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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier’s Medal to Sergeant First Class Frank J. Muscutt (ASN: RA-19382270), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action in Korea. On 31 July 1951, a combat patrol was attempting to cross the rain-swollen Hant’an River, near Tosong-ni, Korea when the amphibious vehicle became stuck in the deep mud of the river bank. Realizing that valuable time would be wasted in trying to extricate it, the men decided to wade across the turbulent waters. As they started out, a Republic of Korea soldier, in the lead, suddenly lost his footing and being heavily loaded with ammunition was swiftly sucked under and swept downstream by the strong current. Sergeant Muscutt, unhesitatingly plunged in fully clothed, after the drowning man and making his way to him grabbed him. After struggling for about 15 minutes in the swirling water, he succeeded in bringing the exhausted Korean soldier to shore. Sergeant Muscutt’s unselfish heroism and staunch determination reflect the highest credit upon himself and the military service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Corporal

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    7th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    June 8, 1951
    Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 363 (August 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 Corporal Frank J. Muscutt (ASN: RA-19382270), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company C, 1st Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 8 June 1951, near Chorwon, Korea, C Company’s Third Platoon was attacking the enemy-held Hill 687. Corporal Muscutt’s squad, upon being ordered to do so, charged toward a hostile machine gun nest which was causing considerable difficulty in the advance. When the squad had come within 20 yards of the emplacement, the enemy troops swarmed out to counterattack the unit. Corporal Muscutt, standing in full view of the onrushing foe, fired into the enemy position, killing five and wounding four enemy soldiers. After the remainder had retreated, Corporal Muscutt led his men in a powerful well-coordinated attack on the automatic weapons entrenchment overrunning it before the enemy could regroup; capturing the machine gun and 29 prisoners. Corporal Muscutt’s fearless leadership and gallantry reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.