Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Captain (Infantry) Ellis L. Fuller (ASN: 0-37366), United States Army, for heroic achievement as a member of Headquarters Company, 3d Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action on 17 May 1951 in the vicinity of Saet-o, Korea. On that night Captain Fuller led riflemen over rugged, mountainous terrain and through unmarked friendly minefields and enemy small arms fire to an assembly area where they took up defensive positions to halt a determined enemy attack on a friendly battalion. Through the untiring efforts of Captain Fuller the defenses of the battalion were bolstered and the battalion was enabled to gain its objectives. Captain Fuller’s devotion to duty, his outstanding leadership and his coolness and courage under fire reflect great credit on himself and the military service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    9th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    2d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    June 2, 1951

    Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders 298 (July 16, 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 Captain (Infantry) Ellis L. Fuller (ASN: 0-37366), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of the Headquarters, 3d Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 2 June 1951 in the vicinity of Inje, Korea. The 3d Battalion was given the mission of taking over positions occupied by another battalion. As the battalion moved forward, the entire area came under intense enemy artillery and mortar fire, causing the companies to become disorganized and impeding the relief. Captain Fuller, Battalion S-3, was at the Battalion Observation Post and saw this take place. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he advanced through heavy fire until he reached the location of the companies and guided them to their assigned positions. Discovering the loss of platoon leaders and key non-commissioned officers, he personally placed the platoons and squads into position. He then returned to the observation post to direct fire on the enemy, enabling the relieved unit to withdraw. Captain Fuller’s alertness under fire was credited with saving the lives of many men and insured the success of the battalion’s mission. Captain Fuller’s gallantry reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    9th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    2d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    February 27, 1951

    Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 185 (April 4, 1952)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Ellis L. Fuller (ASN: 0-37366), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as S-3, 3d Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 27 February 1951 in the vicinity of Sillim-Ni, Korea. On that date a determined hostile enemy launched the savage fanatical attack upon the 3d Battalion using many automatic weapons and mortars. During the attack Captain Fuller constantly exposed himself to enemy fire in moving from position to position wherever the fighting was the heaviest, directing and shifting personnel and weapons that successfully stopped the enemy attack. Later when the 3d Battalion counterattacked, Captain Fuller was with leading elements urging them on until their objective was secured. The aggressiveness, absolute fearlessness, and brilliant leadership displayed by Captain Fuller contributed greatly to the success of the Battalion Mission. The heroic example set by Captain Fuller in the courageous defense of the positions is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.