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 Second Lieutenant (Infantry) James Oliver Mortrude (ASN: 0-971102), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 32d Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. Second Lieutenant Mortrude distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in Seoul, Korea, on 26 September 1950. After moving through the city of Seoul for more than an hour without encountering the enemy, Lieutenant Mortrude’s platoon was ordered to advance alone for the purpose of establishing contact with the enemy. Approximately two hundred and fifty yards further, where terrain coverage was scant, the platoon came under heavy and devastatingly accurate enemy fire that killed six and wounded many. Lieutenant Mortrude repeatedly exposed himself to intense hostile fire to direct and coordinate his platoon’s defense. Realizing that the position was extremely untenable and that any chosen route of withdrawal would result in additional casualties, Lieutenant Mortrude, with complete disregard for the continuous enemy activity, raced approximately twenty-five yards across open ground to a spot where friendly tanks were located. And there, using the external interphone system on the rear of the tanks, he directed the movement of three tanks into position, enabling them to provide supporting fire for his platoon. Then, personally reorganizing his platoon for withdrawal, he directed his men to a place affording cover and deployed them as a base of fire. Continuing to expose himself to the deluge of enemy fire, Lieutenant Mortrude made two return trips to his platoon’s former position, where he recovered wounded men and carried them to safety. The extraordinary heroism displayed by Second Lieutenant Mortrude on this occasion reflects the greatest credit on himself and is in keeping with the high traditions of the military service.