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 Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Benjamin White Heckemeyer (ASN: 0-19930), United States Army, for gallantry in action as Commanding Officer of the 3d Battalion, 5th Regimental Combat Team, 24th Infantry Division, in action near Kumchon, Korea, on 24 September 1950. When his battalion was in the attack against a strong and stubbornly resisting enemy, he made his way from position to position, without regard for his own safety, lending encouragement to his men and assisting in the attack. Through a series of well planned and brilliantly executed attacks he was able to lead his battalion in its successful attainment of its objective. Lieutenant Colonel Heckemeyer’s example and unselfish devotion to duty reflect the greatest credit on himself and the United States Infantry.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Cavalry)

    Batallion:

    Infantry Battalion

    Regiment:

    5th Regimental Combat Team

    Division:

    25th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    1951
    Headquarters, 25th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 292 (1951)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Lieutenant Colonel (Cavalry) Benjamin White Heckemeyer (ASN: 0-19930), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of an Infantry Battalion of the 5th Regimental Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Korea in 1951. Remaining with the forward elements of his battalion throughout the entire engagement, Lieutenant Colonel Heckemeyer repeatedly exposed himself to devastating enemy fire. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Colonel Heckemeyer, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Cavalry)

    Division:

    Army Air Forces, Pacific

    Action Date:

    1944 – 1945
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Colonel (Cavalry) Benjamin White Heckemeyer, United States Army, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States with General Headquarters, U.S. Army Air Forces, Pacific, from 1944 to 1945.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel (Armor)

    Action Date:

    July 1959 – December 1964
    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 2 (February 5, 1965)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel (Armor) Benjamin White Heckemeyer (ASN: 0-19930), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from July 1959 to December 1964.