GENERAL ORDERS - NUMBER 444  11 October 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 officer and enlisted men:

Master Sergeant ARNOLD D. BANTA, RA35904720, Infantry, Company "E", 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army. On the night of 14 June 1953 in the vicinity of Sagimak, Korea, Company "E" made a raid on enemy held Hill "412". In the initial action, the attacking force sustained many casualties. Sergeant BANTA was in charge of two litter bearer squads and capably directed the evacuation of the wounded. While supervising the operation, he found that his platoon leader had been wounded. Immediately, he took charge of the officer's heavy weapons platoon and accurately selected targets to be fired upon. Through Sergeant BANTA'S aggressive leadership, the unit delivered offective fire against enemy personnel and installations. When the order came to return to friendly lines, he removed the wounded officer from the hill and assisted in evacuating the remaining casualties. Sergeant BANTA'S outstanding heroism and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service. Entered the Federal Service from Indiana.

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