First Lieutenant DAVID W. MacARTHUR, United States Air Force, Forward Air Controller attached to 5th Republic of Korea Regiment, 7th Republic of Korea Division, distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy of the United Nations from 21 to.23 April 19514. On 21 April, after the 5th Regiment was overrun and surrounded by Chinese Communist forces, annihilation was imminent. Although the morale of the men was badly shaken, Lieutenant MacARTHUR reorganized the group and, despite intense enemy mortar, small arms and artillery fire, continued to direct effective air strikes against enemy positions for several hours. During this period, as he talked friendly fighters into their targets, he was wounded, his radio jeep was destroyed and his interpreter and radio bearer killed by his side. Undaunted, Lieutenant MacARTHUR rallied the disorganized troops and led them from impending disaster. For two days, traveling a distance of 50 miles, exhausted and without food, Lieutenant MacARTHUR and his depleted force successfully evaded capture and continued to harass the enemy. Although many of his own men became casualties Lieutenant MacARTHUR, through resourcefulness in the face of bitter enemy action, kept a small contingent intact and led them to safety. Lieutenant MacARTHUR’s incredible courage and inspirational leadership are in keeping with the highest traditions of the service and reflect utmost credit on himself, the Far East Air Forces and the United States Air Force. Entered Federal service from Massachusetts.

LTC MacArthur joined the Legion of Valor in 1970.