Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Master Sergeant

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    21st Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    24th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    July 10, 1950

    Headquarters, 24th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 51, 22 July 1950.

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” (Posthumously) to Master Sergeant Paul W. Legg (ASN: RA-6584624), United States Army, for heroic achievement in action against an armed enemy on 10 July 1950 near Chochiwon, Korea. In the early morning hours, before light, Sergeant Legg became aware that the enemy was infiltrating into the position held by the 2nd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment 24th Infantry Division. He left the safety of his foxhole and personally alerted the men of his Company Command Post, 75-MM Rifles, and Mortar Platoon, pointing out enemy positions within 100 yards. At dawn the enemy assaulted. When a tank and a small field piece began firing into the Battalion CP, the Aid Station, and into rifle positions, Sergeant Legg, realizing that communication would be lost, set up a new Company CP location and led the personnel to it. Again the enemy penetrated behind the lines and attacked the CP of Company M by direct fire. With all battalion installations neutralized the enemy had destroyed all communications. Knowing this condition to exist Sergeant Legg moved members of the CP group to the mortar positions which the enemy was attacking. There he directed fire against the enemy until it became apparent the enemy would over-run the position. Master Sergeant Legg then organized and led the remaining men to safety. Sergeant Legg moving under heavy small arms fire went forward and personally carried a wounded officer to a defiladed position where he could be evacuated by the medics. By determined efforts and leadership he was able to delay the enemy and to prevent others from being killed or captured. His fearless example reflects great credit on himself and the Military Service.