Table of Contents:
- Belgian United Nations Forces Recipients
- British Commonwealth Forces Recipients
- French Battalion Recipients
- Philippine Expeditionary Forces Recipients
- South Korean Recipients
- Turkish Recipients
Belgian United Nations Forces Recipients
Crahay, Albert
Department of the Army
General Orders No. 54 - 29 May 1953
Lieutenant Colonel Albert Crahay, Artillery, Belgian Army,
commanding officer of the Belgian United Nations Forces, 29th
Independent Infantry Brigade Group, distinguished himself by
extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy of the
United Nations near Tong-ri, Korea, from 22 to 25 April 1951.
Colonel Crahay's command, assigned the mission of holding a
sector in the brigade's front and flank, was viciously attacked
and surrounded in one of the initial trusts of the enemy's
stupendous spring offensive. Bitter fighting ensued.
Upon receiving orders to withdraw on the night of 23 April,
Colonel Crahay, realizing that all planned routes of withdrawal
were unfeasible, daringly seized upon a momentary lull in the
battle and organized, regrouped, and effected a spectacular
lateral withdrawal across the Imjin River. After an
arduous, circuitous march, Colonel Crahay's command rejoined the
brigade the following day and was committed to cover the
displacement of two battalions along the enemy-infested main
supply route. Colonel Crahay was seriously wounded while
directing and coordinating this stubbornly contested action, but
his incredible courage under fire and his intrepid actions
inspired his officers and men to fight with unwavering
persistency, which contributed significantly to stemming the
relentless advance of the numerically superior foe.
Colonel Crahay's gallant leadership and exemplary performance of
duty reflect the highest credit on himself and are in keeping
with the cherished traditions of the military service.
British Commonwealth Forces Recipients
James P. Carne
Department of the Army
General Orders No. 3 - 20 January 1954
Lieutenant Colonel James P. Carne, British Army,
distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in military
operations against an armed enemy as Commanding Officer, 1st
Battalion, The Gloucestershire Regiment, 29th Independent
Infantry Brigade Group, British Commonwealth Forces, in Korea,
for the period 22 to 25 April 1951. During the Imjin River
engagement, the enemy in numerically superior numbers started
assaults against his position on 22 April and continued these
fanatical attacks for 3 days and nights. The situation
rapidly became critical as hostile forces were able to surround
his battalion because of gaps in the Brigade front. In the
face of devastating enemy mortar, machine-gun, and small-arms
fire and by his indomitable spirit, great courage, and tactical
skill, Colonel Carne truly inspired his exhausted men to
repeatedly rally and repulse the seemingly endless hordes of
Chinese Communists. Continually exposing himself to
intense hostile fire, he moved about among his troops,
encouraging them to hold firm against overwhelming odds.
When it became apparent that a continued stand might result in
complete annihilation, Colonel Carne organized small parties and
ordered them to the rear, but elected to remain with the wounded
to await whatever the future held. Colonel Carne's heroic
conduct, superb leadership, and steadfast devotion to the troops
of his unit reflect the highest credit on himself and the armed
forces of the British Commonwealth.
Muir, Kenneth (posthumous)
Department of the Army
General Orders No. 18 - 18 February 1953
Major Kenneth Muir, Infantry, British Army, distinguished
himself by extraordinary heroism in action against an armed
enemy of the United Nations near Songju, Korea, on 23 September
1950. Major Muir, second in command of the 1st Battalion,
Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, personally led Companies B
and C in a dawn assault on the crest of a strategic hill
occupied by the enemy. His fearless personal example,
superb leadership, and total disregard for danger under heavy
fire from the enemy contributed greatly to the capture of the
hill objective. Later, when the battalion was being driven
from the hill by an enemy counterattack, Major Muir rallied his
men and personally led them back to attack and recapture the
lost position. Despite heavy casualties suffered by the
Argylls, he consolidated his men into a strong line of
resistance. In the afternoon of the same day, the enemy
staged a final counterattack in such strength as to overrun the
friendly position. During this final assault by the enemy,
Major Muir was seen standing alone on the hill crest
singlehandedly firing a 2-inch mortar against the enemy in order
to cover the withdrawal of his men. It was during this
gallant and intrepid action that he was mortally wounded.
Major Muir's noble self-sacrifice is conduct worthy of highest
praise and reflects untold credit on him and the esteemed
traditions of the military service. (This award supersedes
the posthumous award of the Silver Star to Major Muir, for
gallantry in action on the same date, published in General
Orders 59, General Headquarters, Far East Command, 15 November
1950.)
