Veterans Remembered

Submitted by Wanda Kells Calderon

Memorial Day brings thoughts of the many brave men who gave their lives fighting for our country.  I never knew Lyle Shelton was recognized for gallantry during the time he served in Korea.  Private Shelton, son of Emmit and Ethel Shelton, attended Russell High School prior to entering the Army.  He died November 27, 1950 in Korea.  

Private First Class Lyle R. Shelton was awarded the Silver Star Medal for "Gallantry in action against an armed enemy on November 26, 1950 in the vicinity of Kujang-Dong, Korea" while a member of Company "G" 23rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division.  The citation accompanying the medal stated that Company "G" had launched an assault against an enemy-held hill and had succeeded in reaching a position 30 feet from the crest.

At this point, the enemy subjected the assault elements with intense weapons and grenade fire.  With complete disregard for his personal safety, Private Shelton, a rifleman voluntarily advanced to a position from where he could engage the well-entrenched with rifle fire.  While moving forward he was seriously wounded but nevertheless continued his fearless advance.  From a vulnerable position, he laid such a devastating base of fire on the hostile entrenchments that the enemy was pinned down, thereby enabling his squad to flank and destroy the enemy.

Only when the enemy had been annihilated did he allow himself to be evacuated.

"The gallantry and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Private Shelton reflects great credit to himself and the Armed Forces of the United States."