Watson, James R. (1st Award)

SILVER STAR
HEADQUARTERS, 1ST CAVALRY DIVISION
GENERAL ORDERS # 192
7 AUGUST 1951

For gallantry in action against the enemy on 24 July 1950, near Yongdong, Korea.  When a numerically superior enemy force attacked the exposed right flank of Company A, the company commander was wounded.  Lieutenant WATSON immediately took command of the unit under intense enemy automatic weapons, small arms and mortar fire, and reorganized the company so as to repulse several attacks.  Throughout the ensuing action, Lieutenant WATSON continuously exposed himself to the enemy in order to deploy his men effectively.  When orders were received to withdraw, Lieutenant WATSON, risking death and capture by the hostile forces, remained behind establishing a new defense line to insure the safe evacuation of the wounded.  Lieutenant WATSON's gallantry and courageous leadership reflect great credit on himself and the military service.  Entered the federal service from Alabama.

Watson, James R. (2nd Award)

SILVER STAR
HEADQUARTERS, 1ST CAVALRY DIVISION
GENERAL ORDERS # 211
15 AUGUST 1951

For gallantry in action against the enemy on 31 July 1950, near Charye, Korea.  While Company A was surrounded by a numerically superior enemy force, a section of machine guns attached to another company was captured by the enemy and were being used to place fire on the friendly troops.  Lieutenant WATSON, with disregard for his personal safety, led a grenade attack through withering enemy machine gun fire and silenced the captured emplacement.  Although wounded in the attack, he crawled back to the command post to reorganize one of his platoons which was withdrawing under a vicious assault.  Lieutenant WATSON's gallantry and outstanding leadership reflect great credit on himself and the military service.  Entered federal service from Alabama.

Weidmann, 1st Lt. Maynard E.

SILVER STAR
HEADQUARTERS 3D INFANTRY DIVISION
GENERAL ORDERS # 210 - 21 JUNE 1951

FIRST LIEUTENANT MAYNARD E. WEIDMANN, 01540879, Infantry, Company "K", 65th Infantry, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army. On 27 April 1951, while acting as a blocking force near Hongbok, Korea, Company "K" was cut off from the battalion by a numerically superior enemy. Lieutenant WEIDMANN, First Platoon Leader, was given the mission of delivering a flank attack coordinated with a frontal assault by the remainder of the company. Ordering his men to fix bayonets Lieutenant WEIDMANN courageously led the attack. Inspired by his leadership, the platoon struck the enemy with such fierceness that the breakthrough was effected and the enemy routed. Having broken through the hostile encirclement, he returned to search the sector for wounded. The gallantry and aggressive leadership displayed by Lieutenant WEIDMANN reflect the highest credit upon himself and the military service. Entered the military service from the State of Alabama.

Welsh, 1st Lt. James B.

SILVER STAR
HEADQUARTERS 3D INFANTRY DIVISION
GENERAL ORDERS # 202 - 19 June 1951

FIRST LIEUTENANT JAMES B. WELSH, 01823674, Armor, Tank Company, 65th Infantry, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army. On 18 April 1951, near Yur-hyon, Korea, Lieutenant WELSH was on a mission to retrieve three disabled tanks. When the armored column reached the vicinity of those vehicles, it came under severe small arms and machine gun fire from enemy troops entrenched on ridges around the area. Completely disregarding his own safety, Lieutenant WELSH exposed himself to enemy fire by sitting on top of the tank's turret and firing the heavy machine gun to point out the foe's positions to his platoon. After being wounded when the overtaxed weapon exploded, he withdrew from the action to seek medical attention and then returned to his post, enabling one tank to be retrieved. During a second enemy assault on his unit, Lieutenant WELSH was again wounded as he fearlessly led the platoon in defense of its position. Seeing his commander wounded, the tank driver became confused and began to reverse the vehicle, backing his tank toward a bank with at least a ten foot drop. Though seriously wounded Lieutenant WELSH, by courageous determination, reached the driver and stopped him in time to avert the loss of the tank and its crew. The gallantry and bravery displayed by Lieutenant WELSH reflect great credit upon himself and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service. Entered the military service from the State of New Jersey.

Werner, Harold R.

