T. Albert Crowson

Technical Sergeant, U. S. Marine Corps

Distinguished Service Cross

GENERAL ORDERS:
General Headquarters Far East Command: General Orders No. 87 (December 20, 1950)
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Staff Sergeant T. Albert Crowson (MCSN: 296088), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as an Acting Platoon Leader of a Marine Rifle Platoon of an Infantry Company, Fifth Marines, First Provisional Marine Brigade (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, Pacific, in action against enemy aggressor forces near the Taebong-ni sector of Korea, on 17 August 1950. Sergeant Crowson, acting platoon leader of a rifle platoon, observed that one of his squads was pinned down by the crossfire of two enemy machine guns during an attack on the Taebong-Ni sector. Alone and without regard for his own safety, he fearlessly reconnoitered the slope in front of the squad until he located the machine-gun positions. From a standing position in full view of the enemy, he opened fire with his carbine and began methodically to eliminate the guns' crew members, killing four and wounding an unknown number. His deadly fire silenced both hostile machine-gun emplacements, enabling this squad to rejoin the platoon and continue the assault. The daring action of Sergeant Crowson so inspired his men that they moved out with new vigor and determination to take their objective. His display of outstanding courage and devotion to duty and the welfare of his comrades contributed materially to his platoon's final seizure of the critical sector, reflecting great credit upon himself and the honored traditions of the military service.