Truth, Lies and In Between

I am looking at doing a new feature. I want to highlight the Servicemen and women that have been awarded the second highest medal, the Distinguished Service Cross/Navy Cross/Air Force Cross. I am taking my cue from Castle Argghhh!!! who is doing the Medal of Honor. Some of those that earned this medal, probably should have been awarded the MOH. Their valor deserves recognition.

Now there is no way that I can post every medal that was earned on a particular date, but I will try to get as many as possible. The date being key to this.

The Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) is the second highest military decoration that can be awarded to a member of the United States Army, awarded for extreme gallantry and risk of life in actual combat with an armed enemy force. Actions that merit the Distinguished Service Cross must be of such a high degree to be above those required for all other U.S. combat decorations but not meeting the criteria for the Medal of Honor. The Distinguished Service Cross is equivalent to the Navy Cross (Navy and Marine Corps) and the Air Force Cross (Air Force).

The Distinguished Service Cross was first awarded during World War I. In addition, a number of awards were made for actions before World War One. In many cases, these were to soldiers who had received a Certificate of Merit for gallantry which, at the time, was the only other honor besides the Medal of Honor the Army could award. Others were belated recognition of actions in the Philippines, on the Mexican Border and during the Boxer Rebellion.

This decoration is distinct from the Distinguished Service Medal, which is awarded to persons in recognition of exceptionally meritorious service to the government of the United States in a duty of great responsibility.

So, without further ado.

11 June.

Our first is from World War I.

Benton Decker
Benton Decker graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1887. He retired as a U.S. Navy Rear Admiral.

Navy Cross

Awarded for actions during the World War I

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain Benton Clark Decker, United States Navy, for distinguished service in the line of his profession as Naval Attaché at Madrid, Spain, where he established an Office of Naval Intelligence through which he kept informed of the movements of all suspicious persons leaving Spain, and by his unceasing vigilance was the means of apprehending and interning many dangerous characters.

Service: Navy
Rank: Captain

There are no awards for action on this day in World War II.

From the Korean War.

Joe Cerri
Home of record: La Salle, Ill.

Distinguished Service Cross Awarded for actions during the Korean War

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 Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Joe V. Cerri (ASN: 0-1926012), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Platoon Leader with Company G, 2d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. Second Lieutenant Cerri distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Kumhwa, Korea, on the morning of 11 June 1953. On that date, Lieutenant Cerri was at a point on the main line of resistance which was subjected to an artillery and mortar barrage, immediately followed by a ground assault by a numerically-superior force. Lieutenant Cerri deployed his men in the most advantageous fighting positions and then led them into the hand-to-hand combat which was raging on the position. Disregarding all thoughts of personal safety, Lieutenant Cerri climbed to the top of the trenches and remained constantly exposed to direct fire and shouted words of encouragement to his men. While in this position, Lieutenant Cerri was wounded by hostile grenade fragments and fell down a steep bank directly into the path of the enemy’s main assault wave. Though in great pain, Lieutenant Cerri fired into the enemy ranks until he lost consciousness. As remnants of the enemy force commenced a withdrawal, several of their soldiers dragged Lieutenant Cerri back toward hostile positions. After the battle, an Allied search patrol found Lieutenant Cerri’s lifeless body entangled in barbed wire a few hundred yards in front of enemy lines.

Service: Army
Rank: Second Lieutenant

Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 733 (August 8, 1953)

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Dan Gallimore

Distinguished Service Cross Awarded for actions during the Korean War

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 Private First Class Dan L. Gallimore, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as an automatic rifleman of an Infantry Company. Private First Class Gallimore distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Songnae-dong, Korea, on 11 June 1953. On that morning Private Gallimore was part of a company which was reinforcing an outpost under intense hostile attack. With total disregard or his personal safety, Private Gallimore proceeded through the intense barrage to the enemy-occupied forward positions and placed effective fire on the hostile troops. When a shell burst shattered his rifle, Private Gallimore unhesitatingly secured another weapon and continued to perform his mission until the enemy force overran the United Nations position. Noticing several hostile troops in a nearby bunker, Private Gallimore advanced, threw several grenades into the aperture, and annihilated the occupants. Upon returning to his former post, he saw a group of enemy troops advancing on two aid men who were caring for the wounded. Completely ignoring the great odds, Private Gallimore charged forward, firing his weapon with great accuracy, and dispatched the foe. He then remained in the area until the enemy had been completely routed.

Service: Army
Rank: Private First Class

Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army

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Jack Tolbert
Home of record: Los Angeles, Calif.

