The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Colonel (Infantry) Edwin John Messinger (ASN: 0-18503), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Commanding Officer of the 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division. Colonel Messinger distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the area of Sillim-ni and Takpakkol, Korea, during the period 22 February 1951 through 11 March 1951. During this period, Colonel Messinger’s regiment had the mission of seizing and securing the Sillim-ni – Takpakkol area which was held by well-entrenched elements of three hostile divisions. Throughout the entire period, Colonel Messinger remained with the foremost units of his regiment, directing the advance and exhorting his men to greater efforts against the stubbornly resisting enemy. His calm, fearless conduct while under heavy enemy fire was an invaluable source of inspiration to all members of his command, and his aggressive leadership at critical points during the operation was a major factor in the successful accomplishment of the regiment’s mission. The extraordinary heroism displayed by Colonel Messinger on this occasion reflects the greatest credit on himself and is in keeping with the high traditions of the military service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Service Cross
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
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Army Distinguished Service Medal
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Brigadier GeneralAction Date:
April 24, 1953 – July 11, 1954
Department of the Army, General Orders No. 72 (September 30, 1954)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Legion of Merit to Brigadier General Edwin John Messinger (ASN: 0-18503), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from 24 April 1953 to 11 July 1954. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Messinger and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Colonel (Infantry)Regiment:
23d Infantry RegimentDivision:
2d Infantry DivisionAction Date:
1950
United States Military Academy Register of Graduates(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel (Infantry) Edwin John Messinger (ASN: 0-18503), United States Army, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Executive Officer, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in Korea, in 1950. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Messinger and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Colonel (Infantry)Regiment:
9th Infantry RegimentDivision:
2d Infantry DivisionAction Date:
1951
United States Military Academy Register of Graduates(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel (Infantry) Edwin John Messinger (ASN: 0-18503), United States Army, was awarded a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in Korea, in 1951. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Messinger and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Major GeneralAction Date:
December 1961 – August 1963
Department of the Army, General Orders No. 46 (October 23, 1963)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Fourth Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fifth Award of the Legion of Merit to Major General Edwin John Messinger (ASN: 0-18503), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from December 1961 to August 1963. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Messinger and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Colonel (Infantry)Division:
17th Airborne DivisionAction Date:
World War II
Headquarters, 17th Airborne Division, General Orders No. 63 (1945)(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel (Infantry) Edwin John Messinger (ASN: 0-18503), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as G-3 (Operations Officer) of the 17th Airborne Division, in action against the enemy in the European Theater of Operations, in 1944 and 1945. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Colonel Messinger, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.
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Distinguished Service Cross
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Colonel (Infantry)Regiment:
9th Infantry RegimentDivision:
2d Infantry DivisionAction Date:
May 17 – 24, 1951
Headquarters, EIGHTH U.S. Army, Korea, General Orders No. 516 (July 5, 1951)The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Service Cross to Colonel (Infantry) Edwin John Messinger (ASN: 0-18503), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Commanding Officer of the 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division. Colonel Messinger distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Hangye, Hasolschi, and Sabanggarri, Korea, during the period 17 through 24 May 1951. When an enemy force, consisting of 12 divisions, attacked the 2d Infantry Division’s defensive positions in a massive offensive, Colonel Messinger fearlessly and aggressively led his regiment to secure a defensive position assigned to it. Under his daring and skillful leadership, the regiment successfully repelled the attack of two enemy divisions and nearly annihilated the enemy force. Colonel Messinger aggressively moved over difficult terrain, under intense enemy automatic-weapons and mortar fire, to direct personally both the defensive and offensive action of his unit. The indomitable courage, outstanding tactical ability and inspiring leadership of Colonel Messinger were responsible for the tremendous casualties suffered by the enemy and the complete failure of the hostile attack. The extraordinary heroism displayed by Colonel Messinger on this occasion reflects the greatest credit on himself and is in keeping with the high traditions of the military service.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Colonel (Infantry)Regiment:
23d Infantry RegimentDivision:
2d Infantry DivisionAction Date:
September 6, 1950
Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 111 (December 20, 1950)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Colonel (Infantry) Edwin John Messinger (ASN: 0-18503), United States Army, for gallantry in action as Executive Officer, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 6 September 1950 in the vicinity of Changnyong, Korea. On that date the 23d Infantry Regiment launched a series of limited objective attacks in order to gain better positions. The entire operations was under the personal direction of Colonel Messinger. The advance of the regiment was bitterly contested by the enemy who was well-entrenched on commanding ground. In spite of intense enemy fire Colonel Messinger, with complete disregard for his personal safety, moved from one sector to another in order to supervise each phase of the attack. Time and again his presence in the forward positions inspired his troops to greater efforts. His skillful leadership in coordinating the assault elements resulted in a successful and brilliant operation and contributed immeasurably to the success of his regiment in this battle. The gallantry, tactical ability, and superior leadership demonstrated on this occasion by Colonel Messinger reflect great credit upon himself and are in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Colonel (Infantry)Division:
17th Airborne DivisionAction Date:
1944 – 1945
United States Military Academy Register of Graduates(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel (Infantry) Edwin John Messinger (ASN: 0-18503), United States Army, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as G-3, 17th Airborne Division, from 1944 to 1945. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Messinger and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army.
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Army Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Lieutenant GeneralAction Date:
September 1963 – January 1965
Department of the Army, General Orders No. 8 (March 9, 1965)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal (Posthumously) to Lieutenant General Edwin John Messinger (ASN: 0-18503), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility during the period from September 1963 to January 1965. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Messinger and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army.