The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Carl C. Dewey (ASN: 0-693117), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 18 May 1951, in the vicinity of Kunmul-gol, Korea. On that date Lieutenant Dewey volunteered to accompany Company H of the 38th Infantry Regiment into territory known to be controlled by the enemy. The mission of the Company was to secure vehicles and evacuate any wounded left behind when elements of the regiment had been overrun earlier in the morning.
When the unit reached the village of Kunmul-gol, it encountered heavy fire from at least three machine guns and an unknown number of small arms, situated on a hill approximately 200 yards from the vehicles. With utter disregard for his own safety, Lieutenant Dewey organized one platoon to cover the movement of the other units. With this protection, a second platoon was able to secure five jeeps, one three-quarter ton truck, two 81-mm. mortars, and several other items of equipment; and to evacuate two wounded men who had survived the early morning attack by feigning death. Lieutenant Dewey’s ability and inspiring leadership enabled Company H to accomplish its mission with utmost success. The gallantry in action displayed by Lieutenant Dewey reflects great credit upon himself and upholds the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.