Medal of Honor: Carl H. Dodd – Korean War – Hill 256 – January 1951

Name: Carl H. Dodd
Rank: First Lieutenant (then Second Lieutenant)
Organization: U.S. Army
Unit: Company E, 5th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division
Place: Near Subuk, Korea
Entered Service At: Kenvir, Kentucky
Born: 21 April 1925, Evarts, Kentucky

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Summary of Action

Assigned to spearhead the assault on Hill 256, a key terrain feature that had already repelled multiple attacks, then–2d Lt. Carl H. Dodd led his platoon forward across exposed ground under intense small-arms, mortar, and artillery fire from well-camouflaged enemy positions. As the fire grew so heavy that the attack began to falter, Lt. Dodd moved openly among his men, reorganizing and encouraging them with complete disregard for his own safety.

Then, acting alone, he charged the first enemy machine-gun nest and killed or wounded its entire crew. Inspired by his example, the platoon surged forward—fixing bayonets, throwing grenades, and overrunning every enemy position in its path to the initial objective.

Without pause, Lt. Dodd reorganized his men and led them across a narrow ridge toward Hill 256 itself. Advancing at the head of the platoon and under concentrated enemy fire funneled into the narrow approach, he continued firing his rifle and hurling grenades. When still 200 yards short of the objective, he moved ahead alone and used his last grenade to destroy an enemy mortar, killing its crew.

Darkness halted the advance, but at first light Lt. Dodd again stepped forward—this time into dense fog—and led the renewed assault against the remaining enemy positions. With bayonet and grenades, he set the pace until the final defenders were eliminated and Hill 256 was secured.

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Medal of Honor 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. 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, he 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 machine-gun 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 the 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. 1st 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.