The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star (Army Award) to Lieutenant Colonel Wilbur F. Meyerhoff (MCSN: 0-6522), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Commanding Officer, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces near Songnim-chon, Korea, on 14 June 1951. On that date, during an assault on a well defended enemy position, the battalion command post was suddenly subjected to an intense barrage of enemy mortar and artillery fire. Without regard for his personal safety, Colonel Meyerhoff continuously exposed himself in order to locate the enemy positions and to coordinate the maneuvering elements of his battalion. He remained in his exposed position throughout the day, directing fire on the enemy emplacements and selecting the routes of advance for his troops. The gallantry, leadership and outstanding devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Meyerhoff on this occasion contributed immeasurably to the success of the mission and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Lieutenant ColonelBatallion:
2d BattalionRegiment:
7th MarinesDivision:
1st Marine Division (Rein.)Action Date:
April 2 – 7, 1951
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel Wilbur F. Meyerhoff (MCSN: 0-6522), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea from 2 to 7 April 1951. Assigned the mission of attacking northward from Chunchon to the “Kansas Line,” Lieutenant Colonel Meyerhoff constantly exposed himself to hostile fire to lead and deploy his companies in the attack over extremely rugged terrain and, although forced to move all supplies overland on foot, rapidly approached his objective despite determined enemy resistance. Calling in tanks to support the action, he bravely made his way forward into a shallow valley in the face of intense hostile small arms, mortar and automatic weapons fire to reach a position from which he could effectively observe and direct the attack. Undeterred by the bursts of enemy shells all around him, he skillfully organized a tank-infantry team and led the group in a final assault which secured the objective and inflicted heavy casualties on the hostile forces defending the position. By his outstanding courage, inspiring leadership and unswerving devotion to the fulfillment of a vital mission, Lieutenant Colonel Meyerhoff contributed immeasurably to the success achieved by the regiment and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.