
The President of the United States
in the name of The Congress
takes pleasure in presenting the
Medal of Honor
to
ROSSER, RONALD E.
Rank and organization: Corporal, U.S.
Army, Heavy Mortar Company, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division. Place and
date: Vicinity of Ponggilli, Korea, 12 January 1952. Entered service at:
Crooksville, Ohio. Born: 24 October 1929, Columbus, Ohio. G.O. No.: 67,
7 July 1952.
Citation:
Cpl. Rosser, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry above and beyond the call of
duty. While assaulting heavily fortified enemy hill positions, Company L, 38th Infantry
Regiment, was stopped by fierce automatic-weapons, small-arms, artillery, and mortar fire.
Cpl. Rosser, a forward observer was with the lead platoon of Company L, when it came under
fire from 2 directions. Cpl. Rosser turned his radio over to his assistant and,
disregarding the enemy fire, charged the enemy positions armed with only carbine and a
grenade. At the first bunker, he silenced its occupants with a burst from his weapon.
Gaining the top of the hill, he killed 2 enemy soldiers, and then went down the trench,
killing 5 more as he advanced. He then hurled his grenade into a bunker and shot 2 other
soldiers as they emerged. Having exhausted his ammunition, he returned through the enemy
fire to obtain more ammunition and grenades and charged the hill once more. Calling on
others to follow him, he assaulted 2 more enemy bunkers. Although those who attempted to
join him became casualties, Cpl. Rosser once again exhausted his ammunition obtained a new
supply, and returning to the hilltop a third time hurled grenades into the enemy
positions. During this heroic action Cpl. Rosser single-handedly killed at least 13 of the
enemy. After exhausting his ammunition he accompanied the withdrawing platoon, and though
himself wounded, made several trips across open terrain still under enemy fire to help
remove other men injured more seriously than himself. This outstanding soldier's
courageous and selfless devotion to duty is worthy of emulation by all men. He has
contributed magnificently to the high traditions of the military service.
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