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1st Lt. George E. Richards

1st Lt. George E. Richards

Born: January 19, 1929
Died: June 11, 1953 (KIA on Outpost Harry)


(Photo by Sam Buck)

Lt. Richards taken in front of the K Company mess. (Photo by Martin Markley, 1953)

Lt. Richards at right, Executive Officer of K Company, is shown with Lt. Daley, near the entrance to the K Company Command Post. Behind them is a personnel bunker. (Photo by Martin Markley)

This photo of Lt. Richards, Captain Markley, and Lt. Pierre was taken a couple of days before they went on Outpost Harry where the action described below occurred. (Photo by Brock Lippitt)
The following text is from the Bronze Star Medal with the "V" Device for Valor awarded posthumously to 1st Lt. George E. Richards for his gallantry in combat in Korea on 10 June to 11 June, 1953.  At the request of Lt. Richards' brother the medal and documentation have been forwarded to him. 

Click here to read Sam Buck's first-hand description of the action described in this award.

Department of the Army
U.S. Total Army Personnel Command
Alexandria, VA 22332-0471

Permanent Orders 235-6 23 August 2002

RICHARDS, GEORGE E. RA 065 883 First Lieutenant, Company K, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, Republic of Korea

Award: Bronze Star Medal with "V" Device for Valor (Posthumous)
Date(s): 10 June to 11 June 1953
Authority: AR 600-8-22, Paragraph 3-13
Reason: For heroism in ground combat
BY ORDER OF THE SECRETARY OF THE ARMY
ROBERT L. WHITE, JR. LTC, AG Chief Military Awards Branch

For heroic achievement in action against the enemy on the night of 10-11 June 1953, during the successful defense of Outpost Harry in the Republic of Korea. While under a massive barrage of high explosive rounds from Chinese Communists Forces, Lieutenant Richards inspired his men to fortify the company's hill position in anticipation of a forthcoming assault by a reinforced regiment of Chinese Infantry. In spite of the company's defensive fire, the enemy reached the trenches. Lieutenant Richards sounded the alarm and without regard for his personal safety, engaged the enemy in close combat, killing several with deadly carbine fire. He held the enemy at bay long enough for the forward observer to request friendly artillery to open fire on their own position. An enemy grenade severely wounded Lieutenant Richards, rendering him unconscious and was subsequently killed by an enemy soldier. Lieutenant Richard's self-sacrifice helped to ensure that Outpost Harry remained in the hands of the United States Eighth Army. His unflinching courage and good cheer in the face of overwhelming odds was an inspiration to his soldiers and in the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 15th Infantry Regiment and the United States Army.

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©Copyright 2003, George E. Richards.  All rights reserved