Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Corporal

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    15th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    October 3, 1951

    Headquarters, EIGHTH U.S. Army, Korea, General Orders No. 132 (March 6, 1952)

    The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Corporal Eugene Peter Monforton (ASN: US-56092192), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. Corporal Monforton distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Chorwon, Korea, on the night of 3 October 1951. On that night the company of which Corporal Monforton was a member was occupying defensive positions on a recently captured hill when a large enemy force launched a determined counterattack. Occupying a forward position in the defense perimeter, Corporal Monforton opened fire with his machine-gun as soon as the enemy came into view. With deadly accuracy, he raked the forward elements of the attacking force, causing the hostile troops to disperse and seek cover. Realizing that Corporal Monforton’s position was the site from which the major portion of the firepower being directed against them originated, the enemy soldiers concentrated a heavy volume of counterfire on it and began to hurl numerous grenades. One of these grenades exploded, but despite his wounds, Corporal Monforton steadfastly remained at his post, alternately throwing grenades at the enemy and attempting to clear his weapon, which had malfunctioned as a result of the explosion. Putting the machine-gun back into operation, he resumed firing at the milling enemy before him until he collapsed and died of his wounds. The numerous casualties inflicted by Corporal Monforton’s deadly fire effectively halted the hostile attack and enabled his comrades to repulse the foe with a minimum of casualties. The extraordinary heroism displayed by Corporal Monforton reflects the highest credit upon himself and is in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service.