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 Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Morris J. Naudts (ASN: 0-32265), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, in action near Kumchon, Korea on 25 to 26 September 1950. During the advance from the Naktong River beachhead to the city of Taejon his battalion was organized into a motorized task force of armor, infantry and engineers. During the swift advance Colonel Naudts remained with the forward elements giving orders and direction to the point of the column. The battalion had advanced rapidly, overcoming the strong enemy defenses and had halted for refueling at Okchon. As the task force was preparing to move out an enemy tank opened fire with cannon and machine guns at close range and heavy mortar and machine gun fire-swept the area. With complete disregard for his own safety he advanced, through a hail of withering fire, to one of his tanks and directed its fire on the enemy tank which was quickly destroyed. Moving among his men, completely unmindful of personal safety, he directed their fire against the enemy’s dismounted troops and made preparations for launching a counterattack. During the advance which followed, his battalion destroyed five enemy tanks and gained many miles of enemy territory, inflicting heavy casualties. Colonel Naudts’ courageous actions, devotion to duty and outstanding leadership reflect the greatest credit upon himself and the United States Infantry.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Morris J. Naudts (ASN: 0-32265), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, in action near Chudong-ni, Korea, on 1 January 1951. On 31 December 1950, the 1st Battalion was deployed in defense of the left sector of the regimental front when the regiment engaged a Chinese Communist force estimated to be one division. Before daylight on 1 January 1951, an estimated enemy regiment had succeeded in infiltrating friendly lines, gained possession of high ground on both flanks of the battalion and established several road blocks on commanding terrain in the rear of the battalion. When it became apparent that the Battalion was in danger of being cut off and encircled, the regimental commander ordered Colonel Naudts to withdraw his battalion to alternate defense positions to the south. Forming his command post group, consisting of approximately 20 officers and enlisted men, he led the approximately 400 yards through heavy enemy fire to high ground where he intended to assemble and reorganize his battalion. Upon reaching this high ground, he encountered approximately 200 enemy who were armed with mortars and machine guns and moving towards the battalion’s rear. Although greatly outnumbered, Colonel Naudts, in an amazing display of personal courage, unhesitatingly led a daring assault upon the enemy force inflicting numerous casualties and forcing the remainder to flee in wild disorder. Having successfully put this group of enemy to flight, he voluntarily re-traced his steps and again exposed himself to heavy enemy fire in order to guide the remainder of his battalion into the same area. Colonel Naudts remained in this exposed position until the last man of his battalion had safely crossed the rice paddies. Having thus successfully assembled his battalion, he immediately set to work to reorganize his men and deploy them in position on the right flank of the 2d Battalion and thus ensure the establishment of the final regimental defensive position as ordered. The gallantry and superior leadership displayed by Colonel Naudts on this occasion aided immeasurably in his regiment’s stand against overwhelming odds and reflect high credit upon himself and the military service.