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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Richard T. Crowe (ASN: 0-2017663), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company L, 3d Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Korea. On 9 August 1952, Lieutenant Crowe volunteered to accompany a patrol with the mission of locating two men missing from an engagement with the enemy on the previous night near Chik-ko-ri, Korea. In order to reach its destination, the patrol was forced to cross the hazardous Imjin River and negotiate an area which was under enemy observation. Upon reaching a point from which the bodies of the two missing men could be seen, the entire area was brought under an intense hail of enemy automatic weapons and small arms fire. Realizing that one man alone had a better chance of recovering the bodies, Lieutenant Crowe unhesitatingly edged across the fire-swept terrain toward the nearest body and carried it back to a covered position. As he was returning for the second body, the area was subjected to a heavy mortar barrage in addition to automatic weapons and small arms fire. Undauntedly, Lieutenant Crowe continued toward his objective and, upon reaching the body, placed it upon his shoulders and made his way back over the treacherous terrain to the patrol’s position. The outstanding gallantry and selfless actions displayed by Lieutenant Crowe were directly responsible for the successful completion of the mission and reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.

Awards Received

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    15th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    August 13, 1952
    Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 330 (October 31, 1952)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Richard T. Crowe (ASN: 0-2017663), United States Army, for heroic achievement as a member of Company L, 3d Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Korea. On 13 August 1952, a combat patrol, led by Lieutenant Crowe, was assigned the mission of clearing enemy troops from Hill 117 near Chok-ko-ri, Korea. As the patrol moved toward its objective, Lieutenant Crowe directed and adjusted artillery fire on the enemy positions. Upon reaching a small hill near the objective, Lieutenant Crowe placed four men in position in order to provide a base of fire. As the remainder of the patrol was advancing they were suddenly subjected to an intense hail of enemy small arms and grenade fire. Lieutenant Crowe, fully exposed himself to the deadly fire as he directed his men in a flanking maneuver which completely demoralized the enemy and drove them from their positions. As the enemy attempted to reinforce their troops, Lieutenant Crowe directed friendly artillery fire, inflicting many enemy casualties. The friendly force had taken up positions on the hill when the entire area was brought under intense enemy mortar fire. Lieutenant Crowe, realizing the gravity of the situation, fearlessly moved across the shell-torn area, shouting words of encouragement to his men and directing their withdrawal. The outstanding heroism and inspirational leadership displayed by Lieutenant Crowe were a vital contribution to the success of the mission and reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.