Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Medical Service Corps)

    Regiment:

    23d Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    2d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    December 2, 1950

    Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 150 (June 15, 1951), Amended by G. O. 409 (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 First Lieutenant (Medical Service Corps) Edward F. LeMay (ASN: 0-1547695), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of the Medical Company, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 2 December 1950, near Kunu-ri, North Korea. On that date he was performing the duties of Battalion Surgeon while the 23d Infantry Regiment was fighting a delaying action against numerically superior enemy forces. The regiment was ordered to hold the high pass immediately south of Kunu-ri to permit the remainder of the 2d Infantry Division and elements of several other divisions to execute a successful withdrawal. By 1200 hours on that date the regiment was beating off heavy attacks from three sides of the position. The Battalion Aid Station, of which Lieutenant LeMay was in charge, was the only one functioning in the regimental position, and casualties cared for numbered more than four hundred. During the morning hours of 2 December the enemy succeeded in seizing a portion of high ground overlooking the aid station, and began to direct accurate machine gun and mortar fire on the station, inflicting heavy casualties. In spite of the great danger involved, Lieutenant LeMay remained exposed to the intense hail of enemy fire, and continued to administer to the wounded. The untiring efforts of Lieutenant LeMay enabled numerous lives to be saved that would otherwise have been lost. The gallant conduct of Lieutenant LeMay on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and upholds the highest traditions of the Military Service.