List of Korean War Medal of Honor recipients
This list represents all of the 146 United States military personnel who received the Medal of Honor for valor in combat during the Korean War . 103 Medals of Honor were awarded posthumously .[ 1]
The Korean War was an escalation of border clashes between two rival Korean regimes (each of which was supported by external powers) with the North Korean regime trying to topple the South Korean regime through political and guerrilla tactics. In a very narrow sense, some may refer to it as a civil war , though many other factors were at play.[ 2] After failing to strengthen their cause in the free elections held in South Korea during May 1950[ 3] and the refusal of South Korea to hold new elections per North Korean demands, the communist North Korean Army moved south on June 25, 1950, to attempt to reunite the Korean peninsula, which had been formally divided since 1948. The conflict was then expanded by the Chinese and the Soviet Union's involvement as part of the larger Cold War . The main hostilities were during the period from June 25, 1950, until the armistice was signed on July 27, 1953.
Korean War
Medal of Honor recipients
The Medal of Honor was created during the American Civil War and is the highest military decoration presented by the United States government to a member of its armed forces. Recipients must have distinguished themselves at the risk of their own life above and beyond the call of duty in action against an enemy of the United States.[ 4]
Korean War Medal of Honor recipients by service branch[ 5]
US Air Force – 4
US Army – 93
US Marine Corps – 42
US Navy – 7
Korean War Medal of Honor recipients
Lavender background indicates that the Medal of Honor was awarded posthumously
† indicates that the recipient was killed in action.
Note: Notes in quotations are derived or are copied from the official Medal of Honor citation
Photo
Name
Service
Rank
Place of action
Date of action
Unit
Notes
Charles G. Abrell †
Marine Corps
E-04 Corporal
Hangnyong,Hwacheon ,South Korea
June 10, 1951
2nd Battalion, 1st Marines ,1st Marine Division
Sacrificed his life to defeat an enemy bunker
Stanley T. Adams
Army
E-07 Sergeant First Class
Sesim-ri, Korea
February 4, 1951
19th Infantry Regiment
For leading the repelling of an enemy attack
Joe R. Baldonado †
Army
E-04 Corporal
Kangdong, Korea
November 25, 1950
1st Battalion,187th Airborne Infantry Regiment
Sacrificed his life by remaining in an exposed machine gun position during an enemy attack; killed numerous enemy troops.
William E. Barber
Marine Corps
O-03 Captain
Changjin ,North Korea (Battle of Chosin Reservoir )
November 28, 1950 to December 2, 1950
Company F,2nd Battalion, 7th Marines ,1st Marine Division
Risked his life as a commanding officer in action against enemy aggressor forces
Charles H. Barker †
Army
E-01 Private
Sokkogae,Yeoncheon ,South Korea
June 4, 1953
Company K, 17th Infantry Regiment,7th Infantry Division
Killed while fighting the enemy in hand-to-hand combat
William B. Baugh †
Marine Corps
E-02 Private First Class
Koto-ri to Hagaru-ri (along road between),Changjin ,North Korea (Battle of Chosin Reservoir )
November 29, 1950
Company G,3rd Battalion, 1st Marines ,1st Marine Division (Rein)
Sacrificed his life to save his fellow Marines during a nighttime enemy attack against a motorized column.
Edward C. Benfold †
Navy
E-04 Hospitalman Third class
Korea
September 5, 1952
Company E,2nd Battalion, 1st Marines ,1st Marine Division
Medical corpsman; sacrificed his life treating wounds and saving the lives of wounded Marines.
Emory L. Bennett †
Army
E-02 Private First Class
Sobangsan, Korea
June 24, 1951
Company B, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division.
Sacrificed his life to provide cover fire for withdrawing troops, continued to fire at the enemy until mortally wounded.
David B. Bleak
Army
E-05 Sergeant
Minari-gol, Korea
June 14, 1952
Medical Company 223d Infantry Regiment,40th Infantry Division
Risked his life to administer first aid to several wounded soldiers and killing several of the enemy
Nelson V. Brittin †
Army
E-07 Sergeant First Class
Yonggong-ri, Korea
March 7, 1951
Company I, 19th Infantry Regiment
Sacrificed his life to kill 20 enemy soldiers and destroying four automatic weapons to help his company advance into an enemy position
Melvin L. Brown †
Army
E-02 Private First Class
Chilgok ,South Korea (Battle of Ka-san )
September 4, 1950
Company D, 8th Engineer Combat Battalion
Single-handedly defended a section of wall until all of his grenades and ammo was expended. He was reported KIA , September 5, 1950.
Lloyd L. Burke
Army
O-02 First Lieutenant
Chong-dong, Korea
October 28, 1951
Company G, 5th Cavalry Regiment,1st Cavalry Division
Risked his life to attack the enemy in order to rescue his company who had been pinned down
Tony K. Burris †
Army
E-07 Sergeant First Class
Mundung-ri, Korea
October 8, 1951 to October 9, 1951
Company L, 38th Infantry Regiment,2nd Infantry Division
Sacrificed his life to destroy multiple enemy positions and killing several of the enemy
Hector A. Cafferata, Jr.
Marine Corps
E-01 Private
Changjin ,North Korea (Battle of Chosin Reservoir )
November 28, 1950
Company F,2nd Battalion, 7th Marines ,1st Marine Division (Rein.)
