Navy Federal Credit Union

The oldest of seventeen children, Ron Rosser joined the Army (for a second time) and volunteered for service in Korea after his brother had been killed in action in the early days of that war. Shortly after the funeral Ron told his parents, “I’m going to get even with the Commies for what they did to Dick. I’m going back in the army and going to Korea. I’m going to kill as many of them as I can.” Eleven months after Richard Rosser was killed in action, Ron earned the Medal of Honor.

Awards Received

  • Medal of Honor

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Corporal

    Regiment:

    38th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    2d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    January 12, 1952

    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 67 (July 7, 1952)

    The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Corporal Ronald Eugene Rosser, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Headquarters Company (Heavy Mortar), 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against enemy aggressor forces at Ponggilli, Korea, on 12 January 1952. While assaulting heavily fortified enemy hill positions, Company L, 38th Infantry Regiment, was stopped by fierce automatic-weapons, small-arms, artillery, and mortar fire. Corporal Rosser, a forward observer was with the lead platoon of Company L, when it came under fire from two directions. Corporal Rosser turned his radio over to his assistant and, disregarding the enemy fire, charged the enemy positions armed with only carbine and a grenade. At the first bunker, he silenced its occupants with a burst from his weapon. Gaining the top of the hill, he killed two enemy soldiers, and then went down the trench, killing five more as he advanced. He then hurled his grenade into a bunker and shot two other soldiers as they emerged. Having exhausted his ammunition, he returned through the enemy fire to obtain more ammunition and grenades and charged the hill once more. Calling on others to follow him, he assaulted two more enemy bunkers. Although those who attempted to join him became casualties, Corporal Rosser once again exhausted his ammunition obtained a new supply, and returning to the hilltop a third time hurled grenades into the enemy positions. During this heroic action Corporal Rosser single-handedly killed at least three of the enemy. After exhausting his ammunition he accompanied the withdrawing platoon, and though himself wounded, made several trips across open terrain still under enemy fire to help remove other men injured more seriously than himself. This outstanding soldier’s courageous and selfless devotion to duty is worthy of emulation by all men. He has contributed magnificently to the high traditions of the military service.