Carl H. Dodd
Major, U.S. Army
Medal of Honor Recipient
Korean War

Carl Henry Dodd (21 April 1925 - 13 October 1966) was a soldier in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He received the Medal of Honor for his actions on 30-31 January 1951.

Medal of Honor

Rank and organization: First Lieutenant (then Second Lieutenant), U.S. Army, Company E, 5th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division

Place and date: Near Subuk, Korea, 30-31 January 1951

Entered service at: Kenvir, KY. Born: 21 April 1925, Evarts, KY

G.O. No.: 37, 4 June 1951

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. First Lt. Dodd, 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, 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 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. First 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.

Carl H. Dodd received his Medal of Honor from President Harry S. Truman at a White House ceremony on 10 May 1951.

Death and Burial

Carl H. Dodd died on 13 October 1996 and is buried at Cumberland Memorial Gardens, London, KY.