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 Corporal Fred B. McGee (ASN: US-52146660), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company K, 17th Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, near Tang-Wan-Ni, Korea, on 16 June 1952, during an assault on enemy fortified positions on Hill 528. As gunner on a light machine gun in a weapons squad, Corporal McGee delivered a heavy volume of supporting fire from an exposed position, despite intense enemy machine gun and mortar fire directly on his position. Though forced to move his gun several times, he continued to support the assault and give covering fire to the assault elements. When his squad leader was wounded, he assumed command of the squad and moved even farther forward to a more exposed position in order to deliver neutralizing fire on an enemy machine gun sweeping the other assault platoon with deadly flanking fire. When his machine gunner was killed, he again took over the gun and delivered deadly fire on the enemy positions. On the order to withdraw, he voluntarily remained behind to assist in the evacuation of the wounded and dead. Though wounded himself, he heroically exposed himself to intense enemy machine gun and mortar fire to assist his wounded and dead comrades. The gallantry and courageous actions of Corporal McGee reflect great credit upon himself and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.

Awards Received

  • Medal of Honor

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Corporal

    Batallion:

    3rd Battalion

    Regiment:

    17th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    7th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    June 16, 1952

    Headquarters, 7th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 240 (1952)

    The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Corporal Fred B. McGee, United States Army. Corporal McGee distinguished himself by gallantry in action near Tang-Wan-Ni, Korea, on June 16, 1952, in an assault on enemy fortified positions. As gunner on a light machine gun in a weapons squad, Corporal McGee delivered a heavy volume of supporting fire from an exposed position despite intense enemy machine-gun and mortar fire directly on his location. Though forced to move his gun several times, he continued to support the assault and give covering fire to the assault elements of his platoon. When his squad leader was wounded, together with several other members of his squad, he assumed command and moved the squad even farther forward to a more exposed position in order to deliver neutralizing fire on an enemy machine gun sweeping the other assault platoon with deadly flanking fire. When his machine gunner was mortally wounded, he again took over the gun. On order, he directed his squad to withdraw and voluntarily remained behind to help evacuate the wounded and dead. Though wounded in the face, he heroically exposed himself by standing straight up in intense enemy machine-gun and mortar fire while attempting to evacuate the body of the company runner. Forced to abandon the body, he aided a wounded man to be moved to the rear and safely through a huge volume of enemy mortar and artillery fire. The gallantry displayed by Corporal McGee reflects great credit upon himself and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.