PRIVATE FIRST CLASS JOSEPH L. MENTRIE, RA12307346, Infantry, Company "C",
65th Infantry, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army. On 29 April 1951,
near Seoul, Korea, a squad of "C" Company's Third Platoon, led by Private
MENTRIE, was ordered to secure a commanding hill upon which the enemy was en-
trenched. As the squad moved forward, it was temporarily pinned down by the
hostile fire, but under Private MENTRIE'S fearless direction, it was able to
place devastating counterfire upon the foe and continue on. Meeting an enemy
counterattack, whose component greatly outnumbered the squad, it fell back
expediently and Private MENTRIE covered the withdrawal, completely ignoring
the proximity of the hostile force. Later in the action, during a general
assault, he ordered the men to fix bayonets and charge enemy positions along
a narrow ridge, leading the attack and moving forward to personally destroy
four hostile entrenchments with accurate throwing of hand grenades. Ignoring
his exposed position and the concentrated enemy fire, he then placed his men
in advantageous positions, distributing ammunition to them. The neutralization
of the hostile emplacements and the favorable location of his squad inflicted
many casualties on the enemy and enabled the company to win the engagement.
Private MENTRIE'S outstanding tactical skill, aggressive leadership and gallant
courage reflect the highest credit upon himself and the military service. En-
tered the military service from the State of New York.

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

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