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 pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Captain (Infantry) Donald James Arthur (ASN: 0-1331132), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while Commanding Company F, 2d Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. Captain Arthur distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Chorwon, Korea, on 3 October 1951. On that date, Captain Arthur led his men in an attack against a large hostile force occupying a strategic hill. Two other friendly companies had previously attacked the enemy positions only to be hurled back with heavy casualties. As his men struggled to advance against the tremendous volume of enemy fire, Captain Arthur realized that the only means of wresting the hill from the enemy was a rapid and concentrated attack by his men, directly up the slope. Moving from man to man, he instructed them to fix bayonets and prepare for a frontal assault. When he gave the order to charge, Captain Arthur observed that his men were reluctant to face the heavy enemy fire and so, with utter disregard for his personal safety, he stood before them, fully exposed to intense small-arms and automatic weapons fire, and called for them to follow him. As he charged up the slope and leaped into an enemy position, his men, inspired by his fearless actions, moved forward in a body and engaged the enemy in close combat. Fighting fiercely, Captain Arthur was attempting to drive the enemy from an emplacement when a grenade exploded, seriously wounding him. Although he tried repeatedly to regain his footing and continue to lead the attack, his wounds made this impossible. But his men, imbued with his own courage, overran the hostile emplacements and secured the objective. Captain Arthur’s heroic action, indomitable courage and sustained devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the finest traditions of the military service.

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