1950's

Cpl. Billy F. Reddick, age 19, Makes Supreme Sacrifice in Korean War. Reddick’s Heroism and Bravery Recognized In Numerous Press Reports, ca 1952

Maj. Gen. Claire L. Chennault Presents Reddick’s Father The Distinguished Service Cross That Reddick Won, But Never Lived To See

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 Billy F. Reddick (ASN: RA-18358022), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Infantry Company, 8th Cavalry Regiment (Infantry), 1st Cavalry Division. Corporal Reddick distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Nago-ri, Korea, on 10 October 1951. On that date the platoon of which Corporal Reddick was a member was assigned the mission of attacking and securing a strategic hill from a large hostile force. As the friendly troops advanced up the precipitous slope, they were subjected to a heavy volume of automatic weapons fire which forced them to halt their attack and seek cover. Locating the position from which the major portion of the hostile fire originated, Corporal Reddick, without regard for his personal safety, moved forward over the fire-swept terrain. Upon reaching a position a few yards from the enemy emplacement, he threw several grenades inside. Then, fixing his bayonet, he leaped within the bunker and engaged the hostile troops occupying it in hand-to-hand combat. Fighting fiercely, Corporal Reddick single-handedly killed seven of the enemy and neutralizing the bunker. Inspired by his fearlessness, the friendly troops renewed their advance and, as they advanced, Corporal Reddick took charge of an automatic-rifle team. Leading his men directly toward the objective, he directed their fire with great skill until he was hit and killed by hostile fire. His courage and devotion to duty were instrumental in the success achieved by his platoon in seizing its objective.

Hall of Valor Project

The following clips include several references to Billy Reddick, of Rayville, who was ultimately killed in the Korean War at the young age of 19. The following articles are in chronological order, and tell of Reddick’s Bravery, Heroism, and Ultimate Sacrifice.

Pfc. Billy F. Reddick
Pfc. Billy F. Reddick Sat, Sep 15, 1951 – 5 · The Richland Beacon-News (Rayville, Louisiana) · Newspapers.com
Billy Reddick - Shreveport Times
Billy Reddick – Shreveport Times Mon, Nov 12, 1951 – Page 24 · The Times (Shreveport, Louisiana) · Newspapers.com
Billy Reddick - Richland Soldier Killed In Action
Billy Reddick – Richland Soldier Killed In Action Sat, Nov 17, 1951 – 1 · The Richland Beacon-News (Rayville, Louisiana) · Newspapers.com
Rites Held for Billy Reddick
Rites Held for Billy Reddick Sat, Feb 23, 1952 – 1 · The Richland Beacon-News (Rayville, Louisiana) · Newspapers.com
Billy Reddick - Distinguished Cross
Billy Reddick – Distinguished Cross Fri, May 23, 1952 – Page 1 · The Monroe News-Star (Monroe, Louisiana) · Newspapers.com
Billy Reddick 1
Billy Reddick 1 Fri, Jul 25, 1952 – Page 1 · The Monroe News-Star (Monroe, Louisiana) · Newspapers.com
Billy Reddick 3
Billy Reddick 3 Fri, Jul 25, 1952 – Page 5 · The Monroe News-Star (Monroe, Louisiana) · Newspapers.com
Billy Reddick 2
Billy Reddick 2 Fri, Jul 25, 1952 – Page 1 · The Monroe News-Star (Monroe, Louisiana) · Newspapers.com
Grady Reddick MMW
Grady Reddick MMW Sun, Jul 27, 1952 – Page 7 · Monroe Morning World (Monroe, Louisiana) · Newspapers.com
Billy Reddick #2 Article
Billy Reddick #2 Article Sat, Aug 2, 1952 – 4 · The Richland Beacon-News (Rayville, Louisiana) · Newspapers.com

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