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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) James Dick (ASN: 0-382109), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company A, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 23 September 1951 in the vicinity of Samtae-dong, Korea. On that date Captain Dick was directing his unit in an assault on a strongly fortified enemy-held hill. The enemy launched a determined concentration of mortar, automatic weapons and small arms fire at the attacking elements, inflicting numerous casualties and highly disorganizing the friendly unit. Realizing the seriousness of this situation, Captain Dick, with complete disregard for his personal safety, left his observation post and crossed the fire-swept area to reorganize his unit. In the course of this act he was wounded by hostile fire but continued on and upon reorganizing his men he personally led them in the attack. He was wounded again during the initial assault but refused to be evacuated. Inspired by his fearless and aggressive leadership, his men attacked the enemy with such determination that the hostile force was overrun and completely routed. The gallantry in action displayed by Captain Dick reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.

Awards Received

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    23d Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    2d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    May 19, 1951
    Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 181 (June 17, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to First Lieutenant (Infantry) James Dick (ASN: 0-382109), United States Army, for heroic achievement on 19 May 1951 in the vicinity of Hangye, Korea. On that date he was communications officer for an infantry unit engaged with a numerically superior enemy force. So intense was the enemy fire, that the communications lines to one of the battalion’s forward elements were severed, depriving the unit of contact with the battalion commander. Lieutenant Dick dispatched a wire team to the area in an attempt to reinstate the vitally needed communications. Because of the intensity of the enemy fire, the wire team returned without completing its mission. Aware of the seriousness of the situation, Lieutenant Dick, with complete disregard for his personal safety, moved through the hail of enemy artillery and mortar fire and successfully installed the vitally needed communications. His courageous action and devotion to duty contributed materially to the battalion commander having control of his units. The heroic conduct of Lieutenant Dick reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.