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Remains Recovered Of Washington Medal of Honor Recipient

Last updated on Friday, April 12, 2013

(UNDATED) - The remains of Medal of Honor recipient, Lt. Col. Don C. Faith, Jr., a Washington native, who died in combat in Korea have been identified and will be buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

The Defense Department announced Wednesday that Lieutenant Colonel Faith will be buried April 17th near his father, Brig. Gen. Don C. Faith Sr., also a Washington native.

The Defense Department says Faith's remains were found the area where he was last seen after shrapnel injured him on December 1st, 1950 during the battle of Chosin Reservoir.

During the battle, Faith assumed command of his battalion and led an assault on a Chinese position that allowed many wounded to escape. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, the highest U.S. military honor, for valor during the battle.

U.S. military scientists identified his remains through DNA and other means. Faith is survived by a daughter, Bobbie Faith Broyles and her children and grandchildren.

In action during World War II, Faith received two Bronze Stars while serving with the 82 Airborne in Europe.

Other decorations awarded Faith during his military career were two Silver Stars and two Purple Hearts.

Last year, the southbound White River bridge on Interstate 69 was named in honor of Lt. Col. Faith and a monument on Washington's Eastside Park's Hill of Heroes recognizes Faith's sacrifice.

Here is Faith's Medal of Honor Citation:

Lt. Col. Faith, commanding 1st Battalion, distinguished himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity in action above and beyond the call of duty in the area of the Chosin Reservoir.

When the enemy launched a fanatical attack against his battalion, Lt. Col. Faith unhesitatingly exposed himself to heavy enemy fire as he moved about directing the action. When the enemy penetrated the positions, Lt. Col. Faith personally led counterattacks to restore the position.

During an attack by his battalion to affect a junction with another U.S. unit, Lt. Col. Faith reconnoitered the route for, and personally directed the first elements of his command across the ice-covered reservoir and then directed the movement of his vehicles which were loaded with wounded until all of his command had passed through the enemy fire.

Having completed this he crossed the reservoir himself. Assuming command of the force his unit had joined he was given the mission of attacking to join friendly elements to the south.

Lt. Col. Faith, although physically exhausted in the bitter cold, organized and launched an attack which was soon stopped by enemy fire. He ran forward under enemy small-arms and automatic weapons fire, got his men on their feet and personally led the fire attack as it blasted its way through the enemy ring.

As they came to a hairpin curve, enemy fire from a roadblock again pinned the column down.

Lt. Col. Faith organized a group of men and directed their attack on the enemy positions on the right flank. He then placed himself at the head of another group of men and in the face of direct enemy fire led an attack on the enemy roadblock, firing his pistol and throwing grenades.

When he had reached a position approximately 30 yards from the roadblock he was mortally wounded, but continued to direct the attack until the roadblock was overrun.

Throughout the 5 days of action Lt. Col. Faith gave no thought to his safety and did not spare himself. His presence each time in the position of greatest danger was an inspiration to his men.

Also, the damage he personally inflicted firing from his position at the head of his men was of material assistance on several occasions.

Lt. Col. Faith's outstanding gallantry and noble self-sacrifice above and beyond the call of duty reflect the highest honor on him and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Army.

(This award supersedes the prior award of the Silver Star (First Oak Leaf Cluster) as announced in G.O. No. 32, Headquarters X Corps, dated 23 February 1951, for gallantry in action.

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