The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to First Lieutenant Frank Nicias Mitchell (MCSN: 0-48132), United States Marine Corps, for heroic achievement in connection with operations against the enemy while serving with Company A, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), during the period 24 September 1950 to 4 October 1950. First Lieutenant Mitchell, acting as a Rifle Platoon Commander, continuously displayed outstanding leadership and professional skill against the enemy. On 26 September 1950, while assigned the mission of assaulting a well defended hill, he fearlessly led the men up the hill. As the enemy fire increased, his platoon became pinned down and forced to take cover. Heedless of his own personal safety, he repeatedly exposed himself to the enemy fire and moved among his men to inspire and rally them to continue the assault. His actions materially aided his platoon in successfully seizing and occupying the objective. First Lieutenant Mitchell’s courageous actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (First Lieutenant Mitchell is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
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Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Medal of Honor
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
First LieutenantBatallion:
1st BattalionRegiment:
7th MarinesDivision:
1st Marine Division (Rein.)Action Date:
November 3, 1950
Headquarters, X Corps, General Orders No. 49 (December 8, 1950)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Army Award) (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant Frank Nicias Mitchell (MCSN: 0-48132), United States Marine Corps, for gallantry in action while serving with Company A, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against the enemy near Hamhung, North Korea, on 3 November 1950, as a Rifle Platoon Leader occupying a position in his company’s defensive sector. While making a short reconnaissance to improve his position, his platoon was suddenly and viciously attacked by the enemy. Immediately returning to his platoon, which was on the verge of being overrun, he rallied his men to repel the attack and he, although painfully wounded in the ensuing action, refused to be evacuated until the danger of a serious break-through was averted. First Lieutenant Mitchell’s actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Medal of Honor
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
First LieutenantBatallion:
1st BattalionRegiment:
7th MarinesDivision:
1st Marine Division (Rein.)Action Date:
November 26, 1950
The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant Frank Nicias Mitchell (MCSN: 0-48132), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty on 26 November 1950, as leader of a rifle platoon of Company A, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces near Hansan-ni, Korea. Leading his platoon in point position during a patrol by his company through a thickly wooded and snow-covered area in the vicinity of Hansan-ni, First Lieutenant Mitchell acted immediately when the enemy suddenly opened fire at pointblank range, pinning down his forward elements and inflicting numerous casualties in his ranks. Boldly dashing to the front under blistering fire from automatic weapons and small arms, he seized an automatic rifle from one of the wounded men and effectively trained it against the attackers and, when his ammunition was expended, picked up and hurled grenades with deadly accuracy, at the same time directing and encouraging his men in driving the outnumbering enemy from his position. Maneuvering to set up a defense when the enemy furiously counterattacked to the front and left flank, First Lieutenant Mitchell, despite wounds sustained early in the action, reorganized his platoon under the devastating fire, and spearheaded a fierce hand-to-hand struggle to repulse the onslaught. Asking for volunteers to assist in searching for and evacuating the wounded, he personally led a party of litter bearers through the hostile lines in growing darkness and, although suffering intense pain from multiple wounds, stormed ahead and waged a single-handed battle against the enemy, successfully covering the withdrawal of his men before he was fatally struck down by a burst of small-arms fire. Stouthearted and indomitable in the face of tremendous odds, First Lieutenant Mitchell, by his fortitude, great personal valor and extraordinary heroism, saved the lives of several Marines and inflicted heavy casualties among the aggressors. His unyielding courage throughout reflects the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.