Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    21st Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    24th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    April 14, 1951

    Headquarters, 24th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 57 (January 26, 1952)

    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) Richard H. Beatty (ASN: 0-2017638), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of member of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Third Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, (then a member of Company L, 3d Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division), in action near Congar-ni, Korea, on 14 April 1951. Serving as platoon leader, he led his unit in an attack against firmly entrenched enemy forces. The friendly troops were suddenly pinned down by intense enemy machine gun fire as they advanced along a ridgeline. Realizing the danger of the situation, Lieutenant Beatty advanced far ahead of his men and, armed only with a carbine, single-handedly destroyed the enemy position responsible for the deadly fire. The platoon was thus able to advance but was again stopped by another machine gun on higher ground. Lieutenant Beatty obtained some hand grenades and moved forward once more. In so doing, he was completely exposed and was subjected to a tremendous concentration of firepower. Nevertheless, he unswervingly/continued, and wiped out the machine gun nest with well placed grenades. Inspired by his fearlessness, his men resumed the attack and secured the objective. Lieutenant Beatty’s courageous action, intrepid leadership and selfless devotion to duty contributed immeasurably to the success of his unit’s mission and reflect the highest credit on himself and the United States Infantry.