Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Corporal

    Batallion:

    2d Engineer Combat Battalion

    Division:

    2d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    September 2, 1950

    Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 107 (December 17, 1950)

    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 Dale E. Whitt (ASN: RA-15417502), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company D, 2d Engineer Combat Battalion, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 2 September 1950 in the vicinity of Yongsan, Korea. On that date he was a .50 caliber machine gunner in a defensive position. The enemy launched a strong attack against his unit which had the mission of holding a ridge and a vital road junction adjacent thereto. Although his weapon was located in an exposed position he continued to fire until he was wounded. After receiving first aid he refused to be evacuated but returned to his gun. The attacking enemy supported by intense mortar, tank and automatic weapons fire, had penetrated the liens and was about to overrun his platoon. Realizing the importance of the fire which he could deliver from his exposed position he fearlessly remained in place and poured devastating bursts of fire into the advancing enemy. The accurate fire delivered by Corporal Whitt enabled his platoon to withdraw without sustaining more serious casualties, to a new defensive position where they were able to reform, beat off the enemy attack, and accomplish the mission of holding the ridge. During the last phases of the attack Corporal Whitt was once more wounded and was evacuated. The gallantry and high devotion to duty displayed by Corporal Whitt reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.