SILVER STAR
HEADQUARTERS 3D INFANTRY DIVISION
GENERAL ORDERS # 197 - 19 June 1953

Private HAROLD R. WERNER, RA12395872, Infantry, Company "G", 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army. During the early morning hours of 16 May 1953, Company "G", holding a defensive position on Outpost "Harry", in the vicinity of Surang-ni, Korea, was subjected to an intense artillery and mortar shelling prior to a hostile attack. Private WERNER, a machine gunner, occupied an exposed observation position which was under continual enemy fire and attack. Private WERNER'S emplacement was struck by an artillery shell, destroying the position but not harming him or the machine gun. Completely disregarding his personal safety, he positioned his weapon on top of the exposed trenches and continued firing and maintaining the security of his sector. Although wounded by the fragment of another enemy mortar shell, he remained at his post, effectively firing his weapon. His courageous actions contributed materially to repelling the enemy attack. Private WERNER'S outstanding heroism and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service. Entered the Federal service from New York.

Wheeler, Calvin W.

February 11, 1953

Award of the Silver Star, By direction of the President, under the provisions of the Act of Congress, approved 9 July 1918, and pursuant to authority in AR 600-45, the Silver Star for gallantry in action is awarded to the following named enlisted man:

Private First Class Calvin W. Wheeler, US55154101, Infantry, United States Army, a member of Company I, 17th Infantry, distinguished himself by gallantry in action near Kumhwa, Korea. On 18 October 1952, Private Wheeler, acting as a point man, was the foremost man in an assault against a strategic enemy-held hill. When the contact was made with the enemy forces and the assault elements were subjected to an intense barrage of enemy artillery, mortar, grenade and small-arms fire, Private Wheeler, with complete disregard for his personal safety, remained in his exposed position, firing his automatic-rifle from his hip, inflicting heavy casualties upon the enemy, disorganized them, and forcing them to retreat to more covered positions, Private Wheeler continued his fire until his wounded comrades had been evacuated and the assaulting forces were able to withdraw without suffering further casualties. The courageous devotion to duty and coolness under fire demonstrated by Private Wheeler on this occasion were great sources of inspiration to all who witnessed and contributed greatly to the success of the combat mission of his organization. The gallantry displayed by Private Wheeler reflects great credit on himself and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service. Entered the federal service from Michigan.

White, David L.

HEADQUARTERS 40TH INFANTRY DIVISION
APO 6
GENERAL ORDERS 22 February 1953
NUMBER 68

E X T R A C T
AWARD OF THE SILVER STAR

By direction of the President, under the provisions of the Act of Congress, approved 9 July 1918 (WD Bulletin 43, 1918), and pursuant to authority in AR 600-45, the Silver Star for gallantry in action is awarded to the following named officer:

First Lieutenant DAVID L. WHITE, 0987493, Infantry, United States Army, 160th Infantry Regiment, distinguished himself by gallantry in action near Sat'ae-Ri Korea on 3 November and 4 November 1952. During the hours of darkness Lieutenant WHITE led an ambush patrol deep into enemy territory where they engaged the enemy. In the ensuing fire fight, Lieutenant WHITE killed one enemy and the fire of his patrol drove back the remainder of the foe. Lieutenant WHITE then set up a perimeter of defense and sent word back for a litter bearer to carry back the body of the enemy soldier. The enemy then opened up a devastating attack with artillery, mortar and small arms fire. Lieutenant WHITE observed the enemy moving up on both sides of him and thus began to withdraw. Under Lieutenant WHITE's calm, efficient and courageous supervision, the patrol moved back to the main line of resistance without a casualty. The alerting of the men on the main line of resistance saved many lives, as it eliminated the element of surprise from the vicious enemy attack. Lieutenant WHITE then resumed leadership of his platoon and repelled the attack of a numerically superior and fanatical enemy force. During the action Lieutenant WHITE was wounded in both legs and feet but fearlessly and with disregard for his own personal safety, refused to leave the line and though not being able to stand up, directed his men's fire and that of the mortars. Not until the attack ended and the wounded men of his platoon had been evacuated, did Lieutenant WHITE agree to be carried to the aid station. Lieutenant WHITE's inspiring leadership, courage and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army. Entered the Federal Service from Massachusetts.

