Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Colonel Allan Sutter (MCSN: 0-5610), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Commanding Officer of the Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces at Koto-ri, Korea, during the period 25 November to 10 December 1950. A gallant and resolute leader, Lieutenant Colonel Sutter continuously exposed himself to intense hostile machine-gun, mortar and small-arms fire to direct his Battalion in repelling the repeated fanatical assaults of enemy forces, estimated at two Divisions, surrounding his defensive position. With his sector constantly swept by grazing hostile fire over a period of 14 days, he bravely moved among his troops across open terrain in sub-zero weather, encouraging the men and sustaining their fighting spirit. When the enemy launched an exceptionally savage and determined assault on the night of 29 November, Lieutenant Colonel Sutter, by his brilliant direction of all phases of the defense and expert maintenance of operational control throughout the action, inspired his Battalion in repulsing the hostile force and inflicting severe casualties, including 175 dead and several hundred wounded. During the attack from Koto-ri to Sudong-ni on 10 December, he skillfully led his unit on a continuous march down a tortuous mountain defile and, although suffering from a high fever, reached his objective in minimum time with personnel and equipment intact. His superb tactical ability, fortitude and Battalion leadership in holding the strategic position at Koto-ri were contributing factors in the successful redeployment of the FIRST Marine Division to Hungnam. His outstanding courage, selfless devotion to duty and unwavering perseverance in the face of great odds reflect the highest credit upon Lieutenant Colonel Sutter and the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Action Date:

    January 25 – May 18, 1951

    Heroes U.S. Marine Corps, 1861 – 1955: Jane Blakeney

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Colonel Allan Sutter (MCSN: 0-5610), United States Marine Corps, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in Korea during the period from 25 January through 18 May 1951.