The 35th Infantry Regiment Association salutes our fallen brother, PV2 Francis Lee Mitchell, RA18316966, who died in the service of his country on August 18th, 1950 in Chungnan, South Korea. The cause of death was listed as KIA. At the time of his death Francis was 20 years of age. He was from Burkburnett, Texas. Francis' Military Occupation Specialty was 345-Truck Driver Light.
The decorations earned by PV2 Francis Lee Mitchell include: the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Distinguished Service Cross, the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Korea Service Medal, and the Republic of Korea War Service Medal.
Francis entered the service 26 September 1947.
Burial::
Burkburnett Cemetery
Burkburnett
Wichita County
Texas, USA
His DSC citation:
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Francis L. Mitchell (RA18316966), Private First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Heavy Mortar Company, 1st Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. Private First Class Mitchell distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces near Chung-nan, Korea, on 18 August 1950. On that date, one company of enemy moved through the left flank of the 1st Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, in a heavy fog. Due to the extremely restricted visibility, they were not discovered until they were well within the defense perimeter of the 1st platoon of the Heavy Mortar Company. Immediately upon discovery, a fierce fire-fight broke out. The platoon leader attempted to close his men with the enemy but was unable to do so due to the devastating enemy fire. He then moved his platoon to the ridge n the rear overlooking the enemy. Private Mitchell, without regard for his own safety, left his squad, went to his truck in the enemy area, obtained a Browning Automatic Rifle, and returned to the ridge. At this time the enemy commenced delivering devastating fire with a .50 caliber machine-gun which was captured during the action. This gun was located high on the ridge and permitted the enemy to deliver cross-fire on the platoon. The enemy meanwhile moved approximately one platoon into position and began delivering accurate fire from a third position. The platoon leader again moved the platoon to a position five hundred yards in the rear. Private Mitchell, with an extraordinary display of heroism, remained on the hill holding the enemy at bay with his Browning Automatic Rifle. Although caught in a withering cross fire and faced with a frontal assault, he held the position, killing numerous enemy. Several enemy reached grenade distance but with calm courage Private Mitchell delivered accurate fire until his ammunition was expended. He again went into the enemy ranks, fought his way to his truck, secured a light machine-gun, and was attempting to open fire at the enemy when he was killed. The military action of Private Mitchell enabled the platoon to reorganize into an effective force and retake the position.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 183 (November 27, 1950)
Home Town: Custer, Oklahoma
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