Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Daniel
Webster
Dotson
September 25, 1918

–

May 2, 1953

Cemetery:

William Dotson Cemetery

Daniel Dotson was the most decorated soldier from Wise County and second most decorated soldier from the State of Virginia of the Korean War. He was killed in a car accident shortly after returning home from Korea.

Awards Received

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    15th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    May 19, 1951
    Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 373 (August 21, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Daniel Webster Dotson (ASN: 0-967869), United States Army, for heroic achievement during ground operations against a hostile force as a member of Company C, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 19 May 1951, near Choga-dong, Korea, Lieutenant Dotson’s platoon, having secured a position on a low rolling peak overlooking a swift flowing mountain stream, became subjected to fierce small arms fire from two enemy snipers higher up on the ridge line. Rather than expose his men to this danger, Lieutenant Dotson moved the unit into the cover of a draw where they could give protecting fire as he worked his way forward to the enemy positions. After cautiously advancing undetected upon the foe, he took careful aim and killed one sniper and wounded the second who managed to escape. As Lieutenant Dotson was returning to his position he suddenly came under fire of the remaining sniper. Hastily seeking cover, he returned the volley and subsequently shot the enemy soldier and killed him. Lieutenant Dotson’s aggressive and heroic spirit reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    15th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    June 23 – 24, 1951
    Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 364 (August 18, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Daniel Webster Dotson (ASN: 0-967869), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company C, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 23-24 June 1951, Lieutenant Dotson was leading the company’s advance platoon, having the mission of gradually moving into a prominent ridge line leading to Hill 717 and synchronizing its progress with a second attacking company so that they would simultaneously reach the objective. The platoon had moved a short distance toward its goal when it was pinned down by heavy enemy fire coming from carefully scattered and camouflaged positions. Dispersing the platoon, Lieutenant Dotson led a squad to silence an especially troublesome automatic weapons position pouring accurate fire on the unit’s right flank. Directing the squad to furnish covering fire, he cautiously approached the hostile entrenchment and, with two well-placed grenades and the fire of his carbine, efficiently eliminated the position and its occupants. During the rest of the day’s action, Lieutenant Dotson, under the unceasing enemy fire, remained constantly with the point squad pointing out targets to his comrades until the company reached its objective. In the early morning hours on 24 June, the unit’s hastily consolidated positions on Hill 717 were furiously attacked and overrun by a numerically superior enemy force. Although slightly wounded in this action, Lieutenant Dotson continually moved about rallying the troops and firing a steady stream of fire from his carbine. One of the last men to abandon the hill, when the company was ordered to withdraw, he checked to see that everyone had fallen back and then led other wounded to safety. Lieutenant Dotson’s unwavering gallantry and superb fortitude reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    15th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    March 24, 1951
    Headquarters, EIGHTH U.S. Army, Korea, General Orders No. 631 (August 11, 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 Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Daniel Webster Dotson, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. Second Lieutenant Dotson distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Uijongbu, Korea, on 24 March 1951. On that date, Lieutenant Dotson’s platoon moved with Company C in an assault against a well-entrenched and camouflaged enemy force which was fiercely defending its positions on Hill 337. With his platoon spearheading the attack, he observed one of his squads pinned down by a heavy mortar barrage and intense small-arms fire. He quickly reorganized them and maneuvered them to within fifty feet of an enemy emplacement. He then led them forward in a bayonet assault and, with utter disregard for his personal safety, jumped into the enemy dug-out, bayoneted one of the enemy soldiers, and killed the reaming two with a burst of fire from his carbine. Shortly thereafter, he charged another emplacement and moved close enough to throw grenades that killed four of the enemy. Throughout the ensuring action, he fearlessly and aggressively destroyed many enemy strong points to secure its objective. The courage, indomitable fortitude, and inspiring leadership displayed by Second Lieutenant Dotson reflect the highest credit on himself and the United States Army.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    15th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    Korean War
    Headquarters, EIGHTH U.S. Army, Korea, General Orders No. 631 (1951)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Daniel Webster Dotson (ASN: 0-967869), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company C, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea, in 1951. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.