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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) Raymond W. King (ASN: 0-1540868), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company K, 3d Battalion, 65th Infantry, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 27 March 1951, near Hongbok, Korea, Company K was completely cut off from the remainder of the battalion by a superior enemy force. Lieutenant King, Weapons Platoon Leader, led his men in a bayonet assault on the hostile positions, completely routing and vigorously pursuing the enemy until the platoon came under intense automatic weapons and mortar fire from a ridge to the front. Lieutenant King, although in an exposed position on the forward slope, grabbed a light machine gun and placing fire on the enemy emplacements, drew fire on his own position, enabling a part of the company in his sector to withdraw to a place of safety. The complete disregard for his own safety, gallantry, and calmness under fire displayed by Lieutenant King reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.

Awards Received

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    65th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    June 5, 1951
    Headquarters 3d Infantry Division General Orders No. 318 (July 27, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Raymond W. King (ASN: 0-1540868), United States Army, for heroic achievement during ground operations against a hostile force as a member of Company K, 3d Battalion, 65th Infantry, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 5 June 1951, near Chailli, Korea, while moving across muddy terrain in an attack on firmly entrenched enemy positions, Company K received intense small arms, mortar, and artillery fire from commanding hostile emplacements to the front and west flank. Repeatedly exposing himself, Lieutenant King moved about the area to control and disperse his men. Although subjected to intense fire, he maintained his position throughout the night; and, during the early morning hours, Lieutenant King launched a vigorous assault, successfully gaining the high ground to the immediate front and rendering the enemy’s flanking positions untenable. Lieutenant King’s outstanding heroism, superior leadership, and untiring devotion to duty reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    65th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    September 29, 1951
    Headquarters 3d Infantry Division General Orders No. 576 (December 26, 1951)

    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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Raymond W. King (ASN: 0-1540868), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3d Battalion, 65th Infantry, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 29 September 1951, Company K, 3d Battalion, participating in the 3d Battalion’s attack on “Twin Peaks”, near Chorwon, Korea, encountered a strong area of enemy resistance, resulting in numerous casualties to the unit, including the company commander. Observing a state of confusion and disorganization developing in the company, Lieutenant King, Assistant Battalion S-3, unhesitatingly made his way to the company through more than a quarter mile of terrain subjected to intense hostile fire. Arriving at the area, he immediately assumed command, reorganizing and encouraging the men by moving about fearlessly in the deluge of enemy missiles. The company’s position again consolidated, he moved it forward and continued the attack. The exemplary gallantry, initiative, and fearless leadership displayed by Lieutenant King reflect the highest credit upon himself and the military service.