Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Bernard George Teeters (ASN: 0-22081), United States Army, for gallantry in action Commanding Officer of the 1st Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. When on 31 August 1950, the battalion near Haman, Korea, was attacked by numerically superior hostile forces supported by tanks, Lieutenant Colonel Teeters calmly directed defensive operations and moved about the positions, heedless of the deadly concentrations of enemy artillery fire. His presence in the forward positions of the battalion sector so inspired his men that they successfully repelled the attack and inflicted such severe casualties that the enemy was forced to withdraw. Lieutenant Colonel Teeters’ courageous leadership, calm determination and notable professional skill reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    35th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    25th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    September 19 & 20, 1950

    Headquarters, EIGHTH U.S. Army, Korea, General Orders No. 76 (1951)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Bernard George Teeters (ASN: 0-22081), 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 1st Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. Lieutenant Colonel Teeters distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces near Chungam-ni, Korea, on 19 and 20 September 1950. Colonel Teeters’ battalion launched an attack on Chungam-ni, the initial battalion objective in the Pusan perimeter breakthrough. A ridge occupied by a numerically superior, fanatical, and determined enemy commanded the approach. At 0800 hours on 19 September 1950, immediately upon crossing the line of departure, the attacking elements as well as the battalion command post and the reserve company were subjected to intense and uncannily accurate machine-gun, artillery, and mortar fire. When it became apparent that the attack was faltering and many casualties were imminent, Colonel Teeters purposely rose from his position of safety, exposing himself to the enemy with the view of instilling courage and aggressiveness in the wavering attack elements. The attacking force, inspired by his action, rallied and pressed forward. He then calmly moved forward with the lead attacking elements and, in full view of the enemy, directed and coordinated the attack. As a result of his skillful, heroic, and inspirational leadership, the strategic ridge was secured and many of the enemy were killed. On the morning of 20 September 1950, he prepared and coordinated an attack plan for the final assault upon Chungam-ni. As the lead elements prepared to launch their attack, the enemy again concentrated a furious and withering blanket of artillery fire on the position. Colonel Teeters, again moved from his position of safety and, with utter disregard for the hostile fire, reconnoitered a relatively safe route which enabled the companies to advance with a minimum of casualties. The skillful leadership, calmness, and confidence displayed by Colonel Teeters contributed immeasurably to the successful accomplishment of the battalion’s mission. His extraordinary heroism and gallant leadership reflect the greatest credit on himself and are in keeping with the high traditions of the military service.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel (Infantry)

    Division:

    Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

    Action Date:

    1964 – 1967

    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel (Infantry) Bernard George Teeters (ASN: 0-22081), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States with the Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, from 1964 to 1967. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Teeters and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army.