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 Rufus Lloyd Ketchum (ASN: RA-18103207), 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 with the 57th Field Artillery Battalion, 7th Infantry Division. Sergeant Ketchum distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of the Changjin (Chosin) Reservoir in North Korea during the period 28 through 30 November 1950. After the numerically superior enemy attacked and surrounded elements of the battalion and isolated the medical officer, Sergeant Ketchum assumed charge of the aidmen and, after establishing a collection point and an aid station in a native house, he moved fearlessly about the impact area in full view and under direct enemy fire to minister to and evacuate the wounded. Constantly vulnerable to vicious hostile fire, he supervised the search for blankets, sleeping bags, and parachutes to protect his patients from the bitter cold and foraged for coffee and other material comforts to meliorate their condition. Upon being ordered to withdraw, Sergeant Ketchum directed and assisted in placing the disabled in vehicles to form a motor convoy. Enemy fire was continuous and intense, and the progress of the column further impeded by a blinding snow storm, icy roads, and rugged mountainous terrain. After several vehicles were immobilized by hostile fire, Sergeant Ketchum directed transferal of the wounded to serviceable vehicles, and when the advance was halted by an enemy road block and withering fire rained down on the convoy from the surrounding hills wounding him in the chest and left arm, he continued to treat the injured. Sergeant Ketchum was last seen with his arm in a sling and, despite his painful wounds, administering a syrette of morphine to a wounded comrade. The extraordinary heroism displayed by Sergeant Ketchum on this occasion reflects the greatest credit on himself and is in keeping with the high traditions of the military service.

Awards Received