BY COMMAND OF MAJOR GENERAL CLELAND:

PHILIP H. BETHUNE
Colonel, GS
Chief of Staff

OFFICIAL:

(SEAL)

HQS 40TH INF DIV
R.W. BOWDEN
Lt. Col.
Adj Gen

White, Frank M. (POW)

Captain FRANK M. WHITE, 02033271, Corps of Engineers, Army of the United States, Commanding Officer, Company B, 2d Engineer Combat Battalion, 2d Infantry Division, displayed gallantry in action against an enemy on 27 November 1950 in the vicinity of Kujang-dong, Korea.  On the night of that date his company was on a hill forward of the other friendly forces with the mission of defending the hill against the enemy.  Although one of his platoons was overrun and many killed by the superior numbers of enemy, he personally reestablished the line of defense, thus preventing the enemy from overrunning and overtaking a company to the rear.  His inspiring leadership and fearless conduct under fire gave is men an example of courage that enabled them to repulse the fierce enemy attack for nearly seven hours until his company's ammunition supply was nearly exhausted.  When this happened he successfully directed the withdrawal of his company to another defensive area.  Here his unit acted as a rearguard for the successful withdrawal of the other unit.  He organized his company and withdrew them through a virtual hail of enemy fire across the Chongchon River, where ice was frozen so hard that a path was broken with weapons, for the wounded men.  The enemy followed and fired at the company across the river and almost five hundred yards from the river to the main supply route road.  Later he waded the icy waters of the river to rescue two wounded men of his company.  His gallantry reflects great credit upon himself and is in keeping with the high traditions of the military service.  Entered the military service from Colorado.

[KWE Note: Captain Frank M. White was subsequently made prisoner and died 15 February 1951.]

Whited, Edward W.

SILVER STAR
HEADQUARTERS 3D INFANTRY DIVISION
GENERAL ORDERS # 204 - 24 June 1953

Sergeant EDWARD W. WHITED, RA18408450, Company "G", 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army. On the early morning of 16 May 1953, Sergeant WHITED was a squad leader of Company "G", which was occupying defensive positions on Outpost "Harry", in the vicinity of Songnae-dong, Korea, The outpost was subjected to intense enemy artillery and mortar fire followed by a numerically superior hostile attack. During the height of the attack, Sergeant WHITED exposed himself to the intense enemy fire to locate the main enemy force and direct his squad's fire on them. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he constantly moved through the open trenches to insure the proper deployment of his men and to offer encouragement to them. Sergeant WHITED'S continual alertness and capable leadership were largely responsible for the successful defense of his platoon's sector. Sergeant WHITED'S outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service. Entered the Federal service from Louisiana.

Whiteside, Harold

SILVER STAR
HEADQUARTERS 3D INFANTRY DIVISION
GENERAL ORDERS # 195 - 19 June 1953

Private First Class HAROLD WHITESIDE, RA14461378, Infantry, Company "G", 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army. During the early morning hours of 16 May 1953, Outpost "Harry", in the vicinity of Songnae-dong, Korea, after being subjected to intense artillery and mortar fire, was attacked by a reinforced company strength hostile force. Private WHITESIDE was assistant squad leader when the squad's sector on the outpost came under enemy fire. In the ensuing action, the squad leader was mortally wounded by an incoming mortar round. Private WHITESIDE immediately took charge of the squad. Without regard for his personal safety, he continually moved from one exposed position to another, checking the security of his area. Although wounded, he refused to be evacuated until assured that his sector of responsibility was secure from the enemy probe. As a result of his inspirational actions, the members of his squad increased their determination and intensified their volume of accurate fire, which was a major contributing factor in the successful defense of the position. Private WHITESIDE'S outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service. Entered the Federal service from North Carolina.

Willard, Blair J.

First Lieutenant BLAIR J. WILLARD, 0489064, Infantry, United States Army, Company I, 31st Infantry, distinguished himself by gallantry in action near Hwachon, Korea, on 5 June 1951.  On this date, Lieutenant WILLARD was leading his platoon in an attack on a well-defended enemy hill when the commander of the company was wounded by enemy fire.  Being the only remaining officer, Lieutenant WILLARD immediately assumed command and directed the company's actions against the enemy which had launched a powerful counterattack.  With complete disregard for his personal safety, he continually exposed himself to the enemy small arms and mortar fire to move from position to position, commanding the actions of the defensive perimeter.  The great personal example of Lieutenant WILLARD encouraged the men and enabled the unit to defend itself against repeated enemy attacks.  The gallantry displayed by Lieutenant WILLARD reflects great credit on himself and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.  Entered the military service from the State of California. [General Orders Number 374, 1 August 1951]

Willcox, David R.

