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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) William Clinton Knapp (ASN: 0-925698), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with 31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. First Lieutenant Knapp distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces at Kumhwa, Korea, on 15 and 16 October 1952. While participating in the defense of a key terrain feature under counterattack by a numerically superior foe, Lieutenant Knapp observed the enemy approaching through an area off the left flank of the company, which was unprotected by artillery fire. Realizing this maneuver and the vulnerability of the position posed an imminent threat to the defense of the entire perimeter, and unable to contact the forward observer by telephone, he left the comparative safety of his bunker and raced over the fire-swept terrain to investigate. Although wounded and knocked to the ground by a mortar burst, he rose to his feet with grim determination and courage and proceeded to the observation post. Finding that the observer had become a casualty, he quickly positioned himself at the telephone and called in round after round of artillery fire on the advancing enemy in an attempt to stem the onslaught. He maintained his heroic stand until hostile troops approached within one hundred yards of his position. He then made a final call for a heavy concentration on the area in which he was located. Through his incredible courage and inspirational actions, the enemy was routed from the commanding ground with staggering losses. Lieutenant Knapp’s consummate devotion to duty, heroic actions, and supreme sacrifice reflect the highest credit on himself and the military service.

Awards Received