Criteria The Silver Star may be awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces of the United States, is cited for gallantry in action, against an enemy of the United States whil... The Silver Star may be awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces of the United States, is cited for gallantry in action, against an enemy of the United States while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force or, while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.The required gallantry, while of a lesser degree than that required for the award of a Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, or Air Force Cross, must nevertheless have been performed with marked distinction. MoreHide
Comments The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Charles Hans Larsen (MCSN: 326691), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous... The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Charles Hans Larsen (MCSN: 326691), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Platoon Sergeant in Company D, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 24 September 1950. Unhesitatingly assuming command when his company commander was killed during an assault on the enemy, Staff Sergeant Larsen fearlessly led the platoon against the well-entrenched, heavily armed hostile forces on high ground and, undaunted by intense enemy fire, succeeded in seizing his assigned objective despite his depleted ranks. Encouraging the men by his exemplary actions, he directed them in returning accurate and effective fire which inflicted heavy losses on the enemy forces who fought desperately from three sides to defend their commanding positions. By his cool leadership, tactical ability and indomitable fighting spirit, Staff Sergeant Larsen contributed materially to the success of our forces in gaining an entrance to Seoul, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Action Date: September 24, 1950
Criteria The Silver Star may be awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces of the United States, is cited for gallantry in action, against an enemy of the United States whil... The Silver Star may be awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces of the United States, is cited for gallantry in action, against an enemy of the United States while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force or, while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.The required gallantry, while of a lesser degree than that required for the award of a Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, or Air Force Cross, must nevertheless have been performed with marked distinction. MoreHide
Comments The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Charles Hans Larsen (MCSN: 326691), United States ... The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Charles Hans Larsen (MCSN: 326691), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Platoon Sergeant in Company D, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea from 1 to 7 December 1950. When his company was subjected to a strong enemy attack while deployed in defensive positions near Yudam-ni on 1 December, Staff Sergeant Larsen repeatedly exposed himself to heavy hostile fire to move among his men, directing their fire and encourage them until the enemy attack was successfully repulsed. On 7 December, while under attack by a numerically superior enemy force which succeeded in overrunning several platoon positions, he exposed himself to the extremely heavy hostile fire to lead a hastily organized group of eight men in a counterattack on a hillcrest which had been lost to the enemy. After recapturing the hillcrest, he was fatally wounded as he was consolidating his position. By his outstanding leadership, aggressive fighting spirit and steadfast devotion to duty, Staff Sergeant Larsen contributed materially to the successful defense of his company's position, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Action Date: December 1 - 7, 1950
Criteria The Purple Heart may be awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving under competent authority in any capacity with one of the Armed Forces, has been wounded, kill... The Purple Heart may be awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving under competent authority in any capacity with one of the Armed Forces, has been wounded, killed, or who has died or may die of wounds received in armed combat or as a result of an act of international terrorism. The criteria were announced in a War Department circular dated February 22, 1932, and authorized award to soldiers, upon their request, who had been awarded the Meritorious Service Citation Certificate, Army Wound Ribbon, or were authorized to wear Wound Chevrons subsequent to April 5, 1917 MoreHide
Criteria The Combat Action Ribbon is a personal decoration awarded to members of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard (when operating under the control of the Navy) in the grade of captain (or colonel in th... The Combat Action Ribbon is a personal decoration awarded to members of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard (when operating under the control of the Navy) in the grade of captain (or colonel in the Marine Corps) and below who have actively participated in ground or surface combat. (World War II and Korea War service rate one ribbon for each period only) MoreHide
Criteria The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service... The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service during the current War on Terrorism. In addition, all members of the National Guard and Reserve who were part of the Selected Reserve in good standing between August 2, 1990, to November 30, 1995, are eligible for the National Defense Service Medal. In the case of Navy personnel, Midshipment attending the Naval Academy during the qualifying periods are eligible for this award, and Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Midshipmen ae only eligible if they participated in a summer cruise that was in an area which qualified for a campaign medal. MoreHide
Criteria To be eligible for this medal, the Service member must have: Served between the outbreak of hostilities (June 25, 1950) and the date the armistice was signed (July 27, 1953); Been on permanent assignm... To be eligible for this medal, the Service member must have: Served between the outbreak of hostilities (June 25, 1950) and the date the armistice was signed (July 27, 1953); Been on permanent assignment or on temporary duty for thirty consecutive days or sixty non-consecutive days, and Performed duty within the territorial limits of Korea, in the waters immediately adjacent thereto or in aerial flight over Korea participating in actual combat operation or in support of combat operations. MoreHide
Criteria
The Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation is a military unit award issued by the government of South Korea to both South Korean and foreign military units.