HEADQUARTERS, 7th DIVISION
GENERAL ORDERS NO. 815
3 December 1953

First Lieutenant DAVID R. WILLCOX, 01925861 (then Second Lieutenant), Infantry, United States Army, a member of Company A, 17th Infantry, distinguished himself by gallantry in action near Sokkogae, Korea.  During the period 6 July 1953 to 8 July 1953, Lieutenant WILLCOX and his company were engaged in an intense fire fight with the enemy forces.  Having been notified that one of his machine gun positions had been damaged, Lieutenant WILLCOX left his position of comparative safety to personally reconnoiter the situation.  While moving through the exposed terrain, Lieutenant WILLCOX and one of his men were assaulted by a large hostile force.  In the ensuing fire fight Lieutenant WILLCOX personally accounted for six enemy soldiers.  While Lieutenant WILLCOX was attempting to reload his weapon, he was assaulted by one of the enemy.  Not only did Lieutenant WILLCOX subdue the man with his knife and stand off the attack but on the return trip to the machine gun emplacement, he disposed of six more of the enemy.  Disregarding his own personal safety, Lieutenant WILLCOX continually exposed himself to devastating fire outside the bunker position and directed fire into enemy positions.  Although Lieutenant WILLCOX was wounded he continually aided the friendly forces in any way possible.  The small group continued to hold back the numerically superior enemy forces until Lieutenant WILLCOX gave the order to withdraw to a new position further down the trench where he remained with his men until evacuated.  The gallantry displayed by Lieutenant WILLCOX reflects great credit on himself and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.  Entered the Federal service from New York.

Wimpee, Lealon C.

SECRETARY OF THE NAVY
SILVER STAR MEDAL

"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Dog Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines east of Hill 722 in the Republic of Korea on 23 April 1951.  Serving as rear guard for the battalion, Second Lieutenant WIMPEE accurately assessed the enemy preparing to ambush the withdrawing Fox Company.  Seeing the gravity of the situation, he led a squad down the hill to eliminate the threat.  After an exchange of grenade throwing, Second Lieutenant WIMPEE leaped into the trench and bunker with the other Marines following; the enemy position was taken with numerous Chinese killed and several prisoners taken.  Second Lieutenant WIMPEE then continued the attack to the next Chinese position throwing grenades and firing into the trench and bunker, clearing all resistance.  By his outstanding bravery, inspiring initiative, and courageous devotion to duty, Second Lieutenant WIMPEE saved the lives of fellow Marines; thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service."

Wolfe, Charles F.

HEADQUARTERS
FAR EAST AIR FORCES
APO 925

GENERAL ORDERS
NUMBER 214 1 May 1952

SILVER STAR - Award...................................I
BRONZE STAR MEDAL - Awards..............II
COMMENDATION RIBBON - Awards.....III

I. SILVER STAR. By direction of the President, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved 9 July 1918 (WD Bul. 43, 1918), and pursuant to authority contained in Air Force Regulation 30-14, 22 August 1950 and Section VII, General Orders Number 63, Department of the Air Force, 19 September 1950, the Silver Star for gallantry in action is awarded to Captain Charles F. Wolfe, United States Air Force.

Captain Wolfe distinguished himself by gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States as Pilot of a B-26 attack bomber, 13th Bombardment Squadron, 3d Bombardment Group, on the night of 15 February 1952. Captain Wolfe's primary mission was to employ and evaluate new tactics designed to increase the effectiveness of night interdiction. Between Namsi-dong and Sonch'on, Korea, he pressed repeated bombing and strafing attacks under flares dropped to illuminate a moving train. Despite accurate anti-aircraft fire which inflicted thirty-five holes in his aircraft, he continued his attacks at extremely low altitude in order to accurately evaluate his tactics. Disregarding personal safety, and extremely heavy battle damage, Captain Wolfe capably demonstrated the destructive power of his aircraft's armament by destroying a live locomotive, nine boxcars and two anti-aircraft batteries. Captain Wolfe's gallant action and skillful airmanship were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflected great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.

II. BRONZE STAR MEDAL. By direction of the President, under the provisions of Executive Order 9419, 4 February 1944 (Sec. II, Bul. 3, WD, 1944), and pursuant to authority contained in Air Force Regulation 30-14, 22 August 1950, and Section VII, General Order Number 63, Department of the Air Force, 19 September 1950, the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service in connection with military operations against an enemy during the periods indicated is awarded to the following named officers.

