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 Master Sergeant [then Corporal] Harmon D. Hodge (ASN: RA-13165538), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company E, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, on 22 September 1951 near Suin-Myon, Korea. On that date, his unit was given the mission to attack and secure a commanding site defended by a hostile force. In the ensuing fire fight, both Sergeant Hodge’s platoon leader and assistant platoon leader were killed. Without hesitating and undaunted by the risk involved, Sergeant Hodge immediately assumed command of the attacking elements and fearlessly led them in an assault which forced the foe to retreat in wild disorder. Thereupon Sergeant Hodge directed his men to prepare to defend their newly won site and in the course of this the enemy launched a fierce counterattack. Moving from man to man, fully exposed to a withering hail of hostile fire, he shouted words of encouragement and instructed his men in placing accurate and effective fire upon the foe. Although wounded during this act, Sergeant Hodge continued on until the hostile force was compelled, by sheer weight of loss, to abandon its mission. Sergeant Hodge’s inspirational and courageous conduct during that engagement were directly responsible for the successful completion of his unit’s assignment. The gallantry in action displayed by Sergeant Hodge is in accordance with the esteemed traditions of the military service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Bronze Star Medal
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Silver Star
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Sergeant [then Corporal]Batallion:
2d BattalionRegiment:
23d Infantry RegimentDivision:
2d Infantry DivisionAction Date:
September 12, 1951
Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 673 (November 3, 1951)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Sergeant [then Corporal] Harmon D. Hodge (ASN: RA-13165538), United States Army, for heroic achievement as a member of Company B, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, distinguished himself, in action on 12 September 1951 in the vicinity of Pia-ri, Korea. On this date Sergeant Hodge’s platoon had the mission of securing an enemy-held hill. As the unit advanced in the attack, it was suddenly pinned down by heavy automatic weapons and small arms fire from well entrenched enemy bunkers. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, sergeant Hodge, voluntarily and with complete disregard for his personal safety, assaulted the enemy emplacements, throwing hand grenades and firing his rifle. Undaunted by the intense enemy fire directed at him, Sergeant Hodge continued his action until all the bunkers were disabled and their occupants killed. As a result of his courageous actions, his unit was able to continue in the advance and successfully accomplish its mission. The heroism and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Hodge on this occasion reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
CorporalBatallion:
2d BattalionRegiment:
23d Infantry RegimentDivision:
2d Infantry DivisionAction Date:
October 11, 1951
Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 5 (January 4, 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 Corporal Harmon D. Hodge (ASN: RA-13165538), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company E, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 11 October 1951 in the vicinity of Samtae-dong, Korea. On that date Sergeant Hodge was with a unit which had the mission to secure dominating positions held by a numerically superior enemy force. In the ensuing fire-fight his squad leader and assistant squad leader become casualties and Sergeant Hodge unhesitatingly assumed command of the squad. Completely ignoring the intense hostile fire, he led his men in the attack and succeeded in repulsing the enemy forces from their key positions. The determined foe immediately counterattacked and by sheer weight of number, Sergeant Hodge’s unit was forced to withdraw to more tenable positions. Although wounded and in great pain, he refused to be evacuated and instead ordered his men to withdraw while he remained and engaged the onrushing enemy force. Only after assuring himself that his men had reached positions of comparative safety did he withdraw. His valiant efforts were highly responsible for his unit being able to complete its movement with a minimum of casualties. The gallantry in action and devotion to duty and comrades displayed by Sergeant Hodge on this occasion reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.