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James Ladd graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1946. He retired as a U.S. Army Colonel.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    7th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    December 13, 1950

    Headquarters, X Corps, General Orders No. 70 (December 20, 1950

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Infantry) James Von Kanel Ladd (ASN: 0-28464), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. First Lieutenant Ladd distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Yongan-Ni, North Korea, on 13 December 1950. When the 3d Platoon, Company E was attacked by a numerically superior Chinese Communist force causing the platoon to withdraw due to heavy casualties, Lieutenant Ladd proceeded immediately to the disorganized platoon. Finding the platoon leader severely wounded and all non-commissioned officers wounded or killed, he quickly reorganized the platoon, reinforced it with men from the adjacent platoon and arranged the evacuation of the wounded. Repeatedly exposing himself to heavy enemy fire at short range and with utter disregard for his personal safety, Lieutenant Ladd then led the counter-attack of the platoon against a well dug in enemy across open terrain and through severe hostile cross fire. The men, inspired by this remarkable display of courage on the part of Lieutenant Ladd charged the hill with minimum casualties. Lieutenant Ladd personally led the assault against two enemy machine gun and three mortar positions. As a result of Lieutenant Ladd’s courageous action the numerically superior enemy force was forced to retreat in disorder and confusion. His prompt recognition of the serious situation and his instinctive and immediate action to save his men and destroy the enemy are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel (Infantry)

    Action Date:

    1968

    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel (Infantry) James Von Kanel Ladd (ASN: 0-28464), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States with the 9th Infantry Division in the Republic of Vietnam in 1968. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Ladd and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army.