(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Sergeant First Class Thomas K. Whitten (ASN: RA-44065338), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company K, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea on 18 May 1951. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant First Class Thomas K. Whitten (ASN: RA-44065338), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company K, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 27 November 1950 in the vicinity of Somin-dong, Korea. On that date Sergeant Whitten’s company was subjected to a fierce enemy assault which overran elements of the unit, forcing them to withdraw to higher ground. Sergeant Whitten’s platoon sustained severe casualties. He volunteered to lead seven wounded men back to the company command post. Threading his way through the enemy he returned to the command post with the wounded soldiers. At that time the company received orders to withdraw to rejoin other regimental units. Sergeant Whitten volunteered as member of the rear guard covering the withdrawal of the company up a steep slope. When nearly all members of the rear guard had become casualties, he fearlessly remained in position firing rifles, automatic rifles, and a machine gun until his ammunition was exhausted. He then assisted two wounded comrades up the fire-swept slope to safety. Shortly thereafter the company was enveloped by enemy forces and pinned down in a road bed. With complete unconcern for his personal safety, Sergeant Whitten charged a hostile machine gun position and destroyed its crew at point blank range, allowing the company to continue its withdrawal. During this action he was wounded, but reported for medical attention and evacuation only after his unit had completed its withdrawal. The valorous actions of Sergeant Whitten were highly instrumental to the success of his company in breaking through the enemy trap and he was responsible for saving the lives of several of his wounded comrades. His gallantry and devotion to duty and to comrades reflect great credit upon himself and are in keeping with the high traditions of the military service.