Jack Tolbert lost both legs as a result of the heroic actions that earned him the Distinguished Service Cross in the Korean War.

Distinguished Service Cross Awarded for actions during the Korean War

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 Sergeant First Class Jack P. Tolbert (ASN: RA-19296161), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. Sergeant First Class Tolbert distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces near Kumhwa, Korea, on 11 June 1953. Sergeant Tolbert was one of two outpost guards on the main line of resistance when the area came under a heavy artillery and mortar bombardment. Observing a hostile infantryman approaching the position, he shouted a warning to the other sentinel and to the guard at the command post, enabling them to alert other elements of the imminent attack. Seconds later the enemy solider hurled a fragmentation grenade into the bunker. Fully aware of the danger involved, he stepped on the missile in an attempt to dispose of it or lessen its explosive effect and receive the full impact of the explosion. Although critically wounded in this display of valor, his prompt and unhesitating action prevented serious injury to his comrade. Inspired by his unflinching courage, the troops fought with great tenacity and skill, inflecting numerous casualties and containing the assault. Sergeant Tolbert’s inspirational conduct and consummate devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon himself and u-hold the esteemed traditions of the military service.

Service: Army
Rank: Sergeant First Class

Department of the Army: General Orders No. 26 (April 2, 1954)

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Roy Harrison
Date of birth: 10 Feb. 1931 |
Place of birth: Sissonville, W.Va. |
Home of record: Sissonville, W.Va.

Navy Cross Awarded for actions during the Korean War

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class Roy Ernest Harrison (MCSN: 1074601), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as a Machine Gunner in Company B, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Inje, Korea, on 11 June 1951. When a numerically superior enemy force launched a vicious attack against his platoon’s strategic position commanding a ford in the Soyang River, Private First Class Harrison courageously remained at his post in the face of intense hostile fire to deliver heavy and accurate machine-gun fire on the attacking enemy and, by his gallant action, successfully broke up the hostile assault. When the hostile troops regrouped and launched a second attack directly at his gun position, he steadfastly continued to fire into their ranks and, although all the other members of his crew became casualties during the assault, aggressively persisted in his efforts to stop the onrushing troops. Even after the attackers reached and passed his position, he swung his gun around a poured damaging fire into their rear elements thereby succeeding a second time in disrupting the assault before he fell, mortally wounded by an enemy hand grenade. By his indomitable fighting spirit, unflagging determination and valiant devotion to duty in the face of insurmountable odds, Private First Class Harrison contributed immeasurably to the success of his platoon in preventing the enemy from gaining command of the important river crossing and thereby upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Service: Marine Corps

Authority: Board of Awards: Serial 171 (March 22, 1952)

These are from the Vietnam War.

James McQuade
Date of birth: 3 June 1949
Place of birth: Hoquiam, Wash.
Home of record: Hoquiam, Wash.

James McQuade was listed as Missing in Action following the engagement that earned him the Distinguished Service Cross. His remains were recovered on October 7, 1994, and returned to the United States.

Distinguished Service Cross Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) James Russell McQuade , United States Army (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Troop F, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Aviation Brigade. First Lieutenant McQuade distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 11 June 1972 while serving in support of the 1st Army of the Republic of Vietnam Division in the Thua Thien Province, Republic of Vietnam. Lieutenant McQuade was participating in a rescue mission of a downed helicopter crew in an extremely hostile area. Lieutenant McQuade, knowing that the downed aircraft had received intense automatic small and heavy anti-aircraft fire, volunteered to go into the heavily infested enemy territory to search for possible survivors. Upon initial entry into the enemy held terrain, Lieutenant McQuade reported taking heavy automatic weapons fire from all sides. With complete disregard for his own safety, he continued flying towards the crash site. As he proceeded to the area of the downed aircraft, he reported taking further anti-aircraft fire. At approximately 750 meters from the crash site and completely engulfed in hostile fire, Lieutenant McQuade reported taking numerous hits and, shortly thereafter, was hit with a missile of unknown type. His aircraft disintegrated in mid-air. Lieutenant McQuade’s unselfish concern for the welfare of his fellow soldiers resulted in the loss of his own life. He was well aware of the risks involved but refused to give up the search in the face of the fanatical enemy resistance. Lieutenant McQuade’s voluntary participation in a desperately dangerous mission demonstrated extraordinary heroism in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

Service: Army Reserve
Rank: First Lieutenant

Department of the Army, General Orders No. 56 (December 31, 1974)

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Michael Tonkyn
Home of record: Mendham, N.J.