Lieutenant Colonel Selah H. Howell, United States Air Force
1 March 1951 to 1 April 1951
Captain William M. Lyon, United States Air Force
3 September 1951 to 3 March 1952

III. COMMENDATION RIBBON. By direction of the Secretary of the Air Force, and pursuant to authority contained in Air Force Regulation 30-14, 22 August 1950 and Section VII, General Order Number 63, Department of the Air Force, 19 September 1950, the Commendation Ribbon for meritorious service during the periods indicated is awarded to the following named enlisted men.

Technical Sergeant William W. Chapin, United States Air Force
17 August 1951 to 23 March 1952
Staff Sergeant William C. Butch, United States Air Force
7 September 1951 to 15 March 1952
Staff Sergeant Roland A. Castonguay, United States Air Force
17 August 1951 to 23 March 1952
Staff Sergeant Hollis B. Fugett, United States Air Force
15 September 1951 to 15 April 1952
Sergeant Edward J. Gorney, United States Army
20 September 1950 to 10 January 1952

BY COMMAND OF LIEUTENANT GENERAL WEYLAND:
OFFICIAL:
//SIGNED//
D. R. LeMASTER
Colonel, USAF
Adjutant General
S. R. BRENTNALL
Major General, USAF
Vice Commander

Wood, 1st Lt. Fred Weymouth

SILVER STAR
HEADQUARTERS 3D INFANTRY DIVISION
GENERAL ORDERS # 351 - 30 November 1952

First Lieutenant FRED W. WOOD, 0955394, Infantry, Company "A", 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army. On the night of 20 July 1952 a platoon of Company "A" was assigned the mission of making contact with the opposing forces in the vicinity of Chokko-ri, Korea. Constant enemy flares made the mission hazardous and the friendly unit was forced to advance slowly and with extreme caution. Lieutenant WOOD was preceding his unit when the entire area was subjected to an intense enemy mortar barrage and the fierce fire of three hostile machine gun emplacements. Although sustaining a severe wound, he continued on the mission and established a perimeter of defense. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, Lieutenant WOOD repeatedly exposed himself to the lethal enemy fire as he assaulted hostile positions and shouted words of encouragement to his men, While leading a squad in destroying the nearest enemy machine gun emplacement he was mortally wounded. Lieutenant WOOD'S intrepid leadership and gallantry under enemy fire enabled the friendly force to successfully complete its mission with a minimum number of casualties and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the military service. Entered the Federal service from Maine.

Wood, Robert

Source: www.korea50.mil

SOLDIER RECEIVES SILVER STAR
AT ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY
WASHINGTON, D.C.

A Korean War veteran will receive the Silver Star Tuesday at 9 a.m., at one of our nation's most hallowed places. Robert Wood, 50 years after the United Nation's fight to stop the spread of communism in Korea, will receive the award at Arlington National Cemetery. Despite his heroic actions all those years ago, the Army sergeant remains humble.

"I did what I had to do. I don't consider myself to be a hero, but my family thinks I am," the Point Pleasant, W.Va., native said. "I would not be receiving the Silver Star without help from the men in my section. The privilege of receiving this honor I owe to the others with whom I served."

The Silver Star is awarded to America's service members who display distinguished gallantry and heroism. It is the third highest military award for combat. Established in 1918 as the Citation Star, in 1932 it was redesignated as a medal with a retroactive provision that allowed servicemen as far back as the Spanish-American War to receive it.

On Feb. 11, 1951, Wood, a serving as section leader of Battery D, 82nd Anti- Aircraft Artillery Automatic Weapons Battalion, moved a wounded soldier to safety while under a heavy Chinese attack. The next day he directed heavy machine gun fire against enemy forces attempting to surround his unit, saving more lives of his comrades.

"The situation was worse than I ever thought it could be," Wood said. "I expected to do what I had to do to survive and to protect my men under me. Leaders could not show fear or weakness. They could not fall apart. My being awarded this medal brings attention to all of the forgotten veterans of the Korean War."

Wood will also receive the Republic of Korea - Korean Service Medal from retired Republic of Korea Gen. Paik Sun Yup, commander of South Korean forces during the war. More than 1.8 million service members who fought in the Korean War are eligible for the medal.

For more information on the event contact Ms. Mary Beth Brayboy at (703) 602-2130 or Air Force Tech. Sgt. Michael Dorsey at (703) 602-5793. For more information on the Korean War Commemoration visit or call toll free (866) Korea50.