Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    19th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    24th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    February 3 & 4, 1951

    Headquarters, EIGHTH U.S. Army, Korea, General Orders No. 456 (June 24, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Private First Class Ralph Warner Weston (ASN: ER-16304621), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division. Private First Class Weston distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces near Sesim-ni, Korea, on 3 and 4 February 1951. On those dates, Company A was in defensive positions covering the withdrawal of a friendly unit. As the unit completed its withdrawal, the enemy launched a tremendous mass attack against the company. Private Weston was situated on a commanding knoll where the hostile troops were concentrating their attack. As the enemy approached, Private Weston laid down such accurate and voluminous fire that his immediate sector was soon swept clear. He then delivered enfiladed fire on enemy soldiers who were approaching other areas, providing effective support for friendly troops in those sectors. Although wounded by mortar fire during this first attack, Private Weston, refusing to be evacuated, remained in position and repulsed the second and third attacks with his devastating machine-gun fire. Again wounded during the third attack, he held his position and when the enemy started another attack Sergeant Weston continued to rake them with machine-gun fire, repelling them for the fourth time. During this action, he received his third wound but continued to remain at his machine-gun until he was carried from the position by his comrades. As a result of his dauntless action, fifty enemy soldiers were killed and the company was able to hold its defensive positions. The extraordinary heroism displayed by Private First Class Weston on this occasion reflects the greatest credit on himself and is in keeping with the high traditions of the military service.