GENERAL ORDERS - NUMBER 248 11 July 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 posthumously to the following named enlisted man:

Corporal ROBERT E. BASKETT, RA17336322, Medical Service Corps, Medical Company, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army. During the early morning hours of 11 June 1953, hostile forces attacked the Company "B" sector of the friendly main of resistance in the vicinity of Kumhwa, Korea. Corporal BASKETT, a litter truck driver, immediately left the 1st Battalion aid station and drove to the forward aid station to assist in the evacuation of wounded comrades. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he left his litter truck and went through the intense enemy fire to an extremely exposed area to aid in the evacuation of a critically wounded soldier. After returning to the forward aid station, he drove two casualties to the rear area over a treacherous road which was being shelled by the enemy. Throughout the remainder of the attack, he transported casualties to the rear area despite the heavy concentration of mortar fire which rained down on the road. His actions contributed materially to the saving of many lives and the alleviation of much suffering. Corporal BASKETT'S outstanding herosm and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service. Entered the Federal Service from Missouri. 

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