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KOREA |
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Pictured here is Major Charles Crain receiving the Silver Star from
Maj. General George W. Smythe, 3rd Division Commander, for "courageous
leadership" in a battle near Chong-dong, Korea, on August 21, 1952. The U.S. Army Award of the Silver Star Citation reads: "While occupying a position approximately two miles forward of the UN main line of resistance, Company F of the Major's command was subjected to an intense mortar barrage and sustained numerous casualties. Realizing the necessity for a quick evacuation of the injured, Maj. Crain left the comparative safety of his position to direct the operation. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he moved among his troops shouting words of encouragement and aiding in the evacuation. Inspired by their commander's courageous leadership, medical aidmen quickly moved the wounded to a position of safety. Maj. Crain's inspirational leadership and outstanding gallantry reflect great credit upon himself and his unit and are in keeping with the high tradition of the U.S. Army." |
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 In his story entitled "Bring up the 50 Caliber" Crain writes:"Sometime in August of 1952, our Battalion moved into defensive positions on the right flank of our Division. The 2nd Infantry was on our right. The Main line of Resistance (MLR) was on a high hill which extended North of the 2nd Division Battalion on our immediate right flank. As a matter of fact, our Company on the right overlooked a 2nd Division Outpost. The Outpost was occupied by a platoon-sized unit of about 30 or 40 men, supported by one tank. We had tied in our defense with the 2nd Division and had provided a liaison officer with their Battalion. Very early one morning, just before daylight, we heard bugles and whistles blowing and immediately knew the Outpost was under attack. On some occasions the Chinese preceded their attacks, particularly in the darkness, with bugles and whistles along with the artillery and mortar fire. We never understood why they did this, perhaps they thought it would scare our soldiers. When daylight came, we saw the Outpost still was holding under the attack. We could not understand why the Chinese had chosen to attack this Outpost. We had "flanking fire" and could observe every movement on this particular Outpost. Our Company Commander immediately requested that we send up one of the Battalion 50 Caliber machine guns to reinforce the 30 Caliber machine guns and mortar fire. We laid down devastating fire in front of the Outpost, but the attack continued for an hour or so. The Chinese continued by attacking with wave after wave with little or no regard for the heavy casualties and lives of their own soldiers. It was amazing to us to see such carnage, with little or no chance of success. The Outpost held. The Chinese were even all over their one tank, but it kept moving and firing. The tank crew and the defenders of that Outpost deserved the highest award for their performance and bravery." |
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