Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Corporal

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    7th Cavalry Regiment (Infantry)

    Division:

    1st Cavalry Division

    Action Date:

    February 4, 1951

    Headquarters, EIGHTH U.S. Army, Korea, General Orders No. 459 (June 25, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Corporal Eiji Morishige (ASN: RA-10732257), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving an acting Platoon Leader with Company C, 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment (Infantry), 1st Cavalry Division. Corporal Morishige distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Ochon-ni, Korea, on 4 February 1951. On that date, Company C had the mission of seizing and securing Hill W-6, a key terrain feature near Ochon-ni. Corporal Morishige was acting platoon leader of an attached platoon of Republic of Korea troops which had been selected to assault the hill. Midway up the slope, the assaulting force was subjected to intense small-arms and automatic weapons fire. Realizing the strategic importance of the hill, and seeing that his men were faltering in the face of intense enemy fire, Corporal Morishige rushed forward in front of his platoon, firing his weapon and throwing grenades at the enemy. Inspired by the heroism and aggressive leadership of Corporal Morishige, the platoon followed him and closed with the enemy with such ferocity that they were forced to flee in disorder after suffering heavy casualties. While deploying his men in defensive position on the hill, he was killed by enemy sniper fire. The extraordinary heroism displayed by Corporal Morishige on this occasion reflects the greatest credit on himself and is in keeping with the high traditions of the military service.