Navy Cross Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lance Corporal Michael S. Tonkyn (MCSN: 2255465), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Squad Leader with Company C, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. During the early morning hours of 11 June 1969, while Company C was providing battalion security northwest of An Hoa in Quang Nam Province, the Marines came under a heavy volume of mortar, rocket, and small-arms fire from an estimated three North Vietnamese Army companies. In the initial moments of the ensuing fierce engagement, ten well-armed hostile soldiers infiltrated the company perimeter and took cover in a trenchline approximately twenty meters behind Lance Corporal Tonkyn’s platoon. Reacting instantly, Lance Corporal Tonkyn and a companion crawled across the unprotected area to throw grenades and deliver rifle fire upon the invaders. When his comrade was seriously wounded and fell into the hostile trenchline, Lance Corporal Tonkyn leaped into the emplacement and dragged the injured Marine to a safe location. Then, determined to dislodge or kill the North Vietnamese soldiers, he returned to the enemy emplacement to continue his efforts. On four occasions, Lance Corporal Tonkyn maneuvered across the fire-swept terrain to procure additional hand grenades, and boldly raced along the position firing his rifle and throwing grenades, personally accounting for six hostile soldiers killed. His exceptional display of valor instilled confidence and aggressiveness in other Marines, who subsequently came to his assistance and eliminated the remainder of the enemy unit, thereby preventing the destruction of friendly mortar positions. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Lance Corporal Tonkyn contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

Service: Marine Corps
Rank: Lance Corporal

Authority: Navy Department Board of Decorations and Medals

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John Firse
Date of birth: 1 Nov. 1937
Place of birth: Ohio

After flying an HH-3E with the 38th ARRS from October 1966 to December 1967, Captain Firse flew HH-52 Sea Guard helicopters with the U.S. Coast Guard for three years. He retired as an Air Force Lieutenant Colonel on December 31, 1982.

Air Force Cross Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Cross to Captain John A. Firse, United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as an HH-3E Helicopter Rescue Crew Commander in Detachment 5, 38th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron, Udorn Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action over North Vietnam on 11 June 1967. On that date, Captain Firse flew deep into hostile territory to rescue two downed American pilots. After rescuing one survivor from the dense jungle, he hovered over the second, with intense and accurate ground fire tearing into his unarmed aircraft and causing extensive damage. Despite continuing fire, Captain Firse persevered in the recovery effort until the second survivor was safely aboard. Although three of his tires were blown and the hull was extensively damaged from hostile fire, Captain Firse skillfully recovered at a forward operating base. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness, Captain Firse reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Service: Air Force
Rank: Captain

Samuel Felton , Jr.
Home of record: Cleveland, Ohio

Navy Cross Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War

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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Private First Class Samuel L. Felton, Jr. (MCSN: 2479014), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Fire Team Leader with Company C, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. Early on the morning of 11 June 1969, Company C was established in a battalion night defensive perimeter two miles west of An Hoa Combat Base when its sector came under a heavy volume of rocket, mortar, recoilless rifle, and automatic-weapons fire followed by a determined assault by an estimated 100 North Vietnamese Army soldiers. When communications with a three-man listening post seventy-five meters forward of the perimeter were lost, Private First Class Felton established voice contact and learned that all three Marines were wounded and unable to return to the perimeter unassisted. With resolute determination, he left his fighting hole and although wounded by enemy fire, continued across the open terrain until he reached the beleaguered Marines. After administering first aid and ensuring that no equipment or ordnance was left behind, he provided covering fire as he directed the two least seriously wounded men across the hazardous area to the company lines. Despite his weakened condition from loss of blood, Private First Class Felton began to carry the most seriously injured Marine through the knee-deep mud and water of the rice paddy. Suddenly two hostile soldiers jumped in front of him, blocking his chance to return to friendly lines. Reacting instantly, he fired his M-16 rifle with one hand while supporting the wounded Marine with his injured arm, killing both of the enemy, and fearlessly continued his Herculean efforts until he delivered his wounded comrade to the battalion aid station. He then returned to the perimeter and continued fighting the attacking force until the enemy was repulsed. His heroic actions and bold fighting spirit inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in saving the lives of several fellow Marines. By his courage, daring initiative, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Private First Class Felton upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

Service: Marine Corps

Rank: Private First Class

Authority: Navy Department Board of Decorations and Medals

There are no awards on this day for the Desert Storm, OIF, or OEF.