Navy Federal Credit Union

Captain (Medical Corps) Clarence Leroy Anderson (ASN: 0-61069), United States Army, was held as a Prisoner of War after he was captured during the Korean War on 2 November 1950 and was held until his release on 2 September 1953 after the signing of the Armistice.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Medical Corps)

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    8th Cavalry Regiment (Infantry)

    Division:

    1st Cavalry Division

    Action Date:

    November 1 – 2, 1950

    Headquarters, EIGHTH U.S. Army, Korea, General Orders No. 256 (May 1, 1951)

    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 (Medical Corps) Clarence Leroy Anderson (ASN: 0-61069), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as a Medical Officer attached to the 3d Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment (Infantry), 1st Cavalry Division. Captain Anderson distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces near Unsan, Korea, on 1 and 2 November 1950. On the afternoon of 1 November 1950, and continuing through the following thirty-six hours, the regiment was subjected to a relentless, fanatical attack by the enemy. At approximately 0100 hours, the enemy penetrated the lines and the 3d Battalion was ordered to cover the withdrawal of the remaining regimental units. When the enemy mounted a strong attack against the battalion, Captain Anderson, with complete disregard for his personal safety, repeatedly exposed himself to the intense enemy fire in order to administer medical attention to the wounded. At approximately 0200 hours, the battalion was ordered to begin its withdrawal. Fully realizing the hazards involved, Captain Anderson voluntarily remained behind as the battalion withdrew in order to give medical assistance to wounded personnel. Captain Anderson’s gallant decision to remain with his wounded comrades reflects utmost credit on himself and the medical profession.