GENERAL ORDERS - NUMBER 355  24 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 JAMES H. WADDELL, US53125317, Infantry, Company "K", 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army. During the early morning hours of 6 July 1953, Company "K" began to raid enemy held Hill 250 in the vicinity of Honu-Chon, Korea. As the attacking force began assaulting the third and highest crest of the hill, they came under fire from an enemy machine gun bunker and supporting rifle positions. Private WADDELL, an automatic riflman in the assault team immediately moved out to rush the enemy stronhold. As he advanced towards the bunker, he fired one burst after another into the aperture. His accurate, rapid fire contributed greatly towards the destruction of the enemy position. When the order was given to return to friendly lines, he remained behind to help evacuate the wounded. Observing a friendly casualty lying near the crest of the hill, Private WADDELL, without regard for his personal safety, moved to the aid of his comrade. He then quickly dragged the casualty down to safety and vitally needed medical aid. Private WADDELL's outstanding heroism and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service. Entered the Federal Service from North Carolina.

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