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 General Il Kwon Chumg, Army of the Republic of South Korea, for gallantry in action against an armed enemy of the United Nations near Pohang, Korea on 10 September 1950. Learning that the Republic of Korea 3d Division was heavily engaged and the enemy was attempting a break-through toward the vital supply base at Pusan, General Chung traveled by aircraft to Pohang to assume personal control of the critical situation. Fully aware that the Pohang air-strip had been abandoned by friendly forces and realizing the aircraft would attract hostile action, General Chung fearlessly proceeded and, upon landing, the area was immediately subjected to intense artillery fire. Making his way to a waiting jeep and, scorning hits on the vehicle, General Chung drove through a barrage of bursting shells to the division command post. After a short briefing, General Chung went forward and, constantly vulnerable to hostile fire, moved among his foremost elements to direct operations. His safety was further imperiled by the enemy’s knowledge of his presence but, undaunted, he continued to maintain close liaison with front-line units. General Chung, dominating and controlling the critical situation through sheer force of his heroic example, inspired both officers and men to hold during 6 hours of bitter fighting under constant, heavy shelling. After the attack was contained, General Chung returned to the air-strip where he was pinned down for more than an hour by heavy concentrations of artillery fire. Despite the withering fire, General Chung was preparing to depart when he observed a pilot attempting to evacuate a small aircraft and insisted that the pilot be allowed take-off priority. As the pilot was becoming airborne, an artillery burst blew off a wheel, disabling the aircraft. After assuring himself that the pilot was uninjured, General Chung braved the hazard of becoming airborne and was successfully flown from the area. General Chung’s unflinching courage under fire. Inspirational leadership, and intrepid, aggressive actions reflect great credit on himself and the Republic of Korea Army.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Service Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
Service:
ForeignRank:
Lieutenant GeneralAction Date:
February 3, 1953 – February 14, 1954
Department of the Army, General Orders No. 61 (August 18, 1954)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit, in the Degree of Commander to General Il Kwon Chung, Republic of Korea Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from 3 February 1953 to 14 February 1954.
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Distinguished Service Cross
Service:
ForeignRank:
Lieutenant GeneralDivision:
2d (Republic of Korea) Infantry DivisionAction Date:
October 16, 1952
Department of the Army, General Orders No. 84 (November 3, 1953)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 Lieutenant General Il Kwon Chung, Army of the Republic of Korea, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Commanding General, Second (Republic of Korea) Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in the Republic of Korea on 16 October 1952. In an assault on “Sniper’s Ridge,” the division secured its important objective after three days of sever fighting. Despite heavy enemy mortar and artillery fire, Lieutenant General Chung visited front-line units with complete disregard for his safety, supervising the redeployment of troops and establishment of adequate and effective defense measures. He quickly initiated plans for the rapid evacuation of the wounded from forward aid stations and displayed a keen and sympathetic interest in the welfare of his men and the security of their newly won position. As the result of establishing well-organized and strong defense positions, the third determined hostile counterattack supported by heavy mortar and artillery fire against a smaller defensive force commanded by General Chung failed and the enemy was forced to withdraw. With outstanding professional knowledge, inspirational leadership, and sound tactical judgment, he directed the activities of unit commanders, which enabled them to immediately exploit opportunities afforded by the terrain and tactical situation. His patience, determination, ingenuity, and sincere concern for the welfare of his troops inspired all personnel and materially contributed to the successful operations against a numerically superior enemy. General Chung’s display of courage and determination and his consummate devotion to duty reflect the highest credit on himself and the Republic of Korea Army.
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Legion of Merit
Department of the Army, General Orders No. 91 (October 24, 1951)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit, in the Degree of Commander to Major General Il Kwon Chung, Korean Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from July to October 1950.