Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    38th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    2d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    September 28, 1951

    Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 128 (March 6, 1952)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private Ben D. Henry, Jr. (ASN: RA-18396508), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company M, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 28 September 1951 in the vicinity of Satae-ri, Korea. On that date the machine-gun platoon of Company M became encircled by a numerically superior enemy force occupying bunkers on Hill 656. After a bitter battle, the unit was able to withdraw to positions of safety with the aid of a tank platoon. Upon reaching covered positions, Private Henry volunteered to return to the draw, where his platoon had been trapped and bring out or destroy weapons or equipment left behind and to look for stragglers. Advancing over the open terrain which was under constant hostile fire, Private Henry reentered the draw, and without covering fire from friendly forces, fearlessly accomplished his mission. As a result of his heroic actions the enemy was denied the use of equipment left behind by the withdrawing friendly unit. His dauntless courage on this occasion was an inspiration to all who observed him. The gallantry in action and selfless devotion to duty demonstrated by Private Henry are in accordance with the esteemed traditions of the military service.