GENERAL ORDERS - NUMBER 403  15 Sept 1953

 

    AWARD OF THE BRONZE STAR MEDAL  - By direction of the President, under the provisions of Executive Order 9419, 4 February 1944 (Sec II, WD Bul 3, 1944), and pursuant to authority in AR 600-45, the Bronze Star Medal with Letter "V" device for heroic achievement in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States is awarded to the following named officers and enlisted men:

First Lieutenant (then Second Lieutenant) JOHN A. DURAN, 01919467, Infantry, Company "I", 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army. On the morning of 30 May 1953, in the vicinity of Sagimak, Korea, Lieutenant DURAN was leading a patrol close to enemy held Hill "412" in search of a friendly soldier reported missing after an engagement in that area. As they moved deep into the enemy territory, intense enemy mortar, artillery and automatic weapons fire was directed at them. Despite the barrage, he continued to move across exposed terrain in the search, on one occasion ascending a ridge which was being shelled. He soon found the missing officer and prepared him for evacuation. The patrol then removed the man and returned to friendly positions. Lieutenant DURAN'S outstanding heroism and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service. Entered the Federal Service from Georgia.

  Source: Record Group 338: General Orders 3rd Infantry Division, Boxes 129 to 131 - National Archives and Records Administration, College Park, Maryland.