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 Richard C. Van Cleave (ASN: RA-18347428), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. Corporal Van Cleave distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Chonjae-dong, Korea, on 28 May 1951. On that date, Corporal Van Cleave was a member of the lead squad in his unit’s assault against a well-entrenched and determined enemy force. Several attempts to advance were made by the lead elements, but all of them were repulsed by the enemy. As darkness approached, Corporal Van Cleave, armed with grenades and a rifle, charged the enemy in the face of intense small-arms and automatic-weapons fire and single-handedly destroyed an enemy machine-gun emplacement, killing the entire crew. At this time, the entire company, inspired by Corporal Van Cleave’s actions, rose from their positions and joined in an assault that successfully routed the enemy. Near the summit of the hill just secured, a band of enemy soldiers regrouped to make a final stand. Corporal Van Cleave charged into their devastating fire and, although seriously wounded, closed with the enemy and engaged them in hand-to-hand combat. Completely demoralized by his aggressiveness, the remaining enemy forces fled. Corporal Van Cleave remained in command of his squad throughout the night and, not until the final objective was secured, did he finally collapse from and later die of the many wounds he had received. The extraordinary heroism displayed by Corporal Van Cleave on this occasion reflects the greatest credit on himself and is in keeping with the high traditions of the military service.