GENERAL ORDERS - NUMBER 294  29 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 to the following named enlisted men:

Master Sergeant CORNELIUS WHITEHEAD, ER16064723, Armor, Tank Company, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army. On the early morning of 14 June 1953, Company "G" made a company size raid on Hill "412" in the vicinity of Sagimak, Korea. A task force of tanks was assigned the mission of supporting the raid. Sergeant WHITEHEAD, a tank commander of one of the General Patton tanks, was a member of this task force. As the tanks moved to the objective, they were subjected to a lethal barrage of enemy shell fire. He remained exposed to the fire in the tank commander's hatch and skillfully directed the tank to the objective. As the task force reached the firing position, the enemy shelling increased in intensity. Sergeant WHITEHEAD maintained complete control within his tank and through accurate fire commands, directed effective suporting fire on the enemy troops and fortifications. The tank fire silenced the enemy emplacements, materially aiding in the success of the raid. Sergeant WHITEHEAD'S outstanding heroism and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service. Entered the Federal Service from Michigan. 

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