Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) James A. Dollings (ASN: 0-2019860), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company C, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 28 November 1950 to 3 December 1950, in the vicinity of Kunu-ri, North Korea. On the night of 28 November 1950, the enemy, attacking in overwhelming numbers, penetrated friendly lines and were attempting a complete breakthrough in the area. During the enemy advance Company C was cut off and surrounded by the enemy. From 28 November 1950 to 2 December 1950 the Company was under constant, heavy enemy mortar and machine gun fire and was subjected to frenzied and frequent hostile assaults. Lieutenant Dollings organized a perimeter defense and for four days of almost continuous attacks was chiefly instrumental in the successful repulsion of the enemy. On numerous occasions he moved from one threatened position of the perimeter to another, fighting with rifle, machine gun, grenades and when ammunition was low, closing with the enemy in hand to hand combat. His intrepidity and disregard for personal safety were an inspiration to his wounded, cold stricken and thirsty comrades. On the night of 2 December 1950 it was decided to break out of the enemy encirclement. Lieutenant Dollings organized the Company for withdrawal and led them safely through enemy lines. The gallantry in action displayed by Lieutenant Dollings reflects great credit upon himself and is in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    9th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    2d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    January 10, 1951

    Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 67 (March 26, 1951)

    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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) James A. Dollings (ASN: 0-2019860), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company C, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 10 January 1951 in the vicinity of Wonju, Korea. Lieutenant Dollings led a combat patrol from Chechon to Wonju through enemy-held terrain with a mission to fire on every hostile target and inflict as many casualties as possible. Proceeding to Wonju, the patrol encountered sporadic sniper fire, which it returned as it continued to move forward. During the return to Chechon, the patrol ran into heavy enemy small arms fire and engaged the enemy in a fierce firefight. With utter contempt for the hostile fire and with complete disregard for his personal safety, Lieutenant Dollings repeatedly exposed himself to place his men in advantageous firing positions and to issue orders. Under his fearless and skillful leadership his men fought fiercely, routing the enemy after inflicting a great number of casualties upon them. The gallantry displayed by Lieutenant Dollings reflects the highest great upon himself is in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.