Risked his life to single-handedly fight off an enemy attack
David B. Champagne †
Marine Corps
E-04 Corporal
Korea
May 28, 1952
Company A,1st Battalion, 7th Marines ,1st Marine Division (Rein.)
Sacrificed his life to save the other members of his fireteam by throwing an enemy grenade out of the trench
William R. Charette
Navy
E-04 Hospitalman Third class
Vegas Hill, Korea
March 27, 1953
Company F,2nd Battalion, 7th Marines ,1st Marine Division
Medical corpsman; aided many fallen Marines under heavy fire.
Cornelius H. Charlton †
Army
E-05 Sergeant
Chipo-ri, Korea
June 2, 1951
Company C, 24th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division
Killed due to multiple wounds sustained after several attacks against the enemy
Stanley R. Christianson †
Marine Corps
E-02 Private First Class
Seoul ,South Korea (Second Battle of Seoul )
September 29, 1950
Company E,2nd Battalion, 1st Marines ,1st Marine Division (Rein.)
Killed after remaining in his position to allow his fellow Marines to be notified of an enemy attack
Gilbert G. Collier †
Army
E-04 Corporal
Tutayon, Korea
July 19, 1953 to July 20, 1953
Company F, 223rd Infantry Regiment,40th Infantry Division
Risked his life to remain with his wounded commanding officer while the remainder of the company returned to camp
—
John W. Collier †
Army
E-04 Corporal
Chindong-ri, Korea
September 19, 1950
Company C, 27th Infantry Regiment
Killed when he threw himself on a grenade
Henry A. Commiskey, Sr.
Marine Corps
O-01 Second Lieutenant
Yongdungpo , South Korea
September 20, 1950
Company C,1st Battalion, 1st Marines ,1st Marine Division (Rein.)
Risked his life to attack the enemy multiple times killing several and inflicting significant damage
Samuel Streit Coursen †
Army
O-02 First Lieutenant
Kaesong , North Korea
October 12, 1950
Company C,5th Cavalry Regiment ,1st Cavalry Division
Killed while attempting to protect a fallen comrade
Gordon M. Craig †
Army
E-04 Corporal
Ka-san , South Korea
September 10, 1950
Reconnaissance Company,1st Cavalry Division
Killed after smothering a grenade with his body
Jerry K. Crump
Army
E-04 Corporal
Chorwon ,Korea
September 6, 1951 to September 7, 1951
Company L, 7th Infantry Regiment,3rd Infantry Division
Wounded after smothering a grenade with his body
Jack A. Davenport †
Marine Corps
E-04 Corporal
Songnae-dong, Korea
September 21, 1951
Company G,3rd Battalion, 5th Marines ,1st Marine Division (Rein.)
Killed after throwing himself on a grenade
George A. Davis †
Air Force
O-04 Major
Yalu River area,Sinuiju ,North Korea
February 10, 1952
334th Fighter Squadron, 4th Fighter Group, 5th Air Force
Killed when trying to protect a squadron of bombers from a group of 15 enemy MiG 's
Ray Davis
Marine Corps
O-05 Lieutenant Colonel
Hagaru-ri,Changjin ,North Korea (Battle of Chosin Reservoir )
December 1, 1950 to December 4, 1950
1st Battalion, 7th Marines ,1st Marine Division (Rein.)
For leading the rescue of a trapped rifle company
Richard De Wert †
Navy
E-04 Hospitalman Third class
Korea
April 5, 1951
1st Marine Division (Rein.)
Medical corpsman; although wounded twice, continued to aid fallen Marines until killed while giving first aid to a fallen comrade.
William F. Dean
Army
O-08 Major General
Taejon ,South Korea (Battle of Taejon )
July 20, 1950 to July 21, 1950
Headquarters, 24th Infantry Division
Risked his life to lead the evacuation of Taejon after it had been overrun by the enemy.
Reginald B. Desiderio †
Army
O-03 Captain
Ipsok, Korea
November 27, 1950
Company E, 27th Infantry Regiment,25th Infantry Division
Although wounded, repeatedly attacked the enemy which motivated his men to defeat the opposing enemy force
Duane E. Dewey
Marine Corps
E-04 Corporal
Panmunjom, Korea
April 16, 1952
Company E,2nd Battalion, 5th Marines ,1st Marine Division (Rein.)
