Navy Federal Credit Union

Carl Pierce was wounded in action on July 20, 1950, while serving with the 34th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division during his first combat tour in Korea. He was Killed in action two-and-a-half years later in the action that earned him the Distinguished Service Cross.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Master Sergeant

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    180th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    45th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    February 24, 1953

    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 72 (September 23, 1953)

    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 Master Sergeant Carl F. Pierce (ASN: RA-35366490), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 180th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division. Master Sergeant Pierce distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces at Satae-ri, Korea, on 24 February 1953. Leading a contact patrol committed to close with and capture or destroy hostile troops, Master Sergeant Pierce and his valiant soldiers forged up the steep, barren approach to within approximately one hundred yards of a well-fortified enemy outpost and came under withering automatic-weapons and rifle fire which halted the advance. Realizing the success of the mission was imperiled, he quickly moved to the point position and spearheaded an assault carrying to within fifty yards of the objective when enemy grenades rained down, which wounded him and several other members of the group. Disregarding the wound, he shouted words of encouragement to the men and urged them forward in a daring charge. Minutes later, when an enemy grenade fell to the ground near him, Sergeant Pierce hurled himself on it, absorbing the blast and saving his comrades from possible serious injury. Although wounded again in this action, he remained steadfast until the patrol broke contact with the enemy. He then directed an orderly withdrawal to the safety of the valley below. Sergeant Pierce’s superb leadership and dauntless courage reflect great credit on himself and are in keeping with the honored traditions of the military service.