Navy Federal Credit Union

Second Lieutenant Iler D. Denmark (ASN: 0-2028560), United States Army, was held as a Prisoner of War after he was captured during the Korean War on 6 November 1952 and was held until his release on 2 September 1953 after the signing of the Armistice.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    15th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    November 6, 1952

    Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 55 (1953)

    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) Iler D. Denmark (ASN: 0-2028560), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company F, 2d Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 6 November 1952, the second platoon of Company F, 2d Battalion, under the command of Lieutenant Denmark, was occupying outpost “Jackson Heights” in the vicinity of Hak Tang-Ni, Korea, when they were attacked by hostile forces. Their positions becoming untenable, Lieutenant Denmark ordered the platoon to withdraw. As the platoon was withdrawing to safer positions, he heard the call for help from a medical aidman carrying a wounded man. Knowing that the enemy would soon be in possession of the hill, he returned to the top of the hill and together with the aidman, started to carry the wounded man. As they were coming down, he saw enemy forces in their path and immediately ordered the two men to take cover behind a concealed ledge while he tossed grenades and fired his carbine at the onrushing foe until he ran out of ammunition. Lieutenant Denmark was last seen being led away by a large group of hostile soldiers who overran his position. His outstanding heroism and devotion to duty reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.