Risked his life to save a corpsman and several fellow Marines by smothering a grenade with his body
Carl H. Dodd
Army
O-01 Second Lieutenant
Subuk, Korea
January 30, 1951 to January 31, 1951
Company E, 5th Infantry Regiment,24th Infantry Division
Repeatedly attacked the enemy until he and his men successfully captured Hill 256
—
Ray E. Duke †
Army
E-07 Sergeant First Class
Mugok, Korea
April 26, 1951
Company C, 21st Infantry Regiment,24th Infantry Division
Convinced others to leave him and seek safety as he continued to fire at the enemy force until he was killed
—
Junior D. Edwards †
Army
E-07 Sergeant First Class
Changbong-ri, Korea
January 2, 1951
Company E,23d Infantry Regiment ,2nd Infantry Division
Killed after attacking the enemy multiple times killing several of them
Victor H. Espinoza
Army
E-04 Corporal
Chorwon, Korea
August 1, 1952
1st Battalion,23rd Infantry Regiment ,2nd Infantry Division
Single-handedly silenced a machine gun crew, discovered and destroyed covert enemy tunnel, wiped out two bunkers
—
John Essebagger, Jr. †
Army
E-04 Corporal
Popsudong, Korea
April 25, 1951
Company A, 7th Infantry Regiment,3rd Infantry Division
Repeatedly attacked the enemy with machine gun fire until killed
Don C. Faith, Jr. †
Army
O-05 Lieutenant Colonel
Changjin ,North Korea (Battle of Chosin Reservoir )
November 27, 1950 to December 1, 1950
1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment ,7th Infantry Division
Risked his life repeatedly leading his men in combat for five days until he was killed
Fernando Luis García †
Marine Corps
E-02 Private First Class
Korea
September 5, 1952
Company I,3rd Battalion, 5th Marines ,1st Marine Division (Rein.)
For falling on a grenade to save his squad.
—
Charles George †
Army
E-02 Private First Class
Songnae-dong, Korea
November 30, 1952
Company C, 179th Infantry Regiment,45th Infantry Division
Killed after smothering a grenade with his body
Charles L. Gilliland †
Army
E-02 Private First Class
Tongmang-ri, Korea
April 25, 1951
Company I, 7th Infantry Regiment,3rd Infantry Division
Killed after volunteering to stay behind and keep the enemy at bay so his unit could pull out
Eduardo C. Gomez
Army
E-05 Sergeant
Tabu-dong , South Korea
September 3, 1950
8th Cavalry Regiment ,1st Cavalry Division
Crawled thirty yards across an open rice field to single-handedly destroy an enemy tank
Edward Gomez †
Marine Corps
E-02 Private First Class
Hill 749, Korea
September 14, 1951
Company E,2nd Battalion, 1st Marines ,1st Marine Division (Rein.)
Sacrificed his life to save his fellow Marines by smothering a grenade with his body
—
Clair Goodblood †
Army
E-04 Corporal
Popsu-dong, Korea
April 24, 1951 to April 25, 1951
Company D,7th Infantry Regiment ,3rd Infantry Division
Killed after refusing medical aid and being charged by the enemy he was found with over 100 enemy dead
Ambrosio Guillen †
Marine Corps
E-06 Staff Sergeant
Songuch-on, Korea
July 25, 1953
Company F,2nd Battalion, 7th Marines ,1st Marine Division (Rein.)
Exposed himself to attacks to supervise the defense of their position and the treatment and evacuation of the wounded
Francis C. Hammond †
Navy
E-03 Hospitalman
Korea
March 26, 1953 to March 27, 1953
1st Battalion, 5th Marines ,1st Marine Division
Medical corpsman; sacrificed his life treating and directing wounded Marines until struck by a round of enemy mortar fire.
Lester Hammond, Jr. †
Army
E-04 Corporal
Kumhwa ,North Korea
August 14, 1952
Company A,187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team
Killed while assisting the corpsmen with casualties and evacuation
Melvin O. Handrich †
Army
E-08 Master Sergeant
Sobuk-san, Korea
August 25, 1950 to August 26, 1950
Company C, 5th Infantry Regiment
Killed after fighting off an enemy attack. Was found with more than 70 dead enemy around him
—
Jack G. Hanson †
Army
E-02 Private First Class
Pachi-dong, Korea
June 7, 1951
Company F,31st Infantry Regiment ,7th Infantry Division
Was found dead with an empty pistol in his right hand, a bloody machete in his left hand and 22 dead enemy around him
Lee R. Hartell †
Army
O-02 First Lieutenant
Kobangsan-ri, Korea
August 27, 1951
Battery A, 15th Field Artillery Battalion,2nd Infantry Division
Died while directing fire on an attacking enemy force
Raymond Harvey
Army
O-03 Captain
Taemi-dong, Korea
March 9, 1951
Company C, 17th Infantry Regiment
Severely wounded after attacking the enemy multiple times and inflicting multiple enemy casualties
Frederick F. Henry †
Army
O-02 First Lieutenant
Am-dong, Korea
September 1, 1950
Company F, 38th Infantry Regiment
Killed after causing an estimated 50 enemy casualties
Rodolfo P. Hernandez
Army
E-04 Corporal
Wontong-ri , Korea
May 31, 1951
Company G, 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team
Although wounded, killed six of the enemy before falling unconscious from grenade, bayonet, and bullet wounds
Thomas J. Hudner, Jr.
Navy
O-02 Lieutenant, Junior Grade
Changjin ,North Korea (Battle of Chosin Reservoir )
December 4, 1950
Fighter Squadron 32, attached to U.S.S. Leyte
Risked his life to rescue a downed pilot
Einar H. Ingman, Jr.
Army
E-04 Corporal
Maltari, Korea
February 26, 1951
Company E, 17th Infantry Regiment,7th Infantry Division
Risked his life to destroy an enemy gun emplacement and allow his squad to finish their objective
—
William R. Jecelin †
Army
E-05 Sergeant
Saga, Korea
September 19, 1950
Company C, 35th Infantry Regiment,25th Infantry Division
Sacrificed his life by smothering a grenade with his body
James E. Johnson †
Marine Corps
E-05 Sergeant
Yudam-ri (Ryudam-ri),Changjin ,North Korea (Battle of Chosin Reservoir )
December 2, 1950
Company J,3rd Battalion, 7th Marines ,1st Marine Division (Rein.)
