Carl Clifford Jensen
Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army

Carl Clifford Jensen was a veteran of World War II.

In July 1950, Lieutenant Colonel Carl Clifford Jensen was serving as Commanding Officer of the 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, in Korea.

On 12 July, LTC Jensen's unit was engaged with enemy forces in the vicinity of Chonji, Korea. When a numerically superior enemy force, supported by artillery and armor, attacked the 3d Battalion's position, LTC Jensen exposed himself to the intense artillery, mortar, and small-arms fire to reorganize small groups of withdrawing troops and replace them in the defense line. When the order to withdraw was issued, LTC Jensen remained behind and personally directed the withdrawal of all units of his Battalion. When the withdrawal was complete, he began to withdraw from the forward position, collecting stragglers as he went. As he led his small group of stragglers from the forward positions, they were pinned down by heavy enemy automatic weapons fire. LTC Jensen again exposed himself to enemy fire, placing his men in positions from where the most effective fire could be delivered. He then took up a position and attempted to destroy as many enemy as possible. His courage and leadership ability were directly responsible for saving the lives of many of the men in his command. This 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
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 Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Carl C. Jensen (ASN: 0-38904), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Commanding Officer of the 3d Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division. Lieutenant Colonel Jensen distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces at Chonji, Korea, on 12 July 1950. On that date, when a numerically superior enemy force, supported by artillery and armor, attacked the 3d Battalion's position, Colonel Jensen displayed outstanding leadership ability and personal courage. He voluntarily exposed himself to the intense artillery, mortar, and small-arms fire and reorganized small groups of withdrawing troops and replaced them in the defense line. By his calmness under extremely heavy enemy fire, he inspired his men to the highest possible degree of determination and confidence. When the order to withdraw was issued, Colonel Jensen remained behind and personally directed the withdrawal of all units of his Battalion. When the withdrawal was complete, he himself began to withdraw from the forward position, collecting stragglers as he withdrew. As he led his small group of stragglers from the forward positions, they were pinned down by heavy enemy automatic weapons fire. Colonel Jensen once more exposed himself to the enemy fire, placing his men in positions from where the most effective fire could be delivered. He himself then took up a position and attempted to destroy as many enemy as possible. His utter disregard for personal safety, his exceptional leadership ability, courage, and devotion to duty, were directly responsible for saving the lives of many of the men in his command.

General Orders: Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 189 (December 5, 1950)

Burial

Lieutenant Colonel Carl Clifford Jensen is buried at the Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis, Meade County, SD, in Plot: A, 0, 282.

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