Emmett Edward Forrester
Corporal, U.S. Army

In September 1950, Corporal Emmett Edward Forrester was a Light Weapons Infantryman serving with Company F, 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in Korea.

On 15 September, CPL Forrester's unit was engaged with enemy forces near Chirwan-ni, Korea. While occupying a defensive position overlooking the Nam River, Company F was attacked by a numerically superior enemy force. Under cover of intense small-arms and automatic-weapons fire, the enemy got within grenade distance of the company positions and succeeded in knocking out two of their machine-gun emplacements. It was apparent that the company could not hold its position against the enemy attack and the order to withdraw was given. CPL Forrester and a comrade volunteered to remain in position and cover the withdrawal. He remained exposed to the deadly hail of enemy fire and held the enemy at bay until he was killed. His courage and selfless action earned him the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross. [Private Paul L. Robison (Honoree Record ID 301686) was the man who stayed with CPL Forrester and he, too, received a posthumous award of the Distinguished Service Cross for his heroic sacrifice in this action.]

Medals, Awards and Badges

Distinguished Service Cross
Purple Heart
National Defense Service Medal
Korean Service Medal
United Nations Service Medal
Republic of Korea War Service Medal
Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation
Combat Infantryman Badge

Distinguished Service Cross Citation

The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Corporal Emmette E. Forrester (ASN: RA-18102246), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. Corporal Forrester distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces near Chirwan-ni, Korea, on 15 September 1950. While occupying a defensive position overlooking the Nam River, Company F was attacked by a numerically superior enemy force. Under cover of intense small-arms and automatic-weapons fire, the enemy approached within grenade distance of the company positions and succeeded in knocking out two friendly machine-gun emplacements. When it became apparent that the company would not be able to hold its position against the overwhelming enemy attack, the order was given for the company to withdraw. Corporal Forrester and a comrade volunteered to remain in position and cover the withdrawal. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he remained exposed to the deadly hail of enemy fire and courageously held the enemy at bay until he was killed.

General Orders: Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 186 (April 4, 1951)

Burial

Corporal Emmett Edward Forrester is buried at the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Bexar County, TX, in Section K, Site 1-M.