GENERAL ORDERS - NUMBER 452  16 October 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 officer and enlisted men:

Sergeant BILLIE W. WILKENSON, RA18391958, Infantry, Heavy Mortar Company, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army. On the night of 14 July and during the early morning hours of 15 July 1953, in the vicinity of Kumhwa, Korea, a forward observer team, of which Sergeant WILKENSON was a member, was directing fire for its company from positiions forward of the main line of resistance. Because of the poor visibility, Sergeant WILKENSON moved to a highly exposed area from which he could more effectively operate. Here, he was subjected to sniper fire from a nearby enemy held hill but, disregarding the fire, continued to call fire missions until he was ordered to shift to new targets. Later, however, the team lost contact with the mortar platoons and, after an hour of futile attempts to restore communications, the radio operator was dispatched to determine the cause of the failure. Sergeant WILKENSON and two comrades courageously remained in the hazardous position, although the enemy threatened to surround the hill. The next morning, the radio operator returned and notified them that the company had moved. Sergeant WILKENSON then proceeded to lead his men through an area occupied by enemy forces and effected a safe return to friendly lines. Sergeant WILKEN'S outstanding heroism and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service. Entered the Federal Service from Texas.

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