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 Sergeant Frank Glenn Van Antwerp (ASN: RA-19305648), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as a Medical Aidman attached to an Infantry Company of the 5th Regimental Combat Team, attached to the 24th Infantry Division. Sergeant Van Antwerp distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea on 16 September 1950. As an aidman, Sergeant Van Antwerp was advancing with an infantry rifle platoon when intense enemy fire was suddenly encountered, pinning them down in a position devoid of adequate cover or concealment and causing heavy casualties. The heavy volume of enemy fire prevented anyone from rising any appreciable distance from the ground, but Sergeant Van Antwerp managed to crawl along the entire front line administering aid to the wounded. Even though darkness and heavy rain added to his difficulties, he continued to perform his duties in a manner that gave courage and hope to the wounded. When his medical supplies were exhausted, he crawled along the front lines and collected first aid packets, using them until they too were exhausted. New casualties continued to develop during the night due to renewed enemy aggressiveness, and it was physically impossible to remove all wounded to the rear. Despite that fact that he had used all of his medical supplies, he continued to seek out the wounded and assist them as best he could. While he was crawling forward under heavy enemy fire attempting to evacuate a wounded comrade he was struck by enemy fire and mortally wounded. The extraordinary heroism displayed by Sergeant Van Antwerp on this occasion reflects the greatest credit on himself and is in keeping with the high traditions of the military service.

Awards Received