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 Sergeant First Class Ralph Eden Patten, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division. Sergeant First Class Patten distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Norebau, Korea, on 9 March 1951. On that date, Sergeant Patten, as an acting platoon leader, was given the mission of spearheading the initial assault on the company’s objective, a vital hill near Norebau. Halfway up the hill, the lead elements of the platoon were pinned down under the withering fire of an enemy machine-gun. Completely disregarding his personal safety, Sergeant Patten immediately charged forward, single-handedly attacking the machine-gun nest with rifle fire and grenades. After capturing the weapon and forcing its crew to surrender, he reorganized his platoon and led them forward in a bayonet and grenade charge toward the crest of the hill. The outstanding personal courage and aggressive leadership displayed by Sergeant Patten inspired his men onward to take the objective and inflict heavy losses on the enemy despite the intense small-arms and automatic-weapons fire that continued to pour down on them. His quick-thinking and total disregard for his own safety were instrumental in securing the company’s objective with the greatest possible speed and with a minimum number of casualties. The extraordinary heroism displayed by Sergeant First Class Patten on this occasion reflects the greatest credit on himself and is in keeping with the high traditions of the military service.

Awards Received