FIRST LIEUTENANT Jerimiah V. Hayhurst

First Lieutenant (then Second Lieutenant) JERIMIAH V. HAYHURST,01918966, Infantry, Company "H", 65thInfantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army. During the early morning hours of 28 October 1952, the recoilless rifle platoon of Company "H", of which Lieutenant HAYHURST was leader, was assigned the mission of rendering fire support to friendly forces attacking "Jackson Heights", in the vicinity of Kangong-Ni, Korea. A hostile light artillery piece was delaying the friendly attack and because of the exposed position of the friendly forces, continuous delay would have caused numerous casualties. While relaying his fire command to his gun crews, Lieutenant HAYHURST"S communications were destroyed by enemy artillery fire. With complete disregard for his safety, Lieutenant HAYHURST left his command post bunker and exposed himself to the intense enemy incoming artillery fire to personally carry the essential elements of fire data to his gun positions. While enroute, he was struck by the force of an explosion from a close landing enemy shell, the flash blinding him and injuring his eyes. Although he was partially blinded, he reached his firing positions, giving each in turn the required data needed to accomplish the mission. His courage and steadfast determination resulted in the prompt delivery of the vital fire support which destroyed the enemy artillery piece and permitted the friendly forces to continue their attack. Lieutenant HAYHURST'S outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service. Entered the Federal service from California.