Navy Federal Credit Union

After serving in Korea and Vietnam, Richard Kotite retired as a U.S. Army Brigadier General.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    23d Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    2d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    February 15, 1951

    Headquarters, EIGHTH U.S. Army, Korea, General Orders No. 572 (July 22, 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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Richard Shafik Kotite, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with as a Platoon Leader of Company B, 1st Battalion, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division. First Lieutenant Kotite distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Chipyong-ni, Korea, on 15 February 1951. On that date, Lieutenant Kotite, a platoon leader of a rifle unit, was given the mission of attacking and seizing a hill from which the enemy was delivering effective fire on the flanks of the friendly troops. When he had led his platoon to a point near the top of the hill, a sudden and intense mortar barrage killed several of his men and scattered the remainder. Lieutenant Kotite immediately reorganized his men and, under intense enemy fire, again led them forward. At this point, an enemy machine-gun opened fire, killing the platoon sergeant and the one remaining squad leader. Undaunted by the intense and accurate fire, Lieutenant Kotite shouted encouragement to his troops and personally rushed the machine-gun emplacement, disposing of it with a grenade. He then led his men, in the face of point-blank enemy fire, over the crest of the hill. As a result of the heroic and inspiring leadership of Lieutenant Kotite, his company was able to secure commanding terrain vital to the security of United Nations troops in the area. The extraordinary heroism displayed by First Lieutenant Kotite on this occasion reflects the greatest credit on himself and is in keeping with the high traditions of the military service.