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 (then Corporal) J. M. COLLUM, US54085419, Infantry, Company "H", 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army. On the afternoon of 27 July 1953, in the vicinity of T'ong-gol, Korea, a group of United Nations troops, forming in a small valley for an attack, was subjected to an intense enemy artillery and mortar barrage which inflicted numerous casualties. Sergeant COLLUM observed the action from his bunker, immediately left the comparative safety of his position and ran to the aid of the wounded. Despite the concentration, he bravely administered the necessary first aid and then began to evacuate the wounded soldiers on a truck to the aid station. Although the entire valley and the road along which he traveled were subjected to the heavy fire, he continued the evacuation until all wounded had been safely removed. His brave actions were instrumental in saving the lives of several friendly soldiers. Sergeant COLLUM'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.