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.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Bronze Star Medal
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
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Bronze Star Medal
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Legion of Merit
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Bronze Star Medal
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Legion of Merit
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Captain (Infantry)Regiment:
129th Infantry RegimentDivision:
37th Infantry DivisionAction Date:
November 8, 1943
Headquarters, 37th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 174 (July 25, 1944)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal to Captain (Infantry) Morris J. Naudts (ASN: 0-32265), United States Army, for heroic achievement as S-2 of the 129th Infantry Regiment on the advance detail which landed on Bougainville Island 8 November 1943, and in connection with military operations against the enemy from 8 November 1943 to 24 March 1944. Captain Naudts thoroughly familiarized himself with the enemy situation and upon the arrival of the Regiment he was able to give valuable information to his Commanding Officer and effectively orient him concerning the latest developments of the operation. Captain Naudts continued to act in the capacity of Regimental S-2 until 26 November 1943. During this time he capably discharged his duties and was fully cognizant of the enemy situation at all times. During this period the Regiment was moving forward to its final line of defense and through his effective system of reconnaissance patrols the whereabouts of the enemy was accurately established.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry)Batallion:
2d BattalionRegiment:
129th Infantry RegimentDivision:
37th Infantry DivisionAction Date:
June 6, 1945
Headquarters, 37th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 369 (November 15, 1945)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Morris J. Naudts (ASN: 0-32265), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 2d Battalion, 129th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in the Philippine Islands. Colonel Naudts was at a roadblock near Bam Bang on 6 June 1945, directing fire at a Japanese force trying to break through out positions, when a machine gun squad leader was seriously wounded and lay in an exposed position on the road. Colonel Naudts crawled 25 yards under intense hostile fire to the wounded man, dragged him to a shallow ditch along the road, and administered first aid. He then dragged the casualty up the narrow ditch to a covered position where further first aid and blood plasma were given. Colonel Naudts’ courageous action was instrumental in saving the life of his fellow soldier. The bravery, aggressive determination, and exemplary leadership exhibited by Lieutenant Colonel Naudts reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Armed Forces.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Colonel (Infantry)Action Date:
November 1961 – November 1963
Department of the Army, General Orders No. 3 (January 28, 1964)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel (Infantry) Morris J. Naudts (ASN: 0-32265), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Chief, Military Equipment Delivery Team, American Embassy, Rangoon, Burma, from November 1961 to November 1963. Through his inspiring leadership, keen perception, and diplomatic talent, Colonel Naudts achieved outstanding effectiveness in implementing the Military Assistance (Sales) Program in Burma, and significantly enhanced relationships with the neutral, non-aligned Revolutionary Government of Burma. He demonstrated professional acumen and mature judgment, and constantly provided sound solutions to the numerous, complex, and highly sensitive problems encountered in executing the Program. His untiring efforts, dedicated devotion to duty, and ability to engender a harmonious working relationship with Burmese counterparts resulted in a more productive and closer association with the Burma Defense Forces, materially promoted the progress of the Military Assistance (Sales) Program, and contributed in great measure to the furtherance of United States objectives in Burma. Colonel Naudts’ exceptional accomplishments and distinguished performance of duty reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Army, and the military service.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry)Batallion:
1st BattalionRegiment:
19th Infantry RegimentDivision:
24th Infantry DivisionAction Date:
August 16, 1950 – January 29, 1951
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Morris J. Naudts (ASN: 0-32265), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Battalion Commander, 1st Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, in Korea, from 16 August 1950 to 23 January 1951. Colonel Naudts, exercising superior professional ability and forceful leadership, rapidly welded his unit into a cohesive fighting force and capably led them in the successful defense of the Naktong River line. Later, he courageously directed his men in an offensive which resulted in the complete routing of the enemy from South Korea. Throughout the advance northward, the vicious Chinese communist attack, and during the orderly withdrawal from North Korea, Colonel Naudts’ superior planning, skillful employment of units and tireless efforts enabled the battalion to establish a record of brilliant successes. Colonel Naudts’ mastery of military tactics, sustained personal courage and relentless devotion to duty won the confidence, admiration and respect of all members of his command and contributed materially to the success of his unit in support of the United Nations’ fight for peace and freedom in Korea, reflecting great credit on himself and the military service.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry)Batallion:
