Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Obie N. Hawkins (ASN: RA-13292616), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company I, 3rd Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy near Okchon, Korea, on 7 March 1951. His company had received an order to seize a ridge and send out a platoon-sized patrol o reconnoiter the area. They had gone only a short distance when they were met by intense enemy fire from small arms and well dug in machine gun emplacements on the rim of the ridge. The only approach to the area was over an extremely narrow ice-covered trail well guarded by interlocking fields of machine gun fire and hand grenade barrages. Sergeant Hawkins’ squad was selected to lead the patrol and destroy the opposition. He deployed his squad to give himself covering fire and then began to advance along the narrow, icy trail. He crawled for some distance in an outflanking movement on the first machine gun and succeeded in capturing the two-man crew. Then with complete disregard for his own safety, he stood up into the hail of enemy fire and advanced along the ridge, throwing hand grenades and firing into the enemy foxholes. At one time he plunged into a foxhole and killed an enemy soldier. When his automatic rifle failed, he seized an enemy sub-machine gun and continued to pour devastating fire into enemy positions. When the rest of the patrol joined him he had seven enemy prisoners under guard and had killed five others. Sergeant Hawkins’ courageous actions and exemplary leadership were most instrumental in the successful accomplishment of his company’s mission. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Sergeant Hawkins, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Division:

    24th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    Korean War

    Headquarters, 24th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 338 (1951)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Obie N. Hawkins, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with the 24th Infantry Division in Korea. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.