GENERAL ORDERS - NUMBER 341 15 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 MATTHEW J. PETERSON, RA14464381, Infantry, Company "F", 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army. On the afternoon of 10 June 1953, in the vicinity of Sagimak, Korea, Company "F" had the mission of attacking enemy held Hill "412". In an attempt to rush enemy positions on the reverse slope, the assault team was forced back by enemy grenades and small arms fire and sustained several casualties. Private PETERSON, a litter bearer, observing that some of the medical aidmen were also casualties, immediately took charge of the situation, directing the litter bearers to the friendly casualties and giving first aid to those who were critically wounded. Shortly thereafter, two men were hit by small arms fire and lay directly in front of an enemy cave. A platoon sergeant attempted to reach the men, but was pinned down by sniper fire. Private PETERSON, without regard for his personal safety, secured a discarded automatic rifle and placed himself above the enemy cave. His accurate fire quickly silenced the enemy snipers, thereby allowing the sergeant to carry the friendly casualties to cover. Private PETERSON'S outstanding heroism and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service. Entered the Federal Service from South Carolina.

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