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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) James K. Dodd, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. First Lieutenant Dodd distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Yongan-Ni, North Korea, on 13 December 1950. When the 3d Platoon, Company L, was attacked by a numerically superior Chinese Community force causing the platoon to withdraw due to heavy casualties, Lieutenant Dodd proceeded immediately to the disorganized platoon. Finding the platoon leader severely wounded and all non-commissioned officers wounded or killed, he quickly reorganized the platoon, reinforced it with men from the adjacent platoon, and arranged the evacuation of the wounded. Repeatedly exposing himself to heavy enemy fire at short range, and with utter disregard for his personal safety, Lieutenant Dodd then led the counter-attack of the platoon against a well dug-in enemy across open terrain and through severe hostile cross-fire. The men, inspired by this remarkable display of courage on the part of Lieutenant Dodd, charged the hill with minimal casualties. Lieutenant Dodd personally led the assault against two enemy machine-gun and three mortar positions. As a result of Lieutenant Dodd’s courageous action the numerically superior enemy force was forced to retreat in disorder and confusion. His prompt recognition of the serious situation and his instinctive and immediate action to save his men and destroy the enemy are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.

Awards Received