French Battalion Recipients
Misseri, Louis
Department of the Army
General Orders No. 12 - 22 January 1953
Sergeant Louis Misseri, Army of the Republic of France, a
member of the Third Company, French Battalion, attached to the
23d Infantry Regiment, United States Army, distinguished himself
by extraordinary heroism in action near Pia-ri, Korea, on 26
September 1951. As a squad leader in an attack on
"Heartbreak Ridge," he led his squad through an intense barrage
of enemy mortar and artillery fire to the slope on which enemy
bunkers were located. Dividing his squad into two
sections, he personally led one section of three men in an
assault upon the bunkers. While his comrades covered his
advance, he moved forward alone through a hail of fire, attacked
the first bunker, and silenced it. He continued his assault
until the way had been cleared for his squad to advance and
reorganize. When the enemy launched a counterattack,
Sergeant Misseri, although seriously wounded, drove them back,
inflicting 15 casualties with his rifle. When this
position became untenable and he was ordered to withdraw, he
sent his men back one by one while he covered their withdrawal.
The last man to leave the hill, except for one other who helped
him because of his wounded condition, he would not allow himself
to be evacuated until he had made a complete report of his
mission. One of the very few men to reach the top of
"Heartbreak Ridge" during this costly attack, Sergeant Misseri's
gallantry and extraordinary devotion to duty reflect the highest
credit on him and uphold the finest traditions of the Army of
the Republic of France.
Philippine Expeditionary Forces Recipients
Artiaga, Jose M. Jr. (posthumous)
First Lieutenant Artiaga, a platoon leader with the Tank
Company, 10th Battalion Combat Team, Philippine Expeditionary
Force to Korea, was killed in action during the Battle of
Yultong Bridge.
Yap, Conrado D. (posthumous)
Department of the Army
General Orders No. 107 - 14 December 1951
Captain Conrado D. Yap, Coast Artillery Corps, Philippine
Army, distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in
connection with military operations against an armed enemy as
commanding officer of Tank (special Weapons) Company, 10th
Battalion Combat Team, Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea,
near Yultong, Korea, on 22 and 23 April 1951. shortly
before midnight on 22 April, his company, occupying defensive
positions, came under a vicious, hostile attack which seriously
penetrated the perimeter. Exploiting the breach, the enemy
launched successive, determined assaults throughout the night.
Constantly exposed to machine-gun, mortar, and artillery fire
Captain Yap crawled from fox hole to fox hole, steadying his men
and encouraging them to hold firm. Learning that his 1st
Platoon had been overrun, and despite orders from his battalion
commander to withdraw his unit, he fearlessly led a daring
charge in a determined effort to reach the beleaguered platoon.
Overwhelming enemy strength and heavy fire received from flanks
and to the front notwithstanding, they relentlessly pressed the
assault, regained the hill, evacuated the casualties, and
rescued the isolated unit. Observing a stricken soldier on
the slope of the hill, Captain Yap immediately started toward
the man but was mortally wounded by a burst of enemy fire.
Inspired by his heroic conduct, his men continued the fight with
such determination and skill that the enemy attack was contained
and numerous casualties were inflicted. Captain Yap's
display of courage, devotion to duty, and inspiring leadership
reflect the highest credit on himself and the Army of the
Republic of the Philippines.
South Korean Recipients
Chung, Il Kwon
Department of the Army
General Orders No. 84 - 3 November 1953
Lieutenant General Chung Il Kwon, Republic of Korea Army,
distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous conduct in
action against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding
General, Second Republic of Korea Infantry Division, on 16
October 1952. In an assault on "Sniper's Ridge," the
division secured its important objective after 8 days of severe
fighting. Despite heavy enemy mortar and artillery fire,
General Chung visited front-line units with complete disregard
for his safety, supervising the redeployment of troops and
establishment of adequate and effective defense measures.
He quickly initiated plans for the rapid evacuation of the
wounded from forward aid stations and displayed a keen and
sympathetic interest in the welfare of his men and the security
of their newly won position. As the result of establishing
well-organized and strong defense positions, the third
determined hostile counter-attack supported by heavy mortar and
artillery fire against a smaller defensive force commanded by
General Chung failed and the enemy was forced to withdraw.
