GENERAL ORDERS - NUMBER 350  18 Aug 1953

 

    AWARD OF THE BRONZE STAR MEDAL - By direction of the President, under the provisions of Executive Order 9419, 4 February 1944 (Sec II, WD Bul 3, 1944), and pursuant to authority in AR 600-45, the Bronze Star Medal with Letter "V" device for heroic achievement in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States is awarded to the following named enlisted men:

Corporal (then Private First Class) WILLIAM S. SANDIDGE, US52190277, Infantry, Company "F", 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army. On the afternoon of 10 June 1953, Company "F" had the mission of attacking enemy held Hill "412" in the vicinity of Sagimak, Korea. After an intensely contested battle, friendly forces conquered the objective from the enemy. Shortly after the order was given to return to friendly lines, enemy artillery and mortar fire increased, hampering evacuation operations. Corporal SANDIDGE, an automatic rifleman, observed two friendly casualties lying in a highly exposed area near the crest of the hill. Without regard for his personal safety, he immediately left his support position to go to their aid. He scuceeded in reaching the criticaly wounded men and dragged them to cover. While attempting to evacuate the men, he was subjected to sniper fire from an enemy cave. He quickly returned the fire with his automatic rifle, silencing the foe and allowing the litter bearers to reach the evauation point with their casualties. Corporal SANDIDGE'S outstanding heroism and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service. Entered the Federal Service from Maryland.

 Source: Record Group 338: General Orders 3rd Infantry Division, Boxes 129 to 131 - National Archives and Records Administration, College Park, Maryland.