Richard R McCullough

Richard R McCulloughSecond Lieutenant Richard R. McCullough, Infantry, United States Army, a member of Company E, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism against an armed enemy of the United Nations near Chorwon, Korea, on 18 July 1952. During a bitterly contested engagement in which one of the soldiers lost his helmet and carbine, Lieutenant McCullough replaced them with his own and fearlessly continued to lead the attack on the military crest of a strategic key terrain feature. As the troops approached the summit of the objective they faltered under a shower of enemy concussion grenades, many of which Lieutenant McCullough tossed back into the emplacement. Although wounded during this action he successfully effected a limited withdrawal and set up defensive positions. Constantly vulnerable to heavy mortar and artillery fire, he moved about the perimeter, encouraging the men, distributing ammunition and coordinating the holding action. Although sustaining additional wounds, he organized and spearheaded a counter attack to the crest of the hill and gallantly continued to direct the assault until he lost his life. Lieutenant McCollough’s inspirational leadership, unflinching courage under fire, and consummate devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon himself and are in keeping with the honored traditions of the military service.