
The President of the United States
in the name of The Congress
takes pleasure in presenting the
Medal of Honor
to
DODD, CARL H.
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant
(then 2d Lt.), U.S. Army, Company E, 5th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division. Place
and date: Near Subuk, Korea, 30 and 31 January 1951. Entered service at:
Kenvir, Ky. Born: 21 April 1925, Evarts, Ky. G.O. No.: 37, 4 June 1951.
Citation:
1st Lt. Dodd, Company E, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity
above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. First Lt. Dodd, given the
responsibility of spearheading an attack to capture Hill 256, a key terrain feature
defended by a well-armed, crafty foe who had withstood several previous assaults, led his
platoon forward over hazardous terrain under hostile small-arms, mortar, and artillery
fire from well-camouflaged enemy emplacements which reached such intensity that his men
faltered. With utter disregard for his safety, 1st Lt. Dodd moved among his men,
reorganized and encouraged them, and then single-handedly charged the first hostile
machinegun nest, killing or wounding all its occupants. Inspired by his incredible
courage, his platoon responded magnificently and, fixing bayonets and throwing grenades,
closed on the enemy and wiped out every hostile position as it moved relentlessly onward
to its initial objective. Securing the first series of enemy positions, 1st Lt. Dodd again
reorganized his platoon and led them across a narrow ridge and onto Hill 256. Firing his
rifle and throwing grenades, he advanced at the head of his platoon despite the intense
concentrated hostile fire which was brought to bear on their narrow avenue of approach.
When his platoon was still 200 yards from the objective he moved ahead and with his last
grenade destroyed an enemy mortar killing the crew. Darkness then halted the advance but
at daybreak 1st Lt. Dodd, again boldly advancing ahead of his unit, led the platoon
through a dense fog against the remaining hostile positions. With bayonet and grenades he
continued to set pace without regard for the danger to his life, until he and his troops
had eliminated the last of the defenders and had secured the final objective. First Lt.
Dodd's superb leadership and extraordinary heroism inspired his men to overcome this
strong enemy defense reflecting the highest credit upon himself and upholding the esteemed
traditions of the military service.
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