Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
James
B.
Luther
1928-07-29

–

1986-04-04

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Iowa

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Master Sergeant [then Sergeant First Class]

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    38th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    2d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    May 18, 1951
    Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 611 (October 18, 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 Master Sergeant [then Sergeant First Class] James B. Luther (ASN: RA-16280926), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company L, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 18 May 1951 in the vicinity of Pungchon-ni, Korea. On that date, when the company was attacked by a numerically superior enemy force, Sergeant Luther, weapons platoon sergeant, personally led his machine gun section to exposed positions, in order to direct accurate fire on enemy emplacements. Disregarding his personal safety, he remained exposed to intense enemy fire while directing the machine gun fire of his men and designating targets for the 57-mm. recoilless rifle crew. Sergeant Luther’s control of the supporting fire, on this occasion, was a significant factor in the successful defensive action of his company, and inflicted numerous casualties upon the attacking enemy forces. The gallantry in action displayed by Sergeant Luther reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant First Class

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    38th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    2d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    May 30, 1951
    Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 187 (June 18, 1957)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Sergeant First Class James B. Luther (ASN: RA-16280926), United States Army, for heroic achievement on 30 May 1951 in the vicinity of Kosa-ri, Korea. Company L, while on patrol, was brought under intense small arms and automatic weapons fire by a well concealed enemy force dug in on a ridge line covering the road. Sergeant Luther, with complete disregard for his safety, remained in the open and delivered heavy fire on the enemy. With the aid of his comrades, he shortly gained fire superiority. Completely disregarding the heavy enemy fire, he then assisted in the treatment and evacuation of the wounded. The heroism demonstrated by Sergeant Luther reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant (Infantry) [then Master Sergeant]

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    38th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    2d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    July 29, 1951
    Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 649 (October 29, 1951)

    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 Second Lieutenant (Infantry) [then Master Sergeant] James B. Luther (ASN: RA-16280926), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company L, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 29 July 1951 in the vicinity of Taeusan, Korea. On that date during an assault upon enemy positions, all the officers of Company I were casualties due to intense hostile fire. Lieutenant Luther was ordered by the battalion commander to assume command of the unit and continue its attack. He immediately reorganized the men and led them in a successful assault upon enemy positions. Having secured the objective, Lieutenant Luther directed his men in setting up a defensive perimeter and led them in repulsing an enemy counterattack. As a result of his outstanding leadership, numerous casualties were inflicted upon the enemy. The gallantry in action displayed by Lieutenant Luther on this occasion reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.