Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Ray Alvin Cutsforth (ASN: RA-17215795), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 3d Engineer Combat Battalion, 24th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy near Wiegman, Korea, on 19 September 1950. During the establishment of the Naktong River bridgehead Corporal Cutsforth was captain of a boat crew charged with the responsibility of ferrying men and arms across the fire swept stream. Under intense artillery, mortar, and small arms fire he led his crew across the open beach and started the perilous crossing. As he reached midstream the boat was grounded on a sandbar and received direct machine gun fire, causing at least one casualty and resulting in confusion in the boat. With utter disregard for his own safety he plunged in the water and calmly pushed the boat into deeper water. After making the successful crossing to the far shore he returned the boat with wounded infantrymen to the launching site. In this action he was wounded, but disregarding his wounds commenced to organize the crew and infantry for a second crossing. His comrades, observing his condition, started to carry him across the beach where he again was stuck by fire and mortally wounded. Corporal Cutforth’s courageous actions and complete devotion to duty serve well to inspire his men to great efforts in this critical operation and reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the United States Engineer Corps.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Corporal

    Batallion:

    3d Engineer Combat Battalion

    Division:

    24th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    September 19, 1950

    Headquarters, 24th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 200 (1951)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Ray Alvin Cutsforth (ASN: RA-17215795), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in connection with military operations against the enemy in Korea while serving with Company C, 3d Engineer Combat Battalion, 24th Infantry Division. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.