Navy Federal Credit Union

Clarence Postlethwait was captured in action that earned him the Distinguished Service Cross in Korea on November 2, 1950, and subsequently died of his wounds two months later. He was listed as Missing in Action. His remains have never been recovered.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant First Class [then Sergeant]

    Batallion:

    8th Engineer Combat Battalion

    Regiment:

    8th Cavalry Regiment (Infantry)

    Division:

    1st Cavalry Division

    Action Date:

    November 2, 1950

    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 51 (November 29, 1956)

    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 Sergeant First Class [then Sergeant] Clarence Eugene Postlethwait (ASN: RA-6898582), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as a medical Aidman with Company C, 8th Engineer Combat Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment (Infantry), 1st Cavalry Division. Sergeant First Class Postlethwait distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces at Unsan, Korea, on 2 November 1950. On that date, the 3d Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment (Infantry) was completely surrounded and contained in a small defense perimeter in an open field and pinned down by heavy concentrations of enemy automatic small-arms fire. There were approximately 125 American wounded within the defense perimeter who had received no medical attention due to the fact that all medical supplies were aboard a truck which had to be abandoned during the preceding night’s furious engagement and which was located at an exposed point approximately 75 yards outside the defense perimeter, in full view of the enemy. Sergeant First Class Postlethwait fearlessly volunteered to attempt to reach the truck and bring back medications and bandages to enable the battalion surgeon to render emergency treatment to the wounded. With utter disregard for his own safety, he left the comparative cover of the defense perimeter, made his way to the truck amidst bursts of fire from enemy snipers, and collected the necessary medical supplies. He had all but arrived back at the defense perimeter when he was mortally wounded by fragments from enemy grenades. Sergeant Postlethwait’s unflinching courage and heroic self-sacrifice in an effort to alleviate the sufferings of his wounded comrades set an inspirational example of valor to all who observed him, reflecting the highest credit on himself, and upholding the finest traditions of the military service.

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant First Class

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (Korean War)

    Action Date:

    November 2, 1950 – December 31, 1950 (MIA)

    Defense Prisoner of War/Missing Personnel Office

    Sergeant First Class Clarence Postlethwait (ASN: RA-06898582), United States Army, was held as a Prisoner of War after he was captured on 2 November 1950 during the Korean War and died of wounds on or about 31 December 1950.