engaged the enemy, and force the foe to retreat. Lieutenant McCann, shouting encouragement to his men throughout the battle, was fatally wounded as he reached the crest of the hill. Through his leadership, devotion to duty, and self-sacrifice, Lieutenant McCann led his men to a victory against the enemy forces.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 232 (February 21, 1953)