Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    35th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    25th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    March 7, 1951

    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 91 (October 24, 1951)

    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) Richard Francis Lauer, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. Second Lieutenant Lauer distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces near the Han River in Korea on 7 March 1951. Following an assault landing across the river by his company, the assault platoon became subjected to intense hostile fire from a small hill some five hundred yards to the east. Ordered up the river to draw enemy fire and relieve pressure on the assault platoon, he deployed his platoon and opened fire, only to be pinned by a vicious cross-fire from two machine guns, approximately seventy-five yards distant. Running forty yards through the fire-swept area, Lieutenant Lauer secured a rifle and grenade adapter, crawled closer and fired two grenades into the position on the right which knocked it out. When the gun on the left again pinned down his platoon, he advanced alone and fired three grenades into this hostile emplacement which due to its construction, proved ineffective. Circling the emplacement, he bayoneted an enemy soldier who was firing on his platoon and, dropping a grenade into the escape vent, silenced the gun and annihilated its crew. Leaping to his feet and shouting orders to fix bayonets and charge, his men, so inspired by his heroic action, made a frontal assault against the hill, killed twenty-one hostile troops and completely routed their remaining force. Lieutenant Lauer, in his daring exploits, had personally knocked out two machine guns and killed five of the determined enemy. Lieutenant Lauer’s courageous conduct, indomitable determination, and outstanding combat leadership reflect the highest credit on himself and are in keeping with the finest traditions of the Infantry and the United States Army.