Navy Federal Credit Union

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Alfred F. McIlquham, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with the 24th Infantry Division in Korea. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    29th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    24th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    July 27, 1950

    Headquarters, 24th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 354 (May 4, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Alfred F. McIlquham (ASN: 0-1540848), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 29th Infantry Regiment, then attached to the 24th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy Near Anui, Korea, on 27 July 1950. Immediately after relieving Company A, 19th Infantry Regiment, his company was attacked by a numerically superior enemy force. Supported by a devastating barrage of enemy artillery and mortar fire. The attack carried to within hand grenade range of the company positions. First Lieutenant McIlquham speedily ran and crawled among his platoon, encouraging the men and directing their fire most effectively on the fanatic enemy. Faced with the certainty of being overrun, the company was ordered to withdraw; his platoon giving covering fire while the remainder withdrew from the village, across a river, and to higher ground. Though exposed to intensive fire from bursting shells and grenades, he continued circulating among his men, many times joining the fight and personally inflicting several enemy casualties. The excellence of his leadership enabled the rest of the company to withdraw successfully. Forward assaults, estimated to be in regimental strength, enabled the enemy to push back flanking units and encircle First Lieutenant McIlquham’s platoon. Fighting fiercely to break a weak spot in the enemy encirclement, he succeeded in getting a few of his men out safely. At one time he walked directly into the path of enemy machine gun fire to rescue two wounded men. Late in the action, a final fire fight occurred and when last seen, he was bravely attempting to get his command through to safety. First Lieutenant McIlquham’s gallant actions and exemplary devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the United States Army Infantry.