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 pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class Robert Boyce McKim (ASN: RA-15243413), 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, 7th Cavalry Regiment (Infantry), 1st Cavalry Division. Private First Class McKim distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces near Waegwan, Korea, on 9 August 1950. As his platoon was attacking a heavily defended enemy position it suddenly came under the cross fire of two enemy machine-guns and was forced to take cover. Realizing that the attack could not continue until the enemy machine-guns were eliminated, Private McKim, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, seized his automatic rifle and charged toward the enemy positions. Disregarding the hail of enemy fire directed at him, Private McKim, moving to within a few feet of one of the enemy guns, opened fire and destroyed it. Turing his attention to the remaining machine-gun, Private McKim the, moving directly towards its dug-in position, and through devastating fire, continued his one-man assault. At this point he was wounded in the leg, but refusing to give in, dropping to his knees, he continued delivering effective fire upon the enemy until he was killed by another burst from the enemy machine-gun. Through his inspiring example of courageous action at the sacrifice of his own life, Private McKim contributed materially to the successful completion of his unit’s mission. The extraordinary heroism displayed by Private First Class McKim on this occasion reflects the greatest credit on himself and is in keeping with the high traditions of the military service.

Awards Received