GENERAL ORDERS - NUMBER 284  27 July 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 RICHARD A. Williamson, US52168200, Army Medical Service, Medical Company, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army. During the early morning hours of 11 June 1953, Company "B", occupying a sector of the 1st Battalion's main line of resistance in the vicinity of Kumhwa, Korea, was subjected to intense artillery and mortar fire prior to an enemy reinforced company sized attack. In the ensuing fight, numerous casualties were suffered by both sides during the fierce hand-to-hand combat that occurred in friendly trenches. Upon word of the attack, Sergeant WILLIAMSON immediately volunteered to assist the wounded. Moving out to the point of action, he proceeded to administer first aid with complete disregard of his personal safety. While under continual and intense hostile fire, he advanced to an outpost forward of the main trench line and assisted two wounded men in their return to the aid station. Carrying them back to relative safety, he became entangled in barbed were, but successfully wrested himself from this barrier. Arriving at the aid station safely, he was greatly responsible for his comrades' well-being, making possible urgently needed medical treatment. Sergeant WILLIAMSON'S outstanding heroism and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service. Entered the Federal Service from Ohio.

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