Although seriously wounded, was last seen fighting the enemy hand to hand
—
Mack A. Jordan †
Army
E-02 Private First Class
Kumsong, Korea
November 15, 1951
Company K, 21st Infantry Regiment,24th Infantry Division
Killed after volunteering to stay behind allowing his squad to escape
Anthony T. Kahoʻohanohano †
Army
E-02 Private First Class
Near Chup'a-ri,Cheorwon ,South Korea
September 1, 1951
Company H, 17th Infantry Regiment,7th Infantry Division
Although wounded, held a position alone and fought hand-to-hand until being killed
—
Billie G. Kanell †
Army
E-01 Private
Pyonggang, Korea
September 7, 1951
Company I, 35th Infantry Regiment,25th Infantry Division
Sacrificed his life by smothering a grenade with his body
Emil Kapaun †
Army
O-03 Captain , US Army Chaplain Corps
Pyoktong , North Korea
May 23, 1951
3rd Battalion,8th Cavalry ,1st Cavalry Division
Inside dismal prison camps, Kapaun risked his life by sneaking around the camp after dark, foraging for food, caring for the sick, and encouraging his fellow Soldiers
—
Loren R. Kaufman †
Army
E-07 Sergeant First Class
Yongsan , South Korea
September 4, 1950 to September 5, 1950
Company G, 9th Infantry Regiment
Repeatedly attacked the enemy forcing them to retreat
Woodrow W. Keeble
Army
E-08 Master Sergeant
Sangsan-ri, Korea
October 20, 1951
Company G,19th Infantry
Risked his life to personally destroy three enemy machine gun emplacements with hand grenades. Presented posthumously by President George W. Bush March 3, 2008 [ 6]
John D. Kelly †
Marine Corps
E-02 Private First Class
Korea
May 28, 1952
Company C,1st Battalion, 7th Marines ,1st Marine Division (Rein.)
Killed while attacking and destroying several enemy bunkers singlehandedly
Jack W. Kelso †
Marine Corps
E-02 Private First Class
Korea
October 2, 1952
Company I,3rd Battalion, 7th Marines ,1st Marine Division (Rein.)
Killed while providing cover fire for several Marines pinned down in a bunker allowing them to escape
Robert S. Kennemore
Marine Corps
E-06 Staff Sergeant
Changjin ,North Korea (Battle of Chosin Reservoir )
November 27, 1950 to November 28, 1950
Company E,2nd Battalion, 7th Marines ,1st Marine Division (Rein.)
Deliberately covered an enemy grenade with his foot to keep his men from being wounded or killed
John E. Kilmer †
Navy
E-03 Hospitalman
Korea
August 13, 1952
3rd Battalion ,7th Marines ,1st Marine Division
Medical corpsman; killed while shielding a wounded Marine with his body.
—
Noah O. Knight †
Army
E-02 Private First Class
Kowang-San, Korea
November 23, 1951 to November 24, 1951
Company F, 7th Infantry Regiment,3rd Infantry Division
Killed while attacking three enemy troops attempting to place demolition charges
John K. Koelsch †
Navy
O-02 Lieutenant, Junior Grade
Korea
July 3, 1951
Navy helicopter rescue unit
Died as a POW after rescuing several crewman from a downed helicopter and evading the enemy for nine days.
—
Ernest R. Kouma
Army
E-07 Sergeant First Class
Agok, Korea
August 31, 1950 to September 1, 1950
Company A, 72nd Tank Battalion
Risked his life by attacking and killing at least 250 of the enemy
Leonard M. Kravitz †
Army
E-02 Private First Class
Yangpyong , South Korea
March 6, 1951 to March 7, 1951
Company M, 3rd Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment
Provided suppressive fire for his retreating unit after position had been overrun by the enemy
—
Edward C. Krzyzowski †
Army
O-03 Captain
Tondul, Korea
August 31, 1951 to September 3, 1951
Company B, 9th Infantry Regiment,2nd Infantry Division
For spearheading an assault against strongly defended Hill 700. Killed by an enemy sniper
—
Darwin K. Kyle †
Army
O-01 Second Lieutenant
Kamil-ri, Korea
February 16, 1951
Company K, 7th Infantry Regiment,3rd Infantry Division
For repeatedly attacking and destroying the enemy. Killed by a burst from an enemy submachine gun
Hubert L. Lee
Army
E-08 Master Sergeant
Ip-ori, Korea
February 1, 1951
Company I,23rd Infantry Regiment ,2nd Infantry Division
Although seriously wounded continued to lead his men and fight the enemy
George D. Libby †
Army
E-05 Sergeant
Taejon ,South Korea (Battle of Taejon )
July 20, 1950
Company C, 3rd Engineer Combat Battalion,24th Infantry Division
Sacrificed his life to shield the driver of a rescue vehicle from enemy rounds
Herbert A. Littleton †
Marine Corps
E-02 Private First Class
Chungchon, Korea
April 22, 1951
Company C,1st Battalion, 7th Marines ,1st Marine Division (Rein.)
