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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Ralph M. Longbotham (ASN: 0-1332982), United States Army, for heroic action while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 27 Infantry Regiment, 25 Infantry Division, in Korea. On 2 August 1950 Lieutenant Longbotham, Battalion S-2, accompanies his unit on a penetration 20 miles into enemy territory near Chonson-ri, Korea. Organizing a small group of men, he led attacks in by-passed positions, eliminating the enemy and obtaining documents and weapons of great intelligence value. Heedless of constant harassing fire and the danger of attacking the fanatic emplacements with his small group, he continued his mission and secured invaluable information and materiel. Lieutenant Longbotham’s bold leadership and heroic devotion to duty reflect great credit on himself and the military service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    27th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    25th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    September 6, 1950
    Headquarters, 25th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 16 (January 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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Ralph M. Longbotham (ASN: 0-1332982), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as a member of Company D, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. On 6 September 1950 during an attack by an estimated 300 enemy on the battalion assembly area in the vicinity of Chirwon, Korea, Captain Longbotham ran through the heavy volume of small arms and automatic weapons fire to the 75-mm. recoilless rifle position and from an exposed position personally directed the fire of the guns. Later, while bringing up vitally needed ammunition, he was painfully wounded but refused medical aid, continuing, despite the severe action to direct the fire of the guns until the enemy attack was repulsed. Captain Longbotham’s exemplary courage and steadfastness under fire reflect great credit on himself and the military service.