The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Captain (Corps of Engineers) Richard A. Counsell, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 10th Engineer Combat Battalion, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy near Tebessa, Algeria, on 21 February 1943. Upon orders to secure a prominent saw-toothed ridge from a well-entrenched and heavily armed force, Captain Counsell led his troops on a frontal and flanking assault. Through heavy enemy fire and bursting shells, across fields and rocky terrain they reached the base of the cliff but heavy assault stopped their advance. Realizing an assault was the only solution, he rose from his position firing his rifle and throwing grenades as he called on his men to follow him. Despite intense and heavy fire their attack reached the crest of the ridge. Again, he rallied his men and they stormed the enemy strongpoint. With fixed bayonets, they charged into the face of strong anti-tank fire and engaged the enemy in hand-to-hand combat. After clubbing and slashing this force into submission, the squad was forced to take cover from a direct frontal attack by a self-propelled gun. Captain Counsell leaped to his feet, and through sheer personal courage and fierce determination, he led his men in a new attack. At this instant, a well-camouflaged enemy soldier threw a grenade at the remaining members of the squad. He immediately lunged and kicked the explosive under an overhanging rock to save those around him. Captain Counsell was severely wounded performing this act. Captain Counsell’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 3d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.
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Awards Received
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Distinguished Service Cross
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Service Cross
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Captain (Corps of Engineers)Batallion:
10th Engineer Combat BattalionDivision:
3d Infantry DivisionAction Date:
February 21, 1943
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Captain (Corps of Engineers)Batallion:
10th Engineer Combat BattalionDivision:
3d Infantry DivisionAction Date:
February 22, 1944
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Corps of Engineers) Richard A. Counsell, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 10th Engineer Combat Battalion, 3d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy near Nettuno, Italy, on 22 February 1944. Captain Counsell, despite heavy enemy fire, left the safety of the defensive area and moved to a forward and exposed position, directing mortar and artillery fire on the attackers of his company. He was severely wounded during the eight hours he was at this post but he continued to direct the company’s fire. At the peak of the action he observed elements of his company preparing to withdraw. He perilously made his way across the fire-swept terrain to the defense area, where by example and forceful leadership, he reorganized the men to continue the fight. He again returned to the forward position and continued to direct the company’s fire. Again, he was wounded. When the attack finally ended, the company had retaken their position. More than 70 enemy dead were counted in the area Captain Counsell’s men had defended. 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.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Captain (Corps of Engineers)Batallion:
10th Engineer Combat BattalionDivision:
3d Infantry DivisionAction Date:
World War II
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain (Corps of Engineers) Richard A. Counsell, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 10th Engineer Combat Battalion, 3d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations during World War II. 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.