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 Master Sergeant J. C. Richards, Jr. (ASN: RA-38461246), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Infantry Company, 179th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division. Master Sergeant Richards distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Yangjimal, Korea, on the night of 5 May 1953. On that night, a reinforced enemy platoon, employing automatic weapons and hand grenades, ambushed a small reserve patrol led by Sergeant Richards. Sergeant Richards, one of several members of the element hit in the first exchanges of fire, suffered head wounds and paralysis from the waist down. Although in great pain, Sergeant Richards forced himself into a sitting position and, while personally directing continuous carbine and grenade fire at the foe and shouting encouragement to his men, called in supporting mortar fire within twenty yards of his own position. Exhibiting the greatest personal courage and gallantry, Sergeant Richards killed three of the enemy while they were attempting to capture members of his patrol. He fired his weapon for a two-hour period in spite of his serious physical condition. Finally, when a rescue force arrived, Sergeant Richards refused to be evacuated until the evacuation of his unit had been completed and all other casualties had been treated. As a result of Sergeant Richard’s heroic action, a possible enemy thrust at the unite nations line was thwarted, his patrol was saved, and the dead and wounded were expeditiously evacuated. The extraordinary heroism exhibited by Sergeant Richards on this occasion reflects great credit on himself and is in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service.

Awards Received