Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Second Lieutenant]

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    15th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    April 24 – 25, 1953

    Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 143 (May 23, 1953)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Second Lieutenant] Murray M. Olwell (ASN: 1925221), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company F, 2d Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On the night of 24 April and during the early morning hours of 25 April 1953, elements of Company F, 2d Battalion, were defending their positions on Outpost “Harry”, in the vicinity of Surang-ni, Korea, against a numerically superior hostile attack. When friendly reinforcements were called for, Lieutenant Olwell, leader of the reserve platoon, organized and led his men through an intense hostile mortar and artillery barrage to the scene of battle. Arriving at the fire swept area, he exposed himself to the enemy as he shouted orders and encouragement to his men and set up an effective base of fire. As a result of his actions, the lives of many friendly soldiers were saved and numerous hostile casualties were inflicted. Lieutenant Olwell’s outstanding gallantry, initiative and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.