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In 1950, the distrust of communism was the focus of the nation then communist
North Korea invaded South Korea. The United States began
sending troops to South Korea by the end of the same year.
At the beginning of the war, African-American Soldiers
were still segregated into all-black units. Throughout
the timeline of this conflict, numerous studies and committees
concluded that racially segregated units limited the overall effectiveness
of the Army. The Korean War was the turning point in the acceptance of
African Americans as proven Soldiers of Liberty. Thus, by 1954, the last
all-black unit was disbanded and African-American Soldiers were integrated
into previously all-white units.

CORNELIUS H. CHARLTON
Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company
C, 24th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division
Place and date: Near Chipo-ri, Korea, 2 June
1951
Citation: Sgt. Charlton, a member of Company C, distinguished
himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond
the call of duty in action against the enemy. His platoon was attacking
heavily defended hostile positions on commanding ground when the
leader was wounded and evacuated. Sgt. Charlton assumed command,
rallied the men, and spearheaded the assault against the hill.
Personally eliminating 2 hostile positions and killing 6 of the
enemy with his rifle fire and grenades, he continued up the slope
until the unit suffered heavy casualties and became pinned down.
Regrouping the men he led them forward only to be again hurled
back by a shower of grenades. Despite a severe chest wound, Sgt.
Charlton refused medical attention and led a third daring charge
which carried to the crest of the ridge. Observing that the remaining
emplacement which had retarded the advance was situated on the
reverse slope, he charged it alone, was again hit by a grenade
but raked the position with a devastating fire which eliminated
it and routed the defenders. The wounds received during his daring
exploits resulted in his death but his indomitable courage, superb
leadership, and gallant self-sacrifice reflect the highest credit
upon himself the infantry, and the military service.
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WILLIAM THOMPSON
Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army,
24th Company M, 24th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division
Place and date: Near Haman, Korea, 6 August 1950
Citation: Pfc. Thompson, distinguished himself by conspicuous
gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in
action against the enemy. While his platoon was reorganizing under
cover of darkness, fanatical enemy forces in overwhelming strength
launched a surprise attack on the unit. Pfc. Thompson set up his
machine gun in the path of the onslaught and swept the enemy with
withering fire, pinning them down momentarily thus permitting the
remainder of his platoon to withdraw to a more tenable position.
Although hit repeatedly by grenade fragments and small-arms fire,
he resisted all efforts of his comrades to induce him to withdraw,
steadfastly remained at his machine gun and continued to deliver
deadly, accurate fire until mortally wounded by an enemy grenade.
Pfc. Thompson's dauntless courage and gallant self-sacrifice reflect
the highest credit on himself and uphold the esteemed traditions
of military service.
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