With outstanding professional knowledge, inspirational
leadership, and sound tactical judgment, he directed the
activities of unit commanders, which enabled them to immediately
exploit opportunities afforded by the terrain and tactical
situation. His patience, determination, ingenuity, and
sincere concern for the welfare of his troops inspired all
personnel and materially contributed to the successful
operations against a numerically superior enemy. General
Chung's display of courage and determination and his consummate
devotion to duty reflect the highest credit on himself and the
Republic of Korea Army.
[KWE Note: Lieutenant General Chung also received two Legion of
Merit awards during the Korean War.]
Chung, Nak Koo (posthumously)
Department of the Army
General Orders No. 49 - 9 June 1953
Second Lieutenant Chung Nak Koo, Republic of Korea Army, a
member of the 11th Company, 28th Regiment, 9th Republic of Korea
Infantry Division, distinguished himself by extraordinary
heroism in action against the enemy in the vicinity of Chorwon,
Korea, on 13 October 1952. His platoon was ordered to
retake the outpost ridge line on Hill 395. The enemy was
well-entrenched and capable of directing accurate and
devastating artillery, mortar, and automatic-weapons fire.
When the platoon moved out to attack, it was pinned down by
intense enemy fire. Lieutenant Chung continued forward and
three men, so inspired by his courage, followed him.
Despite increasing volume of hostile fire, he continued his
advance to the machine-gun bunker, hurled hand grenades into the
position, and silenced the gun. During this action,
Lieutenant Chung lost his life. Members of the platoon, so
inspired by his courage, immediately assaulted the position,
successfully accomplished the mission of the unit, and inflicted
heavy losses on the enemy. The extraordinary heroism and
complete selfless devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Chung
reflect great credit on himself and the Republic of Korea Army.
Kim, Chong O
Department of the Army
General Orders No. 37- 29 April 1953
Major General Kim Chong O, 9th Republic of Korea Army
Infantry Division, distinguished himself by extraordinary
heroism in action against the enemy at Hill 395 and vicinity,
Chorwon, Korea, from 6 to 15 October 1952. He made ample
plans and preparations for an attack on Hill 395 and under his
courageous and skillful leadership his division successfully
repulsed the onslaughts of two hostile infantry divisions with
supporting elements and decisively defeated them. With
disregard for his personal safety, he proceeded over routes
subjected to heavy artillery shelling, visiting forward
positions, seeking the most advantageous observation posts, and
personally commanding and controlling his troops. Despite
exposure to intense enemy fire and while under constant enemy
observation, he observed effects of artillery preparations, kept
his subordinate commanders and staff informed on the situation,
and issued instructions based upon personal observations upon
which to determine effective troop dispositions and fire support
and was an inspiration to members of his command. General
Kim's exemplary leadership and indomitable courage are in
keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and
reflect the highest credit on himself and the Republic of Korea
Army.
Kim, Man Soul
Department of the Army
General Orders No. 35 - 13 May 1954
Master Sergeant Kim Man Soul, Infantry, Republic of Korea
Army, a member of the 2d Platoon, 6th Company, 11th Regiment,
1st Republic of Korea Division, distinguished himself by
extraordinary heroism in action against the enemy in Korea on 15
and 16 July 1953. In command of the 2d Platoon committed
to defend strategic "Outpost Betty" near the main line of
resistance, his platoon was viciously attacked and came under
intense artillery and mortar fire from a battalion-sized enemy
force. Instantly recognizing the overwhelming odds,
Sergeant Kim led his men into action, directing artillery fire
on enemy positions. Despite the heavy artillery fire,
hostile troops continued to advance and crept to a critical
sector in the outpost's defense and engaged in close combat.
Moving among his men shouting encouraging, decisive commands, he
poured accurate rifle fire into the enemy, killing several;
then, leaving the comparative safety of his position, he
showered the enemy with grenades, killing six others and
dispersing the remainder. Later, when the determined,
reorganized foe repeatedly attacked throughout the night, coming
within close range of entrenched positions, Sergeant Kim, with
unwavering courage and at great risk of his life, met each
onslaught in hand-to-hand combat, inflicting heavy losses and
eventually thwarting the enemy's attempt to overrun the
position. Sergeant Kim's inspirational leadership,
sustained devotion to duty, and courageous actions reflect great
credit on himself and the Republic of Korea Army.
Kim, Man Su (posthumously)
Department of the Army
General Orders No. 72 - 23 September 1953
Sergeant Kim Man Su, Republic of Korea Army, a member of 9th
Company, 29th Regiment, 9th Republic of Korea Army Division,
distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against
the enemy in the vicinity of Chorwon, Korea, on 12 October 1952.
