Medal of Honor: Ola L. Mize - Korean War - June 10-11, 1953

Name: Ola L. Mize
Rank: Master Sergeant (then Sergeant)
Branch: U.S. Army
War: Korean War
Unit: Company K, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division
Date of Action: June 10-11, 1953
Location: Near Surang-ni, Korea - Outpost Harry

Summary of Action

On the night of 10-11 June 1953, Sergeant Ola L. Mize displayed extraordinary heroism while helping defend the strategically vital position known as Outpost Harry, one of the final and fiercest battlegrounds of the Korean War.

As Company K braced for an assault, enemy forces launched a massive attack supported by heavy artillery and mortar fire.

Learning that a soldier on a forward listening post had been wounded, Mize immediately crossed the shell-swept battlefield with a medic and rescued the casualty, returning him safely despite the intense bombardment.

Back at the main defensive line, he quickly organized an effective defense as enemy troops penetrated into sections of the trench system.

Fighting at close quarters, Mize repeatedly exposed himself to hostile fire while directing his men and engaging attackers.

Three separate times artillery and grenade blasts knocked him to the ground, yet each time he rose and returned to the fight without hesitation.

When the initial attacks slackened, he gathered a handful of soldiers and systematically moved from bunker to bunker, firing through firing ports and throwing grenades to eliminate enemy-held positions.

During this dangerous sweep, he spotted an enemy soldier preparing to shoot one of his comrades from behind and killed the attacker before he could fire, saving the soldier’s life.

Returning to the platoon, Mize moved continuously along the line, distributing ammunition and encouraging exhausted defenders to hold their ground.

When he learned that a friendly machine-gun position had been overrun, he immediately fought his way to it, personally killing ten enemy soldiers and driving off the remainder to restore the position.

Later, after fighting back to the command post and finding several wounded Americans there, he established a defensive position to shield them from further attack.

Securing a radio, he directed friendly artillery fire onto enemy approach routes, helping break up additional assaults before they reached the outpost.

With dawn approaching, Mize helped reorganize the battered defenders and participated in the counterattack that successfully expelled the enemy from Outpost Harry.

His fearless leadership, relentless determination, and unwavering devotion to his fellow soldiers were instrumental in holding one of the most fiercely contested positions of the war and reflected the highest traditions of the United States Army.

Medal of Honor Citation

MIZE, OLA L.

Rank and organization: Master Sergeant (then Sergeant), U.S. Army, Company K, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division.

Place and date: Near Surang-ni, Korea, 10-11 June 1953.

Entered service at: Gadsden, Ala.

Born: 28 August 1931, Marshall County, Ala.

G.O. No.: 70, 24 September 1954.

Citation:

Master Sergeant Mize, a member of Company K, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and outstanding courage above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. Company K was committed to the defense of Outpost Harry, a strategically valuable position, when the enemy launched a heavy attack. Learning that a comrade on a friendly listening post had been wounded, he moved through the intense barrage, accompanied by a medical aidman, and rescued the wounded soldier. On returning to the main position, he established an effective defense system and inflicted heavy casualties against determined enemy assault forces which had penetrated into trenches within the outpost area. During his fearless actions he was blown down by artillery and grenade blasts three times, but each time he dauntlessly returned to his position, tenaciously fighting and successfully repelling hostile attacks. When enemy onslaughts ceased, he took his few men and moved from bunker to bunker, firing through apertures and throwing grenades at the foe, neutralizing their positions. When an enemy soldier stepped out behind a comrade prepared to fire, Master Sergeant Mize killed him, saving the life of his fellow soldier. After rejoining the platoon, moving from man to man, distributing ammunition, and shouting words of encouragement, he observed a friendly machine-gun position overrun. He immediately fought his way to the position, killing ten of the enemy and dispersing the remainder. Fighting back to the command post and finding several friendly wounded there, he took a position to protect them. Later, securing a radio, he directed friendly artillery fire upon the attacking enemy’s routes of approach. At dawn he helped regroup for a counterattack which successfully drove the enemy from the outpost. Master Sergeant Mize’s valorous conduct and unflinching courage reflect lasting glory upon himself and uphold the noble traditions of the military service.