Navy Federal Credit Union

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 Bernard C. Witherspoon (ASN: RA-14247573), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy near Sesim-ni, Korea, on 3 – 4 February 1951. Sergeant Witherspoon’s company was defending near the Han River to cover the withdrawal of a friendly unit. Before the unit had withdrawn through the company lines, the enemy attacked in tremendous mass covered by intense small arms, machine gun, and mortar fire. Sergeant Witherspoon’s squad was hit by so large a number of enemy that it was quickly disorganized. Without hesitation, he immediately exposed himself fully to the intense enemy fire to reorganize his squad and to add to it stragglers from broken adjacent units. Quickly he organized these men into a new defense line, only to see it swept away by weight of enemy numbers. Again, he gathered his men and formed a line and again it was broken. Still under the most intense enemy fire, he reorganized his men again and led them in a daring counterattack in taking the area desired but his men were far too few to hold it against the oncoming surge of the enemy and again they had to give ground. For the third time, Sergeant Witherspoon gathered his men and formed them into a defense line only to see it broken again after a short but extremely bitter fight Still under terrific enemy fire, he organized his men for a fourth time and this time was able to base his defense line on the rest of the company. Thus consolidated, the line was able to hold and repulse the enemy attacks. During each withdrawal, he was the last man to leave the position covering the movement of his men as well as possible with rifle fire. Sergeant Witherspoon’s courageous actions, devotion to duty, and exemplary leadership aided immeasurably in his company’s successful action and reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the United States Infantry.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    19th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    24th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    Korean War

    Headquarters, 24th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 246 (1951)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Bernard C. Witherspoon, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in connection with military operations against the enemy in Korea while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division. 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 and the United States Army.