Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    9th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    2d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    December 21, 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 pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) James Carroll Hutchins (ASN: 0-957462), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company F, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 21 December 1951 in the vicinity of Kumhwa, Korea. On that date when Company F was given the mission of getting a patrol to the top of Hill 598, Lieutenant Hutchins volunteered to lead the group. Upon nearing their objective, one of the members of the patrol was injured by hostile mortar shrapnel. Lieutenant Hutchins directed two of his men to remain with the wounded man while he and the rest of the patrol continued on their mission. As the patrol neared the crest of the hill, Lieutenant Hutchins pointed out routes for each of the men to take. Their skillful approach caught the enemy by complete surprise, and the men were able to ascend the ridge without much difficulty. When the men advanced within a few feet of the enemy’s positions, their presence was discovered and a fierce fire-fight followed. Several times during this action, Lieutenant Hutchins exposed himself to enemy fire to give instructions and words of encouragement to the men of the patrol. When the order to withdraw was received he was out in front of the patrol, working his way from bunker to bunker neutralizing them as he went. Every effort was made to reach him but deadly enemy small arms fire rendered it impossible. He was last seen firing his rifle into hostile positions. His courage and selfless actions were an inspiration to all who observed him and were responsible in inflicting numerous casualties upon the enemy. The gallantry in action displayed by Lieutenant Hutchins will live forever in the hearts of his fellow men.