Sacrificed his life by smothering a grenade with his body
—
Charles R. Long †
Army
E-05 Sergeant
Near Hoengseong ,South Korea
February 12, 1951
Company M, 38th Infantry Regiment,2nd Infantry Division
Remained in a forward position to target the enemy with mortar fire. Killed when his position was surrounded by the enemy
Baldomero Lopez †
Marine Corps
O-02 First Lieutenant
Battle of Inchon , Korea
September 15, 1950
Company A,1st Battalion, 5th Marines ,1st Marine Division (Rein.)
For smothering a hand grenade with his own body.
Charles J. Loring, Jr. †
Air Force
O-04 Major
Sniper Ridge,Kumhwa ,North Korea
November 22, 1952
80th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 8th Fighter-Bomber Wing
Sacrificed his life by diving his damaged airplane into enemy gun emplacements
—
William F. Lyell †
Army
E-04 Corporal
Chup'a-ri , South Korea
August 31, 1951
Company F, 17th Infantry Regiment,7th Infantry Division
Repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire in order to defeat the enemy and was eventually killed by enemy mortar fire.
Benito Martinez †
Army
E-04 Corporal
Satae-ri, Korea
September 6, 1952
Company A, 27th Infantry Regiment,25th Infantry Division
Refused to be rescued due to enemy troop activity and continued to fight the enemy until killed.
Daniel P. Matthews †
Marine Corps
E-05 Sergeant
Vegas Hill, Korea
March 28, 1953
Company F,2nd Battalion, 7th Marines ,1st Marine Division (Rein.)
Sacrificed his life to silence an enemy gun emplacement
Frederick W. Mausert, III †
Marine Corps
E-05 Sergeant
Songnap-yong, Korea
September 12, 1951
Company B,1st Battalion, 7th Marines ,1st Marine Division (Rein.)
Although severely wounded singlehandedly defeated an enemy gun emplacement and drew enemy fire away from his men.
—
Robert M. McGovern †
Army
O-02 First Lieutenant
Kamyangjan-ri, Korea
January 30, 1951
Company A, 5th Cavalry Regiment,1st Cavalry Division
Killed by a burst of machine gun fire after destroying an enemy gun emplacement
Alford L. McLaughlin
Marine Corps
E-02 Private First Class
Korea
September 4, 1952 to September 5, 1952
Company L,3rd Battalion, 5th Marines ,1st Marine Division (Rein.)
Although painfully wounded he continued to fight off the enemy until they were defeated
Leroy A. Mendonca †
Army
E-05 Sergeant
Chich-on, Korea
July 4, 1951
Company B, 7th Infantry Regiment,3rd Infantry Division
Sacrificed his life by remaining in an exposed position and covering the platoon's withdrawal
Lewis L. Millett
Army
O-03 Captain
Hill 180 near Songtan or Anyang ,[ 7] [ 8] [ 10] South Korea
February 7, 1951
Company E,27th Infantry Regiment ,25th Infantry Division
In taking an occupied hill, he led the last major American bayonet charge
Frank N. Mitchell †
Marine Corps
O-02 First Lieutenant
Hansan-ri, Korea
November 26, 1950
Company A,1st Battalion, 7th Marines ,1st Marine Division (Rein.)
Killed by a burst of small arms fire after single-handedly covering his squad's escape
Hiroshi H. Miyamura
Army
E-04 Corporal
Taejon-ri, Korea
April 24, 1951 to April 25, 1951
Company H, 7th Infantry Regiment,3rd Infantry Division
The first Medal of Honor to be classified Top Secret. This was because he was being held as a Prisoner of War by the Communists at the time.
Ola L. Mize
Army
E-05 Sergeant
Surang-ri, Korea
June 10, 1953 to June 11, 1953
Company K, 15th Infantry Regiment,3rd Infantry Division
Repeatedly risked his life to fight back the enemy and protect several wounded soldiers
Walter C. Monegan, Jr. †
Marine Corps
E-02 Private First Class
Sosa-ri, Korea
September 17, 1950 and September 20, 1950
Company F,2nd Battalion, 1st Marines ,1st Marine Division (Rein.)
Killed while repeatedly attacking the enemy at night
Whitt L. Moreland †
Marine Corps
E-02 Private First Class
Kwagch'i-dong, Korea
May 29, 1951
Company C,1st Battalion, 5th Marines ,1st Marine Division (Rein.)
Sacrificed his life by smothering a grenade with his body
—
Donald R. Moyer †
Army
E-07 Sergeant First Class
Near Seoul ,South Korea (UN May–June 1951 counteroffensive )
May 20, 1951
Company E, 35th Infantry Regiment
Sacrificed his life by smothering a grenade with his body
Raymond G. Murphy
Marine Corps
O-01 Second Lieutenant
Korea
February 3, 1953
Company A,1st Battalion, 5th Marines ,1st Marine Division (Rein.)
Although wounded he refused medical care to fight the enemy until all his men and casualties had been taken care of.
Reginald R. Myers
Marine Corps
O-04 Major
Hagaru-ri,Changjin , North Korea (Battle of Chosin Reservoir )
November 29, 1950
3rd Battalion, 1st Marines ,1st Marine Division (Rein.)
