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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 Master Sergeant Carl Henry Dodd (ASN: 0-2262354), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 5th Regimental Combat Team, 24th Infantry Division, in action in the vicinity of Chindong-ni, Korea, on 7 August 1950. On this date, when it was discovered that his platoon leader was missing after the platoon had been overrun, he immediately reorganized the twelve remaining men and re-occupied the position and held out until the enemy struck from all sides. Sensing the danger of being overrun, he ordered the men to withdraw under his covering fire. He found that two men were missing. He personally and with utter disregard for his own safety, exposed himself to heavy machine gun and small arms fire and assisted them to withdraw under his covering fire, thereby undoubtedly saving their lives. Upon arrival in the company area he was in such an exhausted state that he had to be evacuated himself. His heroic actions and inspiring words of encouragement were directly responsible for the splendid showing of his platoon and greatly assisted them in retaining their area of responsibility until they were driven off by a superior enemy force. He was further responsible for the safe evacuation of all known casualties from the platoon position. He checked the area to determine whether or not any had been overlooked before he withdrew and was the last man to leave the position. The gallantry displayed by Sergeant Dodd reflects great credit on himself and the military service.

Awards Received

  • Medal of Honor

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Second Lieutenant]

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    5th Regimental Combat Team

    Division:

    24th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    January 30 & 31, 1951
    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 37 (June 4, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to First Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Second Lieutenant] Carl Henry Dodd (ASN: 0-2262354), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 5th Regimental Combat Team, 24th Infantry Division, in action against enemy aggressor forces at Subuk, Korea, on 30 and 31 January 1951. First Lieutenant Dodd, given the responsibility of spearheading an attack to capture Hill 256, a key terrain feature defended by a well-armed, crafty foe who had withstood several previous assaults, led his platoon forward over hazardous terrain under hostile small-arms, mortar, and artillery fire from well-camouflaged enemy emplacements which reached such intensity that his men faltered. With utter disregard for his safety, First Lieutenant Dodd moved among his men, reorganized and encouraged them, and then single-handedly charged the first hostile machinegun nest, killing or wounding all its occupants. Inspired by his incredible courage, his platoon responded magnificently and, fixing bayonets and throwing grenades, closed on the enemy and wiped out every hostile position as it moved relentlessly onward to its initial objective. Securing the first series of enemy positions, First Lieutenant Dodd again reorganized his platoon and led them across a narrow ridge and onto Hill 256. Firing his rifle and throwing grenades, he advanced at the head of his platoon despite the intense concentrated hostile fire which was brought to bear on their narrow avenue of approach. When his platoon was still 200 yards from the objective he moved ahead and with his last grenade destroyed an enemy mortar killing the crew. Darkness then halted the advance but at daybreak First Lieutenant Dodd, again boldly advancing ahead of his unit, led the platoon through a dense fog against the remaining hostile positions. With bayonet and grenades he continued to set pace without regard for the danger to his life, until he and his troops had eliminated the last of the defenders and had secured the final objective. First Lieutenant Dodd’s superb leadership and extraordinary heroism inspired his men to overcome this strong enemy defense reflecting the highest credit upon himself and upholding the esteemed traditions of the military service.