Navy Federal Credit Union

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 Master Sergeant Robert Elmore Cole (ASN: 0-6284787), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company M, 3d Battalion, 29th Regimental Combat Team, 24th Infantry Division. Master Sergeant Cole distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces near Sinsan-ni, Korea, on 2 September 1950. On this date, a section of Sergeant Cole’s platoon was supporting Company L, 29th Infantry Regiment, in an attack on well-fortified enemy positions. When the advance faltered due to an enemy counterattack, Sergeant Cole made his way through intense enemy small-arms, mortar and automatic-weapons fire to reorganize the dispersed elements of his section. As the intensity of the attack increased, he crawled to the one remaining machine gun, removed the dead gunner and began pouring a deadly hail of fire into the ranks of the attacking enemy. Although twice wounded by enemy grenade fragments, Sergeant Cole refused to be evacuated and continued to deliver effective fire upon the enemy. When his ammunition was exhausted he withdrew, dragging his machine-gun with him. While organizing the few remaining elements of his section in preparation for a counterattack, he was ordered to the aid station for medical treatment. When the high ground was subsequently retaken, eighteen enemy dead were counted in the vicinity of where Sergeant Cole’s machine-gun was mounted. The extraordinary heroism displayed by Master Sergeant Cole on this occasion reflects the greatest credit on himself and is in keeping with the high traditions of the military service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Master Sergeant

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    29th Regimental Combat Team

    Division:

    25th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    1951

    Headquarters, 25th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 178 (1951) & 491 (1951) & Headquarters, EIGHTH U.S. Army, Korea, General Orders No. 212 (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 Master Sergeant Robert E. Cole (ASN: 0-6284787), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with Company M, 3d Battalion, 29th Regimental Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, in action against the 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.