Sponsored by:

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 Sergeant First Class Larry L. Gillespie (ASN: ER-16307109), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company A, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 11 September 1951 in the vicinity of Taeusan, Korea. On this date during the attack on an enemy-held hill, the unit was unable to advance due to intense enemy fire. Heedless of this intense hostile fire, Sergeant Gillespie voluntarily organized a group of men and led them in an assault against the enemy forces occupying the hill. Disregarding his own safety, he led and directed his men in the attack, driving the enemy back and forcing them to take cover. Sergeant Gillespie continued in the attack, inflicting numerous casualties upon the enemy, until the rest of the company was able to maneuver into position and successfully secure its objective. The gallantry in action displayed by Sergeant Gillespie reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.

Awards Received

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    38th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    2d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    May 17, 1951
    Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 174 (June 16, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Private First Class Larry L. Gillespie (ASN: ER-16307109), United States Army, for heroic achievement on 17 May 1951 in the vicinity of Panmegi-ri, Korea. On that date, Company A was withdrawing from a high hill and Private Gillespie with other members of his squad was participating in a delaying action against a numerically overwhelming enemy force. Voluntarily and with complete disregard for his own safety, he exposed himself to intense enemy fire while spotting the most advantageous enemy targets and relaying his observations to his squad leader, for transmission to the artillery forward observer. When the squad was ordered to withdraw from the hill, Private Gillespie again voluntarily remained behind long enough to destroy ammunition and equipment which his company could not carry along. The heroism displayed by Private Gillespie reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.