Navy Federal Credit Union

John Hughes earned his first Distinguished Service Cross in Korea on September 3, 1950. Two months later on November 27, he earned a SECOND Distinguished Service Cross.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    35th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    25th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    September 3, 1950

    Headquarters, EIGHTH U.S. Army, Korea, General Orders No. 20 (January 13, 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 the Distinguished Service Cross to Captain (Infantry) John Cecil Hughes (ASN: 0-58930), 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 Company K, 3d Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. Captain Hughes distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces near Chuam, Korea, on 3 September 1950. Within a six hour period, Captain Hughes’ company was attacked five times by a battalion of the enemy. When the communications, disrupted by enemy fire, made the loss of centralized control imminent, Captain Hughes, disregarding his personal safety and exposing himself to enemy fire, ran from position to position directing and supervising the fire being placed on the enemy. His fearlessness and the manner in which he repeatedly braved the incessant rain of bullets and shell fragments in order to coordinate the Company’s fire power were the prime factors in repelling the five attacks and achieving an overwhelming victory. The extraordinary heroism and inspirational leadership displayed by Captain Hughes on this occasion reflects the greatest credit on himself and is in keeping with the high traditions of the military service.

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    35th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    25th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    November 27, 1950

    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 91 (October 24, 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 Captain (Infantry) John C. Hughes (ASN: 0-58930), 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 Company K, 3d Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. Captain Hughes distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces at Ung-Pong, Korea, on 27 November 1950. Learning of an enemy breach through the right flank of his company’s sector which, seriously threatened the perimeter, Captain Hughes led a small force up a slope through mortar, grenade, and small-arms fire. Although wounded, he refused medical aid, gained the crest of the ridge, and recaptured a portion of the lost ground. Later, when enemy machine-gun fire raked his unit, he led a daring charge on the emplacement which annihilated the hostile crew with grenade and rifle fire and routed the remaining enemy from the ridge. Captain Hughes remained on the perimeter, repeatedly exposed himself to heavy fire to direct the defense until daylight, and refused evacuation until assured that the enemy attack was definitely repulsed. The indomitable fighting spirit, intense loyalty to his unit, and outstanding leadership displayed by Captain Hughes during his heroic exploits reflect the highest credit on himself and the Infantry and are in keeping with the finest traditions of the United States Army.