Navy Federal Credit Union

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to James D. DeWitt, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with the 24th Infantry Division in Korea. 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.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant [then Corporal]

    Regiment:

    19th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    24th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    February 9, 1951

    Headquarters, 24th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 311 (April 10, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant [then Corporal] James D. DeWitt (ASN: RA-18331607), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the Medical Company, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy near Kunom-ni, Korea, on 9 February 1951. Company C, to which he was attached as an Aid Man, was attacking Hill 584 with the mission of securing it so that the attack could be continued to the Han River. As soon as the attack started up the hill, he was hit by fragments of an enemy grenade. However, realizing that casualties would probably be heavy during this difficult attack and his service needed, he refused evacuation and continued with the company. Five times he moved to within a scant ten yards of enemy positions to pick up badly wounded men and bring them back to litter teams. He continued with the attack to the summit of the hill continually roving about under the most intense enemy fire. When the top was reached, the enemy launched a counterattack which the depleted company could not withstand and the company was forced t withdraw. There were many wounded and too few men could be spared to assist them. Ignoring he pain of his own wound he personally aided two wounded men down the steep, slippery sides of the hill. Without his selfless courage many of his comrades would have died of wounds or have been left behind to fall into the hands of the enemy. Sergeant DeWitt’s courageous actions and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the United States Army Medical Service.