Bernard P. Codd

U.S. Army
1950-1966
Korean War

Son of Irish Immigrants, Mark and Elizabeth (McLoughlin) Codd, SFC Bernard P. Codd served as a Medic during the Korean War with the Medical Company of the 180th Infantry Regiment of the 45th Infantry Division (Thunderbirds). He was awarded the Silver Star, for Gallantry in action against an armed enemy, during the 1st Battle of Pork Chop Hill (June 9th, 1952) also awarded the Combat Medic Badge

Sergeant Codd distinguished himself by gallantry in action against an armed enemy near Homangni, Korea. On the night of June 9, 1952, a platoon from Company L moved into positions on Hill 255 in anticipation of an enemy counterattack.

An intense artillery and mortar barrage began to pound the side of the hill. One of the incoming rounds hit the bunker containing the platoon's command post, severing all communications and inflicting several casualties.

Sergeant Codd immediately ran to the command post and began to administer aid to the wounded. In the meantime, the enemy had lifted the artillery, and mortar fire, and were now beginning their assault on the hill with small-arms and automatic-weapons fire.

Sergeant Codd, still in the process of giving aid, took time to throw badly-needed weapons and ammunition from the command post to the men fighting nearby. However, due to the superior numbers of the fanatical foe and a fast dwindling supply of ammunition, the friendly troops were forced to withdraw from the hillside. Sergeant Codd volunteered to stay on the hill and assist those who were left behind.

He remained at the Command post administering to the wounded. On several occasions he was forced to play dead to deceive the Chinese forces that were constantly roaming the position.

He spent the remainder of the night, without a weapon, caring for the wounded. In the morning, he helped to clear the area of all casualties before withdrawing himself.

After the war, using his GI Bill, Bernard earned his bachelor’s degree in economics from Saint Peter’s University, Jersey City. Bernard married Evelyn Leanza, settled in Elm Park and raised eight (8) children. Bernard worked for Prudential until retiring in the early 1980’s.


Sponsored by George Codd