Although losing 170 of his men during 14 hours of combat in subzero temperatures, continued to reorganize his unit and spearhead the attack which resulted in 600 enemy killed and 500 wounded
Juan Negrón
Army
E-08 Master Sergeant
Kalma-Eri, Korea
April 28, 1951
65th Infantry Regiment ,3rd Infantry Division
Held the most vulnerable position on his company's position throughout the night, accurately hurling hand grenades at short range when hostile troops approached.
Eugene A. Obregon †
Marine Corps
E-02 Private First Class
Seoul ,South Korea (Second Battle of Seoul )
September 26, 1950
Company G,3rd Battalion, 5th Marines ,1st Marine Division (Rein.)
Sacrificed his life by using his own body as a shield to protect another wounded Marine
George H. O'Brien, Jr.
Marine Corps
O-01 Second Lieutenant
Korea
October 27, 1952
Company H,3rd Battalion, 7th Marines ,1st Marine Division (Rein.)
Provided cover and care for wounded while his unit was attacking the enemy
Joseph R. Ouellette †
Army
E-02 Private First Class
Yongsan , South Korea
August 31, 1950 to September 3, 1950
Company H, 9th Infantry Regiment,2nd Infantry Division
Repeatedly risked his life to gather grenades and ammunition until killed by enemy fire
John U. D. Page †
Army
O-05 Lieutenant Colonel
Changjin ,North Korea (Battle of Chosin Reservoir )
November 29, 1950 to December 10, 1950
X Corps Artillery, while attached to the 52d Transportation Truck Battalion
Repeatedly attacked the enemy and defended his convoy until killed
Mike C. Pena †
Army
E-08 Master Sergeant
Waegwan, Korea
September 4, 1950
2nd Battalion,5th Cavalry Regiment
Covered his unit's retreat and single-handedly held off large enemy force overnight, until being killed the following morning
Charles F. Pendleton †
Army
E-04 Corporal
Choo Gung-dong, Korea
July 16, 1953 to July 17, 1953
Company D, 15th Infantry Regiment,3rd Infantry Division
Although wounded he refused medical treatment and continued to fight back the enemy until killed
Lee H. Phillips †
Marine Corps
E-04 Corporal
Korea
November 4, 1950
Company E,2nd Battalion, 7th Marines ,1st Marine Division (Rein.)
Risked his life to defeat a pocket of enemy resistance
Herbert K. Pililaau †
Army
E-02 Private First Class
Pia-ri, Korea
September 17, 1951
Company C,23rd Infantry Regiment ,2nd Infantry Division
After being killed fighting the enemy it was determined that he singlehandedly defeated more than 40 of the enemy
John A. Pittman
Army
E-05 Sergeant
Kujangdong, Korea
November 26, 1950
Company C,23rd Infantry Regiment ,2nd Infantry Division
Protected his squad by smothering a grenade with his body
Ralph E. Pomeroy †
Army
E-02 Private First Class
Kumwha ,North Korea
October 15, 1952
Company E, 31st Infantry Regiment,7th Infantry Division
Sacrificed his life manning a heavy machine gun until mortally wounded
—
Donn F. Porter †
Army
E-05 Sergeant
Mundung-ri, Korea
September 7, 1952
Company G, 14th Infantry Regiment,25th Infantry Division
Killed after fighting back a superior enemy force
James I. Poynter †
Marine Corps
E-05 Sergeant
Sudong, Korea
November 4, 1950
Company A,1st Battalion, 7th Marines ,1st Marine Division (Rein.)
Sacrificed his life to kill several of the enemy with hand grenades to save a group of fellow Marines
Ralph Puckett
Army
O-01 First Lieutenant
Near Unsan ,North Korea
November 25, 1950 to November 26, 1950
8th Ranger Company, 8213th Army Unit, 8th U.S. Army
Gallantry at the Battle for Hill 205 against several hundred Chinese troops
George H. Ramer †
Marine Corps
O-01 Second Lieutenant
Korea
September 12, 1951
Company I,3rd Battalion, 7th Marines ,1st Marine Division (Rein.)
Led his men against a superior enemy force and although wounded refused medical aid, manning his post until the enemy overran his position
Mitchell Red Cloud, Jr. †
Army
E-04 Corporal
Chonghyon, Korea
November 5, 1950
Company E, 19th Infantry Regiment,24th Infantry Division
After being seriously wounded, refused medical treatment to continue to fight the enemy until he was killed
Robert D. Reem †
Marine Corps
O-01 Second Lieutenant
Chinhung-ri, Korea
November 6, 1950
Company H,3rd Battalion, 7th Marines ,1st Marine Division (Rein.)
Killed after he covered a grenade with his body
Demensio Rivera
Army
E-02 Private First Class
Changyongni, Korea
May 22, 1951 to May 23, 1951
Company G, 2nd Battalion,7th Infantry Regiment ,3rd Infantry Division
An automatic rifleman, Rivera tenaciously held a forward position exposed to heavy fire; when his rifle became inoperative, Rivera used his pistol and grenades, and eventually fought hand-to-hand and forced back the enemy.
