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 Colonel Richard Wright Hayward (MCSN: 0-4629), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Commanding Officer of the Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces near Mundong, Korea, during the period from 31 May 1951 through 2 June 1951. Committed to secure strategically important key ground north of Mundong, Colonel Hayward displayed superb leadership and rare provision, directed the operations of his regiment. Traveling over a narrow mountain pass, hampered by driving rain and mud impeding movement by vehicle, Colonel Hayward supervised the movement of vital supplies to his assaulting units by foot, through treacherous, rugged terrain. When the First Battalion met stubborn resistance and its advance was retarded, Colonel Hayward, under intense mortar, artillery and small-arms fire, fearlessly proceeded to the forward battalion observation post to reconnoiter and evaluate the situation and deploy his troops for maximum support. Colonel Hayward skillfully deployed the Second Battalion as an enveloping force from high ground in a coordinated attack with the First Battalion. Moving his command post to the assaulting battalion to direct and coordinate the attack of the two battalions, he relentlessly pressed the assault and secured the strongpoint. The extraordinary heroism displayed by Colonel Hayward on this occasion reflects the greatest credit on himself and is in keeping with the high traditions of the military service.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Regiment:

    5th Marines

    Division:

    1st Marine Division (Rein.)

    Action Date:

    May 16 – June 20, 1951

    Heroes U.S. Marine Corps, 1861 – 1955: Jane Blakeney

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel Richard W. Hayward (MCSN: 0-4629), United States Marine Corps, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while serving as Commanding Officer, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea from 16 May through 20 June 1951.