Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Second Lieutenant] Henry Clay Camp, Jr. (ASN: 0-63031), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company C, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 16 November 1950, at Kuri, Korea, the 1st Platoon of Company C was on a combat patrol mission. An estimated seven hundred enemy troops were assembling in Kuri in preparation for an attack on majon-ni, the location of the 1st Battalion. Lieutenant Camp was to attack the village of Kuri, proceed through the town and capture the high ground beyond. He fearlessly led his platoon through the town engaging the enemy in an intense fire fight, and securing his objective. On orders from the Company Commander, the 1st Platoon was ordered to break contact with the enemy and withdraw to the company assembly area. Upon checking his platoon, he discovered one wounded soldier to be missing. Lieutenant Camp, with complete disregard for his personal safety, immediately led a volunteer patrol and re-entered the burning town where he came under heavy enemy fire, but calmly and fearlessly searched diligently for the wounded soldier. As a result of Lieutenant Camp’s voluntary and heroic leadership, the wounded soldier was safely evacuated from the town. The initiative and extreme gallantry displayed by Lieutenant Camp reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    15th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    January 31 & February 1, 1951

    Headquarters, EIGHTH U.S. Army, Korea, General Orders No. 329 (May 23, 1951)

    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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Henry Clay Camp, Jr. (ASN: 0-63031), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as a Platoon Leader with Company C, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. First Lieutenant Camp distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces near Sagimak, Korea, on the night of 31 January – 1 February 1951. On that date, Company C was occupying positions on Hill 381 near Sagimak, with the 1st platoon, commanded by Lieutenant Camp, occupying positions on a commanding knoll approximately 250 yards in front of the company perimeter. At 0030 hours on 1 February 1951, the 1st platoon was attacked by approximately sixty enemy troops. Sweeping forward in a screaming banzai attack, the enemy completely overran the second squad of the platoon in their effort to reach the summit of the hill. Displaying outstanding courage and coolness, Lieutenant Camp, with complete disregard for his personal safety and seemingly heedless of the intense enemy fire, remained in position firing his carbine and throwing grenades at the onrushing enemy. During this assault, Lieutenant Camp personally killed five of the enemy and later tabulation revealed twenty enemy dead in the immediate area of the 1st platoon. The fierce defensive fighting and superlative leadership of Lieutenant Camp prevented enemy infiltration of his entire position and resulted in complete dispersal of the enemy. His heroic action, indomitable courage and sustained devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the finest traditions of the military service.