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 Private First Class James McCorley (ASN: RA-14122323), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division. Private First Class McCorley distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Senchon, Korea, on 23 May 1951. On that date, the 1st Battalion was attacking a well-entrenched enemy force near Senchon when withering machine-gun fire was received from a fortified enemy emplacement on the summit of Hill 665. Realizing that the battalion would suffer numerous casualties if the deadly fire from the hill continued to sweep the friendly position, corporal McCorley ran across an open, fire-swept field and began climbing the steep slope of the hill. Approximately half way up the slope, he was pinned down by enemy rifle fire. Scanning the hillside until he located four enemy riflemen firing on him, he killed them with accurate rifle fire and continued his ascent. Upon reaching the log-fortified emplacement on the summit of the hill, he threw several grenades into it, killing eight of the enemy troops inside and forcing the remainder to flee. The extraordinary heroism displayed by Private First Class McCorley on this occasion reflects the greatest credit on himself and is in keeping with the high traditions of the military service.

Awards Received