Joseph C. Rodriguez
Army
E-02 Private First Class
Munye-ri, Korea
May 21, 1951
Company F, 17th Infantry Regiment,7th Infantry Division
Singlehandedly destroyed several enemy gun emplacements and foxholes
Ronald E. Rosser
Army
E-04 Corporal
Ponggilli, Korea
January 12, 1952
Heavy Mortar Company, 38th Infantry Regiment,2nd Infantry Division
Repeatedly risked his life to fight the enemy and rescue several wounded soldiers
Tibor Rubin
Army
E-04 Corporal
Korea
July 23, 1950 to April 20, 1953
Company I, 8th Cavalry Regiment,1st Cavalry Division
For single-handedly defending his regiment during their retreat, and saving the lives of many fellow soldiers in a Chinese POW camp.
Daniel D. Schoonover †
Army
E-04 Corporal
Sokkogae,Yeoncheon ,South Korea
July 8, 1953 to July 10, 1953
Company A, 13th Engineer Combat Battalion,7th Infantry Division
Was last seen fighting the enemy with a machine gun before he was killed by artillery fire
Edward R. Schowalter, Jr.
Army
O-02 First Lieutenant
Kumhwa ,North Korea
October 14, 1952
Company A, 31st Infantry Regiment,7th Infantry Division
Although wounded he continued to fight and lead his men until they defeated the enemy
Louis J. Sebille †
Air Force
O-04 Major
Hanchang, Korea
August 5, 1950
67th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 18th Fighter-Bomber Group, 5th Air Force
Killed after diving his aircraft into enemy troops
Richard Thomas Shea †
Army
O-02 First Lieutenant
Sokkogae,Yeoncheon ,South Korea
July 6, 1953 to July 8, 1953
Company A, 17th Infantry Regiment,7th Infantry Division
After fighting off and killing several of the enemy he was last seen in close hand-to-hand combat with the enemy
William E. Shuck, Jr. †
Marine Corps
E-06 Staff Sergeant
Korea
July 3, 1952
Company G,3rd Battalion, 7th Marines ,1st Marine Division (Rein.)
Sacrificed his life to assure that all dead and wounded were evacuated
Robert E. Simanek
Marine Corps
E-02 Private First Class
Korea
August 17, 1952
Company F,2nd Battalion, 5th Marines ,1st Marine Division (Rein.)
Risked his life to save his comrades by smothering a grenade with his body
William S. Sitman †
Army
E-07 Sergeant First Class
Chipyong-ri , South Korea
February 14, 1951
Company M,23rd Infantry Regiment ,2nd Infantry Division
Sacrificed his life to save his comrades by smothering a grenade with his body
Carl L. Sitter
Marine Corps
O-03 Captain
Hagaru-ri,Changjin , North Korea (Battle of Chosin Reservoir )
November 29, 1950 to November 30, 1950
Company G,3rd Battalion, 1st Marines ,1st Marine Division (Rein.)
Although painfully wounded he refused to be evacuated and continued to fight until defense of the area was assured
Sherrod E. Skinner, Jr. †
Marine Corps
O-01 Second Lieutenant
Korea
October 26, 1952
Battery F,2nd Battalion, 11th Marines ,1st Marine Division (Rein.)
In addition to fighting off an enemy force for three hours he sacrificed his life by smothering a grenade with his body
David M. Smith †
Army
E-02 Private First Class
Yongsan , South Korea
September 1, 1950
Company E, 9th Infantry Regiment,2nd Infantry Division
Sacrificed his life to save his comrades by smothering a grenade with his body
—
Clifton T. Speicher †
Army
E-04 Corporal
Minarigol, Korea
June 14, 1952
Company F, 223rd Infantry Regiment,40th Infantry Division
Died after wounds received after charging into an enemy machine gun nest
James L. Stone
Army
O-02 First Lieutenant
Sokkogae,Yeoncheon ,South Korea
November 21, 1951 to November 22, 1951
Company E, 8th Cavalry Regiment,1st Cavalry Division
Captured while leading his men against an overwhelming enemy assault
—
Luther H. Story †
Army
E-02 Private First Class
Agok, Korea
September 1, 1950
Company A, 9th Infantry Regiment,2nd Infantry Division
Sacrificed his life to save his unit by remaining behind and covering them as they withdrew
—
Jerome A. Sudut †
Army
O-01 Second Lieutenant
Kumhwa ,North Korea
September 12, 1951
Company B, 27th Infantry Regiment,25th Infantry Division
Although wounded he led his men against the enemy and single-handedly defeated a group of them after the rifleman he was with was wounded
—
Henry Svehla †
Army
E-02 Private First Class
Korea
June 12, 1952
Company F,32nd Infantry Regiment ,7th Infantry Division
Charged forward, then smothered a grenade blast with his body
William Thompson †
Army
E-02 Private First Class
Haman, Korea
August 6, 1950
24th Company M, 24th Infantry Regiment,25th Infantry Division
Killed by an enemy grenade while covering his units withdrawal
—
Charles W. Turner †
Army
E-07 Sergeant First Class
Yongsan , South Korea
September 1, 1950
2nd Reconnaissance Company,2nd Infantry Division
Directed his tank to destroy seven enemy machine gun nests and covered his units withdrawal until killed
Archie Van Winkle
Marine Corps
E-06 Staff Sergeant
Sudong, Korea
November 2, 1950
Company B,1st Battalion, 7th Marines ,1st Marine Division (Rein.)
