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 Albert Francis Griffin (ASN: RA-11218479), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Infantry Company, 224th Infantry Regiment, 40th Infantry Division. Sergeant First Class Griffin distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Satae-Ri, Korea, on 29 December 1952. On that date, Sergeant Griffin was a member of a patrol which was dispatched to recover the body of an enemy soldier who had been killed in an earlier battle. The United Nations patrol was ambushed by an enemy patrol which subjected it to heavy small-arms fire, wounding Sergeant Griffin and three of the other men. Though in great pain, Sergeant Griffin assisted in the establishment of a perimeter defense and directed the fire of his patrol. During the fight, Sergeant Griffin fought valiantly. When an enemy hand grenade landed near him, Sergeant Griffin, realizing the danger to his comrades, unhesitatingly picked up the missile to hurl it back into the enemy ranks. It exploded, severing his right hand. In spite of the seriousness of his wounds, Sergeant Griffin held his position and continued to direct fire and shout words of encouragement until the patrol withdrew to friendly lines. The extraordinary heroism exhibited by Sergeant Griffin on this occasion reflects great credit on himself and is in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service.

Awards Received