Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Batallion:

    64th Heavy Tank Battalion

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    April 24, 1951

    Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 336 (August 3, 1951)

    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 Richard T. Lawhorn (ASN: RA-13349659), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters and Service Company, 64th Heavy Tank Battalion, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 24 April 1951, it was reported that the beleaguered Gloucestershire Battalion needed weapons, ammunition, and medical supplies in order to hold its position near Choksong, Korea, through the night. Despite below marginal visibility due to approaching darkness, smoke, and hazardous mountain terrain, Sergeant Lawhorn voluntarily accompanied the pilot in an unarmed aircraft to make drops of the vital supplies to the Gloucestershire Battalion. Making the first pass over the area to check the location of the battalion, the aircraft was subjected to intense enemy machine gun, artillery, and mortar fire; heedless of this, the supplies were dropped in three additional low-level passes. The supplies delivered in this action enabled the battalion to hold its position through the night and inflict heavy casualties on the enemy. The gallantry and courage displayed by Sergeant Lawhorn reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.