Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    7th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    July 25, 1952

    Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 303 (September 23, 1952)

    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 Private First Class Wilbur H. Debusk (ASN: RA-19427838), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company E, 2d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Korea. On the night of 25 July 1952, while elements of his company were occupying defensive positions on an outpost known as “Kelly” near Koyangdae, Korea, Private Debusk and several of his comrades volunteered to take up positions in the listening post in order to protect the friendly positions from an imminent enemy ground attack. When the assault began, wave after wave of the fanatical foe charged up the slopes of the hill, overrunning many of the friendly positions. Private Debusk, who was covering a vital section of the defensive perimeter with his automatic weapon, undauntedly remained at his position despite the terrific onslaught, expending magazine after magazine of ammunition into the ranks of the onrushing hordes of hostile troops. He steadfastly defended his position in the face of overwhelming odds until the ruthless foe converged on him from three directions and mortally wounded him with a lethal fusillade of grenade and small arms fire. Private Debusk’s outstanding gallantry and noble self sacrifice reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.