The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Romeo Henry Bucknell, Jr. (ASN: 0-1330151), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company A, 1st Battalion, 65th Infantry, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 4 June 1951, Company A was assigned the mission of capturing Hill 466, near Unchon-ni, Korea, after another company, suffering a large number of casualties, had failed to gain the objective. The route to the objective was zeroed in by the enemy artillery and snipers were known to be deployed at strategic points, making any advance extremely hazardous. Lieutenant Bucknell, although constantly exposed to the heavy artillery barrage, aggressively led his company forward and going from man to man, encouraged each one to remain the steady advance until the company, although having sustained many casualties, succeeded in reaching its goal. Almost immediately, the enemy launched a vicious counterattack, blasting the hill with a rain of hand grenades which wounded two of the company’s platoon leaders and several of the ranking non-commissioned officers, depriving the unit of much of its essential leadership. Lieutenant Bucknell, seriously handicapped by this and yet possessed with a fierce determination to hold the objective, reorganized his casualty riddled company by personally placing men in important positions. Ordering them to hold firmly, he continued to move about the perimeter, urging and inspiring his men with his exemplary courage and disregard for his own well-being. During the night and the following morning the enemy, in groups of 40 or 50, attempted several assaults but the company, bolstered by Lieutenant Bucknell’s tenacity and vocal reassurance, repeatedly repelled these attacks. Throughout the engagement the valiant officer, although slightly wounded, was always in the thick of the battle giving first aid, evacuating the wounded, carrying ammunition, and laying sound wire, all necessary in aiding the company to hold its ground. This containing action paved the way for the withdrawal of a friendly battalion on the left flank and prevented the enemy from jeopardizing the 1st Battalion, of which Company A was a part. That the company mission was so outstandingly successful despite many handicaps is due directly to Lieutenant Bucknell’s resolute leadership, bold aggressiveness, and superb gallantry reflecting the highest credit upon himself and the military service.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry), [then First Lieutenant] Romeo Henry Bucknell, Jr. (ASN: 0-1330151), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company A, 1st Battalion, 65th Infantry, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 19 March 1951, near Yuman-ni, Korea, Captain Bucknell, commanding a Battle Patrol Platoon of Company B, 1st Battalion, fearlessly led his unit in an assault against a numerically superior and entrenched enemy force on Hill 114. Fully exposing himself at all times to the withering hostile fire, he was twice wounded; but undaunted, Captain Bucknell continued to aggressively lead his men in the grenade attack, routing the enemy from the hill. Only after the objective had been secured and he had defensively deployed the platoon did he accept medical treatment for his wounds. The gallant leadership and courage exhibited by Captain Bucknell reflect high credit upon himself and the military service.