Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant First Class

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    19th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    24th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    January 30, 1951

    Headquarters, 24th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 17 (January 9, 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 Sergeant First Class Chilton W. Hurst (ASN: RA-35655010), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company G, 2d Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, near Tongong-ni, Korea, on 30 January 1951. His company had the mission of taking and securing enemy-occupied Hill 389, a rugged, snow-covered terrain feature. As the friendly troops advanced, they were subjected to a tremendous volume of interlocking fire from well placed and strongly reinforced enemy emplacements. Most of the heavy fire was coming from the southeast slope of the hill and was inflicting a number of casualties in the allied ranks. Sergeant Hurst, Squad leader, realizing the perilous situation of his company and with utter disregard for his own personal safety, raced forward through the withering enemy fire and, with his automatic carbine blazing, killed two enemy soldiers, rendering their heavy machine guns useless. Heedless of the intense concentration of enemy fire, he continued his assault, wounding three more of the enemy. His comrades were so inspired by his action that they launched a successful attack on the objective, killing and wounding many of the enemy troops and routing the rest in disorder. Sergeant Hurst’s courageous action, exemplary leadership and selfless devotion to duty reflect the highest credit on himself and the United Sates Infantry.