Mitchell Red Cloud, Jr.

Mitchell Red Cloud, Jr. (July 2, 1924, near Hatfield, Wisconsin – November 5, 1950, near Chonghyon, Korea) was a soldier in the United States Army during the Korean War. He posthumously received the Medal of Honor for his actions on November 5, 1950.

Red Cloud had previously served in the United States Marine Corps during World War II.

He was a member of the Ho-Chunk Native American tribe.

Medal of Honor citation

Rank and organization: Corporal, U S. Army, Company E, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division

Place and date: Near Chonghyon, Korea, November 5, 1950

Entered service at: Merrillan, Wisconsin

Born: July 2, 1924 in Hatfield, Wisconsin

G.O. No.: 26, April 25, 1951.

Citation:

Cpl. Red Cloud, Company E, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. From his position on the point of a ridge immediately in front of the company command post he was the first to detect the approach of the Chinese Communist forces and give the alarm as the enemy charged from a brush-covered area less than 100 feet from him. Springing up, he delivered devastating pointblank automatic rifle fire into the advancing enemy. His accurate and intense fire checked this assault and gained time for the company to consolidate its defense. With utter fearlessness he maintained his firing position until severely wounded by enemy fire. Refusing assistance he pulled himself to his feet and, wrapping his arm around a tree, continued his deadly fire again, until he was fatally wounded. This heroic act stopped the enemy from overrunning his company's position and gained time for reorganization and evacuation of the wounded. Cpl. Red Cloud's dauntless courage and gallant self-sacrifice reflects the highest credit upon himself and upholds the esteemed traditions of the U.S. Army.[2]

Legacy

On Armed Forces Day, May 18, 1957, the United States Army named Camp Red Cloud after him, in recognition of his actions.

The U.S. Navy named USNS Red Cloud (T-AKR-313) after him in 1999.[3]

A plaque honoring him (as Mitchell RedCloud Jr.) has been erected in Black River Falls, Wisconsin. It is at the Field of Honor memorial by the Chamber of Commerce Building, 101 S. 2nd Street.

A park in his honor was opened in 1953 at 520 Powell St on the north side of La Crosse, Wisconsin.