Navy Federal Credit Union

Donald Langren graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1950. He resigned in 1954 as a U.S. Army First Lieutenant

Awards Received

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Field Artillery)

    Batallion:

    10th Field Artillery Battalion

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    June 2, 1951

    Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 359 (August 15, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Donald Richard Langren (ASN: 0-60484), United States Army, for heroic achievement during ground operations against a hostile force as a member of Battery A, 10th Field Artillery, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 2 June 1951, near Pangori, Korea, Company L, 3d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, occupying defensive positions, was suddenly subjected to intense enemy artillery, mortar, and machine gun fire. Lieutenant Langren, the forward artillery observer, realizing the extreme importance of concentrated artillery support, braved the withering enemy fire and tenaciously remained in an exposed observation post in order to locate hostile artillery emplacements and to adjust effective counter barrages upon them. So accurate and devastating was his adjusted artillery fire, that he was able to destroy two enemy field pieces, causing the foe to cease firing. Lieutenant Langren’s heroism and astute tactical acumen reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant (Field Artillery)

    Batallion:

    10th Field Artillery Battalion

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    December 6, 1950

    Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 17 (January 24, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Donald Richard Langren (ASN: 0-60484), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Battery C, 10th Field Artillery, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 6 December 1950, near Su-dong, Korea, Lieutenant Langren was an Artillery Forward Observer with a reinforced infantry platoon which was sent to relieve an ambushed Marine Corps convoy. At the scene of the ambush the platoon received intense fire from enemy machine guns and small arms. An official photographer was wounded in the leg, and Lieutenant Langren dragged him to a ditch and bandaged his wound although there was little cover from the enemy. In the face of the heavy fire he then conducted artillery fire on the surrounding ridges from beneath his vehicle where he had taken his microphone because the intense enemy fire denied him the use of his radio otherwise. When the position of the relief elements was deemed untenable by the officer in charge of the platoon, Lieutenant Langren, although only an attached artillery observer, coolly assumed control. He not only continued to direct artillery fire but effectively directed the use of the platoon’s weapons while organizing the turning around of the vehicles. Under his supervision, a complete and successful withdrawal was effected including the evacuation of two wounded Marines. Lieutenant Langren’s outstanding, fearless leadership, resourcefulness, and gallantry reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.