Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    7th Cavalry Regiment

    Division:

    1st Cavalry Division

    Action Date:

    January 28, 1951

    Headquarters, 1st Cavalry Division, General Orders No. 88 (May 11, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) James G. Hickerson (ASN: 0-61983), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company D, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, in action against the enemy on 28 January 1951, near Onjan-ni, Korea. Lieutenant Hickerson was in charge of the point vehicle during a battalion movement and had halted preparatory to sending a patrol into a village. When a large enemy force suddenly opened fire from the village and both flanks, Lieutenant Hickerson quickly deployed his machine gun and 57-mm. recoilless rifle section into advantageous positions and returned the fire. Although exposed to the intensive volume of bullets that swept the area with deadly effect, he moved from man to man to give encouragement and fire directions. After silencing the enemy guns to his front, Lieutenant Hickerson started to move the recoilless rifle closer to another area of fighting when automatic fire from a ridge flank stopped the movement. Again deploying his men into defensive positions, he courageously moved among his weapons, fully exposed to the enemy, to give fire directions and advice. While in the midst of this dauntless act, Lieutenant Hickerson was struck by hostile fire and eventually died of these wounds. Due to his gallant leadership, Company D was materially aided in inflicting serious losses upon the enemy, and enabling the battalion movement eventually to move in safety. Lieutenant Hickerson’s exemplary devotion to duty at the cost of his own life reflected the highest credit on himself and the military service.