GENERAL ORDERS - NUMBER 323  7 Aug 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:

Private First Class MARION D. KNUTSON, US55267636, Infantry, Company "B", 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army. Suring the early morning hours of 11 June 1953, Company "B", occupying a strategically important and exposed sector of the main line of resistance in the vicinity of Kumhwa, Korea, was subjected to an artillery  and mortar barrage prior to an enemy reinforced company size attack. In the ensuing fire fight, intense hand-to-hand combat resulted in relatively heavy casualties to both forces. Private KNUTSON, as communications man attached to the company command post, was performing his duties when a message disclosed the necessity of added assistance in evacuating the wounded. Unhesitatingly, he volunteered and immediately set out to the forward positions which were raked by enemy fire. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he arrived at a badly damaged bunker and assisted the wounded occupants onto stretchers for evacuation to aid stations. In his movement to the awaiting litter trucks, he was subjected to a hail of enemy fire, but he continued his descent down the rugged hill with constant attention to the care and safety of the wounded. Only a short distance from his destination, he was injured by the fragments of an exploding mortar shell. Nevertheless, he refused medical attention, remained steadfast to his mission and successfully accomplished the evacuation. Private KNUTSON'S outstanding heroism and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service. Entered the Federal Service from South Dakota.

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