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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Wilbert Ferris Vaughn (ASN: 0-2036086), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with an Infantry Company of the 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division. First Lieutenant Vaughn distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Sangpobang, Korea, on 31 July 1952. On that date, Lieutenant Vaughn led a four-man volunteer patrol on a mission to neutralize an enemy marching-gun which was holding up the advance of a friendly platoon assaulting an enemy-held hill. Shortly after the patrol left the line of departure, three of the men were wounded and had to be evacuated. Despite the loss of three of his men, Lieutenant Vaughn advanced toward the emplacement and, reaching an exposed vantage point, threw several grenades at the gun position, forcing the enemy to withdraw to move covered positions. While the remaining man of his patrol held the hostile forces at bay, Lieutenant Vaughn made repeated trips across the fire-swept terrain to secure additional ammunition and a flame thrower. Lieutenant Vaughn then led the platoon in a vicious charge against the hostile troops, neutralizing the hill and permitting the friendly forces to secure the objective. Lieutenant Vaughn continued to hold the position until he was seriously wounded by enemy mortar fire in a devastating barrage. The extraordinary heroism displayed by First Lieutenant Vaughn on this occasion reflects the greatest credit on himself and is in keeping with the high traditions of the military service.

Awards Received