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 Private First Class Robert John Avington (ASN: RA-13273276), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company D, 1st Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. Private First Class Avington distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces at Hwachon, Korea, on 30 May 1951. On that date, the machine-gunner in his squad was seriously wounded, when Private Avington, despite a wound in his arm, placed the gun back in operation and successfully turned back an enemy attack in force. Aiding the seriously wounded gunner as best he could, he refused aid for himself and sent for a litter to evacuate his comrade. The enemy again sent a wave of troops to rush his position, and the remaining element of the hostile force attempted to isolate him from assistance by pouring heavy fire on his position. He again poured a relentless stream of fire into the on-rushing horde and, while reloading his weapon, was grazed on the head by rifle fire and thrown back from his gun by concussion grenades. Crawling back to his gun, and pausing only to throw out enemy grenades which were lobbed into his position, he again halted the hostile assault with his accurate fire. Several of his comrades sprang forward to render assistance, but Private Avington, although bleeding profusely from the head and arm, again refused evacuation and demanded more ammunition for his weapons. When the enemy launched third assault against his position, though nearly unconscious from loss of blood, he again directed a devastating stream of fire on the assaulting force until they fled in wild disorder. His determined and heroic action resulted in more than 150 dead Chinese Communist troops, numerous others wounded, and in saving the platoon position from being overrun. The indomitable determination, consummate courage, and outstanding devotion to duty displayed by Private Avington in his heroic stand against overwhelming odds reflect the highest credit on himself, the Infantry, and the United States Army.