GENERAL ORDERS - NUMBER 143  15 May 1951

 

    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 man :

CAPTAIN WALTER P. LUKENS, 050801, Infantry, Headquarters Company, 3d Battalion, 65th Infantry, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army. On 21 February 1951, in the vicinity of Seoul, Korea, Captain LUKENS, battalion intelligence officer, was observing both the advance of a friendly platoon as well as known enemy positions across the Han River. As the platoon approached the river, it immediately encountered heavy enemy small arms, automatic weapons, and mortar fire which resulted in its being pinned down and suffering several casualties. When Captain LUKENS noted that the platoon was beginning to withdraw and leave some of the wounded men behind, he left his observation post and, with complete disregard for his personal safety in the face of intense enemy fire, assisted in carrying the wounded men to a position of comparative safety. The outstanding heroism displayed by Captain LUKENS reflects great credit upon himself and the military service. Entered the military service from the State of New Mexico.

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