Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Lock W. Ireland (ASN: 0-1020393), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company A, 72d Tank Battalion, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 1 September 1950 in the vicinity of Yongsan, Korea. On this date overwhelming enemy forces had penetrated our defenses along the Naktong River and were forcing our troops to withdraw. Lieutenant Ireland, a tank platoon leader, was given the mission of supporting the withdrawal of an infantry regiment. During the action he dismounted from h is tank and moved through intense small arms fire to organize his tanks and supporting infantry into a strong defensive position. His complete disregard for his personal safety gave the men of his force the inspiration and an example of courage that enabled them to resist strong enemy attacks for a period of over seven hours. During this time he also led a counterattack which secured high ground and better defensive positions. These positions he held until encirclement was imminent and he was ordered to withdraw. By his aggressive and daring tactics during this engagement he was largely responsible for the success of the tank-infantry team whose defense gained the time necessary for the infantry regiment to form a new line of resistance behind the town of Yongsan. The intrepidity and high degree of leadership displayed on this occasion by Lieutenant Ireland reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    72d Tank Battalion

    Division:

    2d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    September 22, 1950

    Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 92 (November 24, 1950)

    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 First Lieutenant Lock W. Ireland (ASN: 0-1020393), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company A, 72d Tank Battalion, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 22 September 1950 in the vicinity of Chogyo, Korea. On this date Lieutenant Ireland was in command of a tank-infantry patrol which had the mission of penetrating enemy territory, reconnoitering the terrain and locating enemy strong points. During the advance several enemy strong points were located. On these occasions Lieutenant Ireland dismounted from his tank and personally led the infantry elements forward against the enemy while at the same time directing air strikes. When all the men in his mine section became casualties he instructed several infantrymen in the proper procedure for locating and neutralizing enemy mines. By his aggressive tactics he pushed his patrol 12,000 yards into enemy territory, neutralizing several enemy positions by using his own forces and directing air strikes. During this patrol he displayed a complete disregard for his personal safety and conducted his mission in a superior manner. His forces during this mission destroyed three anti-tank guns in addition to a considerable amount of arms and ammunition. Due to his aggressiveness the enemy was forced to evacuate his prepared positions and the subsequent advance of an infantry regiment was greatly facilitated. The gallantry and superior leadership displayed by Lieutenant Ireland on this occasion reflect great credit upon himself and are in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service.