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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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Douglas D. Grinnell (ASN: 0-62843), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company I, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 19 September 1950 in the vicinity of Changnyong, Korea. On that date Lieutenant Grinnell was leading his rifle platoon with the mission of securing Hill 269, a piece of commanding ground on the west bank of the Naktong Bridgehead. The platoon, advancing across an exposed ridge, came under intense enemy machine gun fire and the forward elements were pinned down. Lieutenant Grinnell, with complete disregard for his personal safety, continually exposed himself to direct and lead his men. Moving back and forth between his squads he maintained complete control over his platoon. Observing that the lead squad was pinned down and unable to locate enemy emplacements from which the enemy fire was coming, he rushed forward, firing his weapon and hurling hand grenades. Rallying his men, he led a final assault and drove the enemy from the hill with point blank fire. During this final charge he was wounded by a grenade fragment but refused evacuation until the objective had been secured. The gallantry displayed by Lieutenant Grinnell on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and is in keeping with the high traditions of the military service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    38th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    2d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    March 15, 1951
    Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 193 (June 18, 1951)

    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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Douglas D. Grinnell (ASN: 0-62843), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company K, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 15 March 1951, in the vicinity of Yulsil-li, Korea. On that date Company K was attacking strongly fortified enemy positions at a vital mountain pass and had run dangerously low on ammunition. Lieutenant Grinnell, as soon as he received the word at his position with the motor train, organized a carrying party, and, himself loaded with ammunition, led his men through a mortar barrage and heavy enemy sniper fire to the attacking elements of the company. Upon arrival, he learned that a sorely needed machine gun was out of action due to a ruptured cartridge. Lieutenant Grinnell made his way back over the fire-swept route to a tank in the rear and secured an extractor. He returned with it to the forward position and successfully placed the machine gun in action again. The gallantry, decisive leadership, and utter disregard for his own safety demonstrated by Lieutenant Grinnell reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.