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 pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Private David Alfred Hurr (ASN: RA-17268393), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment (Infantry), 1st Cavalry Division. Private Hurr distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces at Kumch’on, Korea, on 1 and 2 August 1950. During the late afternoon of 1 August 1950, Company E, 5th Cavalry Regiment, to which Private Hurr was attached as a gunner, came under furious assault from hordes of enemy soldiers. In the bitter and intense battle that ensued, he was severely wounded in the stomach by a mortar fragment, but refused evacuation and steadfastly continued to man his heavy machine-gun and deliver devastating fire into the ranks of the stubborn assailants. In the early morning hours of 2 August 1950, when the unit was finally ordered to withdraw in the face of increased and extremely intense hostile fire from this numerically superior enemy force, Private Hurr voluntarily remained at his position to provide protective fire for his comrades during the withdrawal. With indomitable courage and determination, he continued to sweep the assaulting force until his ammunition was expended. When last seen alive, armed with only his rifle, he was delivering deadly accurate fire into the charging foe. When the strongpoint was regained later in the day, his body was found beside his gun, with numerous enemy dead lying in his field of fire. The voluntary and heroic stand he took in the face of utmost peril resulting hi his death enabled his comrades to make an orderly withdrawal and evacuate the wounded. Private Hurr’s outstanding valor, consummate fortitude, and willing self-sacrifice reflect the highest credit on himself and are in keeping with the finest traditions of the Infantry and the United States Army.

Awards Received