Criteria The United Nations Korean Medal was generally awarded for any period of service while assigned as a member of the Armed Forces dispatched to Korea or adjacent areas for service on behalf of the United... The United Nations Korean Medal was generally awarded for any period of service while assigned as a member of the Armed Forces dispatched to Korea or adjacent areas for service on behalf of the United Nations. Service in qualifying organizations had to be certified by the United Nations Commander-in-Chief as having directly supported military operations in Korea. In the case of the United States, such certification was issued in General Orders 31 (June 20, 1955); General Orders 33 (July 11, 1955); and General Orders 36 (July 13, 1955). MoreHide
Criteria Criteria for award of the Republic of Korea Korean War Service Medal (ROK KWSM) have been established by the ROK government. To qualify for the medal, the veteran must have: Served between the outbrea... Criteria for award of the Republic of Korea Korean War Service Medal (ROK KWSM) have been established by the ROK government. To qualify for the medal, the veteran must have: Served between the outbreak of hostilities, June 25, 1950, and the date the armistice was signed, July 27, 1953, Been on permanent assignment or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days Performed his / her duty within the territorial limits of Korea, in the waters immediately adjacent thereto or in aerial flight over Korea participating in actual combat operations or in support of combat operations MoreHide
Description From the outbreak of the Korean War following the invasion of South Korea by North Korea on 25 June 1950, the North Korean Korean People's Army had enjoyed superiority in both manpower and equipment oFrom the outbreak of the Korean War following the invasion of South Korea by North Korea on 25 June 1950, the North Korean Korean People's Army had enjoyed superiority in both manpower and equipment over South Korea's Republic of Korea Army and the United Nations forces dispatched to South Korea to prevent it from collapsing. The North Korean strategy was to aggressively pursue U.N. and South Korean forces on all avenues of approach south and to engage them, attacking from the front and initiating a double envelopment of both flanks of the defending units, which allowed the North Koreans to surround and cut off the opposing force, forcing it to retreat in disarray, often leaving behind much of its equipment. From their initial 25 June offensive to fights in July and early August, the North Koreans used this strategy to defeat any UN force they encountered and push it south. However, with the establishment of the Pusan Perimeter in August, the U.N. troops held a continuous line which the North Koreans could not flank, and their advantages in numbers decreased daily as the superior U.N. logistical system brought in more troops and supplies to the U.N. forces.
When the North Koreans approached the Pusan Perimeter on 5 August, they attempted the same frontal assault technique on the four main avenues of approach into the perimeter. Throughout August, their military conducted direct assaults resulting in the Battle of Masan, the Battle of Battle Mountain, the First Battle of Naktong Bulge, the Battle of Taegu, and the Battle of the Bowling Alley. On the east coast of the Korean Peninsula, the South Koreans repulsed three North Korean divisions at the Battle of P'ohang-dong.
The North Korean attacks stalled as U.N. forces, well equipped and with large standing reserve units to draw upon, repeatedly repelled them. All along the front, the North Korean troops reeled from these defeats, the first time in the war North Korean strategy had failed.... More
Description It was in late November 1950, when the Chinese unleashed their massive and furious assault against the Marine forces at the Chosin Reservoir. From that point southward some ten miles to Koto-ri, the CIt was in late November 1950, when the Chinese unleashed their massive and furious assault against the Marine forces at the Chosin Reservoir. From that point southward some ten miles to Koto-ri, the Chinese went on a rampage. The Marines of the 5th and 7th Regiments faced encirclement and annihilation. It was imperative that the road leading north from Koto-ri, be kept open, otherwise they would be cut off and annihilated.
General Smith, commander of the 1st Marine Division requested troops leave Koto-Ri and head to Hagaru to keep the way open. Colonel Chesty Puller, commanding the 1st Marine Battalion had his hands full keeping the enemy out of Koto-Ri. Even so an attempt was made to keep the highway open. The Chinese had filtered to the south of the Reservoir and proved to be too strong for a smaller breakthrough force.
It was on November 28th that the timely arrival of reinforcements, including elements of the 3rd Battalion, 41st British Commandos (Royal Marines), Company G of the 1st Marine Regiment and Company B of the 31st Infantry Battalion made it possible to form a new task force. The entire force would be sent to relieve the beleaguered Marines at Hagaru. It would be under the command of British Lt. Colonel Douglas Drysdale. The Colonel was one of the most "spit and polish" men that the Marines had ever seen. Even so, he was well known for being both a brave and aggressive commander. With the addition of two dozen Patton tanks and numerous other armored vehicles and personnel carriers, a much stronger combat force headed north toward the Reservoir.
At about 1000 hours the next day the task force moved out, under covering fire of mortars and howitzers from Koto-Ri. Almost immediately the Chinese of the 58th Division began to resist the advance. By noon they had moved forward a little over a mile. By four in the afternoon they had gained another three miles. Colonel Drysdale became impatient with the slow movement of his column. He ordered the tanks to the front. With a shout of "Tally-ho" from his jeep, he headed up the road to the Reservoir.
It was getting dark when the British, US Army and Marine contingent reached about halfway to Hagaru. Before them was a long deep valley. To the right the ground rose sharply into steep mountains. On the left was the frozen Changjin River, with a meandering stream crossing the valley floor. After the fight, the surviving troops of this engagement named the area "Hell Fire Valley." As they traversed the lower ground, enemy artillery fire began to hit the column, forcing the troops to dismount and fight.
During the engagement Chinese mortar rounds hit a number of vehicles and effectively blocked the road. The task force had now been split in two. Drysdale had no choice but to proceed northward with all the tanks and the bulk of infantry. They would eventually arrive at Hagaru. In so doing Drysdale was wounded and passed his command to Army Captain Sitter. Most of this force, however, did arrive intact. It is said that when the ever-composed Colonel Drysdale passed into the Hagaru perimeter, he managed to pull off a snappy return salute to Major Ed Simmons, even though badly wounded in the right arm. The addition of tanks and infantry to the Marine complement proved to be a big help as the two Marine regiments began to fight their way back to Koto-ri.... More
D CO 1 BN 5 MAR RGT 1 MAR DIV
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