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65th Infantry Regiment

Bronze Star

HEADQUARTERS 3D INFANTRY DIVISION
GENERAL ORDERS # 171 - 5  JUNE 1953

AWARD OF THE BRONZE STAR MEDAL (FIRST BRONZE OAK-LEAF CLUSTER). -- 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 (First Bronze Oak-Leaf Cluster) with Letter "V" for heroic achievement in connection ith military operations against an enemy of the United States is awarded to the following named officers and enlisted men:

 

     Captain CLAYTON A. BURGESS, -1337134, Infantry, Company "I", 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army. On the night of 9 February 1953, Captain BURGESS, Commanding Officer of Company "I", received the report that his ambush patrol in front of the company sector in the vicinity of Kumwha, Korea, was not in proper position and was in danger of possible friendly fire and friendly minefields, as well as not being in the proper position to screen the dangerous approaches into the company sector. Realizing this Captain BURGESS turned over control of the company to his acting Executive Officer and personally checked the patrol's location. Accompanied by two volunteers, who were acting as security for him, he unhesitantly moved forward of the defensive positions. After searching the devastated and mine-infested terrain, he located the patrol and directed it to the proper ambuscade site. When assured that the situation was under control, Captain BURGESS and two volunteers started back over the perilous ground to the company positions. As they approached the safety of the forward trenches, Captain BURGESS struck an unmarked enemy mine, which seriously wounded him. Captain BURGESS' outstanding heroism and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service. Entered the Federal Service from Illinois.