Although severely wounded he continued to fight and lead his men until he passed out from loss of blood
Miguel Vera †
Army
E-01 Private
Chorwon, Korea
September 21, 1952
Company F, 2nd Battalion,38th Infantry Regiment
Selflessly chose to remain in position during an enemy attack and cover friendly troops' withdrawal from part of "Old Baldy" hill.
Joseph Vittori †
Marine Corps
E-04 Corporal
Hill 749, Korea
September 15, 1951 to September 16, 1951
Company F,2nd Battalion, 1st Marines ,1st Marine Division (Rein.)
Among numerous accomplishments he was found dead among 200 enemy soldiers that he had singlehandedly killed in fighting
John S. Walmsley, Jr. †
Air Force
O-03 Captain
Yangdok, Korea
September 14, 1951
8th Bombardment Squadron, 3d Bomb Group
Flew his plane through an intense enemy barrage to defend ground forces and maximize enemy damage
Lewis G. Watkins †
Marine Corps
E-06 Staff Sergeant
Korea
October 7, 1952
Company I,3rd Battalion, 7th Marines ,1st Marine Division (Rein.)
Killed by an enemy grenade when it exploded in his hand
Travis E. Watkins †
Army
E-08 Master Sergeant
Yongsan , South Korea
August 31, 1950 to September 3, 1950
Company H, 9th Infantry Regiment,2nd Infantry Division
Volunteered to remain and defend his units withdrawal because he knew his injuries would slow them down
Jack Weinstein
Army
E-05 Sergeant
Kumson, Korea
October 19, 1951
Company G,21st Infantry Regiment ,24th Infantry Division
Alone and unaided, held ground in the face of an enemy attack to permit his platoon to withdraw, even using enemy hand grenades to halt enemy advance.
Ernest E. West
Army
E-02 Private First Class
Sataeri, Korea
October 12, 1952
Company L, 14th Infantry Regiment,25th Infantry Division
Although wounded he assisted in evacuating the wounded and killed several of the enemy
—
Benjamin F. Wilson
Army
E-08 Master Sergeant
Hwach'on-Myon, Korea
June 5, 1951
Company I, 31st Infantry Regiment,7th Infantry Division
Repeatedly risked his life in order for his troops to reorganize and counterattack
Harold E. Wilson
Marine Corps
E-06 Technical Sergeant
Korea
April 23, 1951 to April 24, 1951
Company G,3rd Battalion, 1st Marines ,1st Marine Division (Rein.)
Served in World War II, Korea and Vietnam War; In addition to the Medal of Honor he received five purple hearts.
Richard G. Wilson †
Army
E-02 Private First Class
Opari, Korea
October 21, 1950
Co. 1, Medical Company, 187th Airborne Infantry Regiment
Sacrificed his life to aid a fellow soldier shielding them from enemy fire with his own body
William G. Windrich †
Marine Corps
E-06 Staff Sergeant
Yudam-ri (Ryudam-ri), Changjin , North Korea (Battle of Chosin Reservoir )
December 1, 1950
Company I,3rd Battalion, 5th Marines ,1st Marine Division (Rein.)
Sacrificed his life to direct his men and rescue several wounded Marines from a hillside
Bryant H. Womack †
Army
E-02 Private First Class
Sokso-ri, Korea
March 12, 1952
Medical Company, 14th Infantry Regiment,25th Infantry Division
Sacrificed his life aiding other wounded soldiers
Robert H. Young †
Army
E-02 Private First Class
North of Kaesong , North Korea
October 9, 1950
Company E,8th Cavalry Regiment ,1st Cavalry Division
Although wounded, repeatedly repelled the enemy and insisted other wounded be treated first
See also
References
General
Inline
^ "Medal of Honor Recipients - Korean War" . Center of Military History, U. S. Army . 2012-09-25. Archived from the original on 2012-09-25. Retrieved 2022-09-22 .
^ Richard W. Stewart (ed.). "Ch. 8 :The Korean War, 1950–1953" . American Military History, Volume 2(revised 2005) . CMH Pub 30-22. Archived from the original on May 18, 2015. Retrieved August 20, 2007 .
^ Hermes, Walter Jr. (1966). Truce Tent and Fighting Front . United States Army Center of Military History . p. 2,6,9. Archived from the original on 2009-02-24. Retrieved 2010-07-02 .
^ "A Brief History — The Medal of Honor" . Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) . Department of Defense. August 8, 2006. Archived from the original on May 19, 2009. Retrieved February 9, 2010 .
^ [1] Archived 2014-02-02 at the Wayback Machine Home of Heroes site. Retrieved Jan. 22, 2014.
^ "Keeble awarded MOH" . Archived from the original on 2009-05-31. Retrieved 2008-03-03 .
^ There is a controversy about location of Hill 180
^ "Hallowed Ground Bayonet Hill, South Korea | HistoryNet" . historynet.com . 3 July 2018. Archived from the original on 2018-07-21. Retrieved 2018-07-21 .
^ Murphy, David (2019-07-11). "A TALE OF TWO HILLS: THE MYTH AND REALITY OF THE BATTLE OF BAYONET HILL" . US Army War College War Room . Retrieved 2019-07-16 .