Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Second Lieutenant Harvey W. Nolan (MCSN: 0-50159), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as a Platoon Leader in Company B, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea on 23 April 1951. When numerically superior hostile forces penetrated an adjacent unit and threatened the security of the Battalion, Second Lieutenant Nolan boldly led his platoon up a steep slope during the hours of darkness in an attempt to dislodge the enemy from their well-entrenched hill positions dominating the city of Hwach’on. Although painfully wounded when the unit was subjected to a sudden hail of hostile automatic weapons and grenade fire near the summit of the slope, he bravely refused to be evacuated, seized an automatic rifle from one of the casualties, put it into action and, at the same time, directed his leading elements in delivering effective fire on the enemy, thereby gaining the initiative. After successfully evacuating the dead and wounded, he skillfully reorganized the remainder of his unit and led a vigorous fixed-bayonet assault on the objective in the face of intense hostile fire. Unable to dislodge the enemy, he led his platoon to an adjacent hill and, throughout the night, moved among his unit, encouraging his men and directing heavy automatic weapons and mortar fire on the hostile positions in an effort to deny the enemy the use of the vital ground. At dawn, he gallantly spearheaded the remaining fifteen men of his platoon in a second determined attack, completely routing the enemy and driving them from the hill. By his brilliant leadership and sound tactical ability, he served to inspire all who observed him and contributed materially to the security of friendly forces within the area. His outstanding courage, aggressive fighting spirit and unswerving devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Second Lieutenant Nolan and the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    5th Marines

    Division:

    1st Marine Division (Rein.)

    Action Date:

    May 31, 1951

    Headquarters, X Corps, General Orders No. 225 (October 7, 1951)

    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 First Lieutenant Harvey W. Nolan (MCSN: 0-50159), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a member of Company B, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor force in the vicinity of Inje, Korea. On 31 May 1951, Lieutenant Nolan was serving as platoon leader with B Company. After successfully attacking along a ridge line near Inje, his unit was held up at the base of Hill 780 by intense fire from enemy automatic weapons, small arms, and hand grenades. Due to impending darkness, further attack was postponed until the following day. On the morning of 1 June 1951, Lieutenant Nolan led his platoon through the intense fire and hand grenade barrage, in an assault on the enemy positions near the crest of the hill. He skillfully maneuvered his platoon to a position where the enemy’s well entrenched and cleverly camouflaged positions could be observed. Lieutenant Nolan then expertly and effectively fired rifle grenades into the enemy positions. The gallantry and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Nolan contributed materially to the success of his unit’s mission and reflect great credit on himself and the military service.