Citation
for the Medal of Honor awarded to Sergeant Ola Lee Mize
Rank
and organization: Master Sergeant (then Sgt.), U.S. Army, Company
K, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. Place and date:
Near Surang-ni, Korea, 10 to 11 June 1953. Entered service at:
Gadsden, Ala. Born: 28 August 1931, Marshall County, Ala. G.O.
No.: 70, 24 September 1954. Citation: M/Sgt. Mize, a member
of Company K, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry
and outstanding courage above and beyond the call of duty in
action against the enemy. Company K was committed to the defense
of "Outpost Harry", a strategically valuable position,
when the enemy launched a heavy attack. Learning that a comrade
on a friendly listening post had been wounded he moved through
the intense barrage, accompanied by a medical aid man, and rescued
the wounded soldier. On returning to the main position he established
an effective defense system and inflicted heavy casualties against
attacks from determined enemy assault forces which had penetrated
into trenches within the outpost area. During his fearless actions
he was blown down by artillery and grenade blasts 3 times but
each time he dauntlessly returned to his position, tenaciously
fighting and successfully repelling hostile attacks. When enemy
onslaughts ceased he took his few men and moved from bunker
to bunker, firing through apertures and throwing grenades at
the foe, neutralizing their positions. When an enemy soldier
stepped out behind a comrade, prepared to fire, M/Sgt. Mize
killed him, saving the life of his fellow soldier. After rejoining
the platoon, moving from man to man, distributing ammunition,
and shouting words of encouragement he observed a friendly machine
gun position overrun. He immediately fought his way to the position,
killing 10 of the enemy and dispersing the remainder. Fighting
back to the command post, and finding several friendly wounded
there, he took a position to protect them. Later, securing a
radio, he directed friendly artillery fire upon the attacking
enemy's routes of approach. At dawn he helped regroup for a
counterattack which successfully drove the enemy from the outpost.
M/Sgt. Mize's valorous conduct and unflinching courage reflect
lasting glory upon himself and uphold the noble traditions of
the military service.