Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    Foreign

    Rank:

    Captain

    Division:

    Turkish Army

    Action Date:

    May 29, 1953

    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 43 (June 24, 1955)

    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 Captain Sinasi Sukan, Turkish Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations in action against enemy forces at Sanggorangp’o, Korea on 29 May 1953. Captain Sukan voluntarily accompanied one of his platoons ordered to reinforce Outpost Carson, which was under heavy enemy attack. Upon hearing that both Outposts Carson and Elko had been surrounded, he led his troops in a successful counterattack, breaking through enemy lines, retaking Outpost Elko. He then quickly deployed his forces for defense, cautioning his men of the necessity of holding the position at all costs. He obtained a carbine and re-supply of grenades and moved forward to an exposed position in a critical sector of the Outpost. Although exposed to a continuous devastating mortar and artillery barrage, he moved constantly around the fighting positions, encouraging the men, directing fire, and fighting with grenades and any weapon he could find, killing an estimated seventy-five enemy himself. After fighting continuously for sixteen hours he was wounded but refused to be evacuated. Captain Sukan’s inspirational leadership, heroic actions and consummate devotion to duty reflect the highest credit on himself and the Turkish Army, and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.