Korean War KIA DSC Heartbreak Ridge Purple Heart

Korean War KIA DSC Heartbreak Ridge Purple Heart
Group to Corporal James E. Smith, a native of Ohio, and a member of the 23rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division Killed In Action at the Battle of Heartbreak Ridge on September 17, 1951. Included in the lot is his officially government machine engraved slot brooch Purple Heart medal, Gold Star Mother Pin with L.S.S engraved on the reverse, his dog tag, and the Secretary of the Army card with handwritten period notes on it about his service. He would be posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross with the following citation: 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 Corporal James E. Smith (ASN: US-52054480), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division. Corporal Smith distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces near Pia-ri, Korea, on 17 September 1951. Manning defensive positions in the rugged terrain on Heartbreak Ridge, Corporal Smith's platoon had repulsed numerous fanatical attacks. At approximately 2200 hours, wave after wave of wildly screaming hostile troops swarmed up the slope in a rampant suicidal charge and, despite staggering losses, pressed the assault with ruthless determination. The battle increased in tempo and fury and, with ammunition in critical supply, the defenders were forced to withdraw. Voluntarily remaining to cover the retrograde movement, Corporal Smith poured crippling fire into the ranks of the advancing foe until his ammunition was expended and then, using his bayonet and finally his bare fists, he fought with unflinching courage until he was mortally wounded. His valorous conduct and intrepid actions stemmed the onslaught, enabled his comrades to effect an orderly withdrawal and, when the strongpoint was regained, more than thirty-five enemy dead were found lying in the wake of his action.