1st BattalionRegiment:
19th Infantry RegimentDivision:
24th Infantry DivisionAction Date:
January 1, 1951
Headquarters, EIGHTH U.S. Army, Korea, General Orders No. 122 (1951) & 375 (1951)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.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry)Regiment:
129th Infantry RegimentDivision:
37th Infantry DivisionAction Date:
April 13, 1945
Headquarters, 37th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 219 (July 31, 1945)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Morris J. Naudts (ASN: 0-32265), United States Army, for heroic achievements in connection with military operations against the enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 13 April 1945. Colonel Naudts assumed command of a line company which had lost its commander and executive officer during a fierce engagement with the enemy. His prompt action prevented complete disorder. He expertly reorganized the men and supervised the destruction of a Japanese ambush. He then personally drove three American casualties to safety and medical aid.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry), [then Major]Batallion:
2d BattalionRegiment:
129th Infantry RegimentDivision:
37th Infantry DivisionAction Date:
July 7, 1944 – June 30, 1945
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry), [then Major] Morris J. Naudts (ASN: 0-32265), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in the Southwest Pacific Area, from 7 July 1944 to 30 June 1945. As Executive Officer, and subsequently as Commanding Officer, 2d Battalion, 129th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, Colonel Naudts displayed exceptional professional skill incident to operations in Bougainville, Solomon Islands, and during the Luzon Campaign. During the swift advance down the central plain following the landing at Lingayen Gulf, Luzon, Philippine Islands, and subsequently bitterly contested operations in Manila and along the Naguilian-Bagule road, he resourcefully provided a steady flow of supplies for the rapidly moving troops and his efficient supervision of numerous administrative details enabled the battalion commander to devote his entire attention to the solution of tactical problems. Assuming command of the unit in a rest area, he devoted himself tirelessly to the formulation of plans for projected operations in the Cagayan Valley where, largely due to his expert training and inspiring leadership, the battalion fought forward 54 miles in less than four days to effect a juncture with other American forces at the northern end of the valley. Constantly with the foremost elements and frequently exposed to hostile action, he skillfully coordinated armor and supporting units into a unified striking force which was largely instrumental in the destruction of the last organized enemy resistance in Luzon. Through his seasoned judgment, resourcefulness, and unremitting devotion to duty, Colonel Naudts made a noteworthy contribution to the success of the 2d Battalion, 129th Infantry. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Naudts and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry), [then Captain]Regiment:
129th Infantry RegimentDivision:
37th Infantry DivisionAction Date:
February 14, 1944
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Bronze Star Medal to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry), [then Captain] Morris J. Naudts (ASN: 0-32265), United States Army, for exemplary conduct in ground combat against the armed enemy on or about 14 February 1944, in the Pacific Theater of Operations while serving with the 129th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division.
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Legion of Merit
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel (Infantry) Morris J. Naudts (ASN: 0-32265), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Chief, Resource Management System Task Force, United States Army Infantry Center, Fort Benning, Georgia from July 1967 to May 1969. Throughout this period, Colonel Naudts directed the evaluation, development and refinement of the procedures for the Resource Management System. His professional competence and keen insight into modern scientific management principles were directly responsible for the creation of detailed and imaginative test plans, critical analysis of test results and logical, effective recommendations and reports. Colonel Naudts guided and encouraged the Task Force and the Infantry Center in the revision and expansion of new concepts for performance measurement and analysis. His outstanding leadership, ingenuity and dedication were continually evidenced by superior accomplishments. Colonel Naudts’ distinguished performance of duty throughout this period represents outstanding achievement in the finest traditions of the United States Army and reflects the utmost credit upon himself and the military service.