Donald Leroy Patch
Master Sergeant, U.S. Army

In September 1950, Master Sergeant Donald Leroy Patch was serving with Company C, 24th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in Korea.

On 22 September, MSG Patch's unit was engaged with enemy forces at Wonsan, Korea. MSG Patch's Company C was committed to capture a hill strongly supported by a mortar position about 300 yards away and was pinned down by intense flanking automatic and small-arms fire. MSG Patch volunteered to lead a group of three attached-South Korean soldiers on a flanking movement against the position. The enemy spotted this small group approaching, focused a stream of fire on them, and wounded MSG Patch in the chest. Ignoring his wound, he continued on and the group wiped out the position, killing nine enemy soldiers and routing the rest. During the final charge on the enemy strongpoint, MSG Patch received mortal wounds but his courageous action enabled Company C to take its objective. MSG Patch's courage and self-sacrifice earned him the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross.

Medals, Awards and Badges

Distinguished Service Cross
Purple Heart
Army Good Conduct Medal
World War II Victory Medal
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 Master Sergeant Donald L. Patch (ASN: RA-19049652), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company C, 24th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. Master Sergeant Patch distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces at Wonsan, Korea, on 22 September 1950. Master Sergeant Patch's organization, committed to capture a hill strongly supported by a mortar position about 300 yards away, was pinned down by intense flanking automatic and small-arms fire. Sergeant Patch volunteered to lead a group of three attached South Korean soldiers on a flanking movement against the position. The hostile forces spotted this valiant group approaching, concentrated a vicious stream of fire on them, and wounded Sergeant Patch in the chest. Ignoring his serious wound, he nevertheless forged on with unwavering determination. The group wiped out the position, killing nine of the defenders and routing the remainder. During the final charge on the strong point, this heroic leader received mortal wounds, but his intrepid action enable his company to take its objective. Sergeant Patch's incredible courage and willing self-sacrifice reflect the highest credit on himself and uphold the esteemed traditions of the military service.

General Orders: Department of the Army: General Orders No. 50 (July 16, 1951)

Burial

Master Sergeant Donald Leroy Patch is buried at the Golden Gate National Cemetery in San Bruno, San Mateo County, CA, in Plot: O, 91.

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