While participating in a counterattack on strongly held enemy
positions, his unit was pinned down by intense hostile artillery
and automatic-weapons fire from commanding positions located on
Hill 395. Despite the hail of enemy fire, Sergeant Kim
voluntarily moved forward. Armed with a supply of grenades
and his automatic weapon, he charged up the hill to the
machine-gun bunker and successfully silenced the weapons.
Although seriously wounded during this action, he immediately
hurled his last hand grenade into an enemy position, eliminating
additional hostile soldiers. He continuously shouted words
of encouragement to his men, urging them forward to the
successful attainment of their assigned mission. The
extraordinary heroism and selfless devotion to duty exhibited by
Sergeant Kim reflect great credit on himself and the Republic of
Korea Army.
Turkish Recipients
Ergin, SGT Mehmet
Department of the Army
General Orders No. 43 - 24 June 1955
Sergeant Mehmet Ergin, 18012,l Infantry, Turkish Army,
distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against
the enemy near Sanggorangp'o, Korea, on 28029 May 1953.
His unit was dispatched to reinforce Outpost Vegas, which was
under heavy enemy attack. Upon arrival he found the
strength of friendly forces depleted and the enemy holding a
portion of the position. Organizing his forces, he led
them through heavy artillery, mortar and small arms fire in a
valiant counterattack which drove the enemy back several hundred
meters. When the enemy launched a counterattack against
the newly won positions, he successfully met the attack and
stopped the enemy's advance, forcing their withdrawal.
With complete disregard for personal safety he moved from one
position to another encouraging his men despite heavy barrages
of artillery and mortar fire. Later, using grenades and
any weapon at his disposal, he led his unit forward again in
counterattack, which succeeded in driving the enemy from the
last friendly position under their control. His actions
made it possible for friendly forces to regain control of a
major outpost while inflicting numerous casualties on the enemy
forces. Sergeant Ergin's aggressive courage, determined
devotion to duty and inspiring leadership reflect the highest
credit on himself and the Turkish Army, and uphold the esteemed
traditions of the military service.
Sukan, Sinasi
Department of the Army
General Order No. 43 - 24 June 1955
Captain Sinasi Sukan, 937-7, Turkish Army, distinguished
himself by extraordinary heroism near Sanggorangp'o, Korea, on
29 May 1953. He voluntarily accompanied one of his
platoons ordered to reinforce Outpost Carson which was under
heavy enemy attack. Upon hearing that both Outposts Carson
and Elko had been surrounded he led his troops in a successful
counterattack breaking through enemy lines, retaking Outpost
Elko. He then quickly deployed his forces for defense
cautioning his men of the necessity of holding the position at
all costs. He obtained a carbine and resupply of grenades
and moved forward to an exposed position in a critical sector of
the Outpost. Although exposed to a continuous devastating
mortar and artillery barrage he moved constantly around the
fighting positions, encouraging the men, directing fire and
fighting with grenades and any weapon he could find, killing an
estimates seventy-five enemy himself. After fighting
continuously for 16 hours he was wounded burt refused to be
evacuated. Captain Sukan's inspirational leadership,
heroic actions and consummate devotion to duty reflect the
highest credit on himself and the Turkish Army, and were in
keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.
Urer, Ruslu (posthumous)
Department of the Army
General Orders No. 17 - 8 March 1954
First Lieutenant Ruslu Urer, Infantry, Turkish Army,
distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against
the enemy near Sanggorangp'o, Korea, on 28 and 29 May 1953.
His unit, while defending Outpost Carson, was attacked by
determined enemy forces estimated to have been of battalion
strength. Undaunted by heavy barrages of artillery and
mortar falling on the position, he moved from one position to
another, encouraging his men and directing the fire of his
command until he was wounded. Refusing to be evacuated and
with complete disregard for personal safety, Lieutenant Urer led
his platoon forward in a valiant counterattack, which drove the
hostile forces from the trenches and killed 16 of the 17 enemy
encountered. Although surrounded and subjected to repeated
attacks, the small outpost, greatly outnumbered by the enemy,
fought back for more than 2 hours until it was finally
annihilated by a numerically superior force Lieutenant
Urer continued to fight from his bunker until he was mortally
wounded by enemy grenades. His aggressive courage,
determined will to hold at all cost, and devotion to duty
reflect the highest credit on himself and the Turkish Army, and
are in keeping with the esteemed traditions of the military
service.
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