Dennis Ross Wants Korean War Vet to Receive Distinguished Service Cross

U.S. Rep. Dennis Ross, R-Fla., part of the House leadership as senior deputy majority whip, introduced a bill this month to waive the time limitations so Air Force veteran Edward Halcomb can receive the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions in the Korean War

The Distinguished Service Cross is the second highest military decoration that can be awarded to a member of the United States Army, said Ross on Monday. For years, my staff has worked with longtime Mulberry, Florida resident, Edward Grady Halcomb, to be awarded a Distinguished Service Cross for his service during the Korean War.

Edward Grady Halcomb, who later retired from the Army at the rank of Sergeant First Class, risked his own life countless times on both the battlefield and as a POW caring for other sick and wounded American prisoners, Ross added. Over the course of two months, he never left his patients side at the prison camp and continued to look after them during the 120-mile death march from Seoul to Pyongyang.

I recently received confirmation from the Secretary of the Army John McHugh, who personally affirmed that Edward Grady Halcomb should be awarded with the Distinguished Service Cross for his valor in the service, Ross noted. However, there is a time limitation in U.S. Code currently preventing this award from being presented to Mr. Halcomb. To address this, I introduced legislation to ensure this American hero will receive the award he earned for serving his country and for saving the lives of fellow service members so many years ago.

Over the coming months, I will work with my colleagues to ensure that this veteran receives the award he deserves for serving in defense of our nation, Ross said in conclusion.