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. The recipient 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
PhotoNameServiceRankPlace of actionDate of actionUnitNotes
Charles G. Abrell Marine CorpsE-04CorporalHangnyong,
Hwacheon,
South Korea
June 10, 19512nd Battalion, 1st Marines,
1st Marine Division
Sacrificed his life to defeat an enemy bunker
Stanley T. AdamsArmyE-07Sergeant First ClassSesim-ri, KoreaFebruary 4, 195119th Infantry RegimentFor leading the repelling of an enemy attack
Joe R. Baldonado ArmyE-04CorporalKangdong, KoreaNovember 25, 19501st 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. BarberMarine CorpsO-03CaptainChangjin,
North Korea
(Battle of Chosin Reservoir)
November 28, 1950 to December 2, 1950Company F,
2nd Battalion, 7th Marines,
1st Marine Division
Risked his life as a commanding officer in action against enemy aggressor forces
Charles H. Barker ArmyE-01PrivateSokkogae,
Yeoncheon,
South Korea
June 4, 1953Company K,
17th Infantry Regiment,
7th Infantry Division
Killed while fighting the enemy in hand-to-hand combat
William B. Baugh Marine CorpsE-02Private First ClassKoto-ri to Hagaru-ri (along road between),
Changjin,
North Korea
(Battle of Chosin Reservoir)
November 29, 1950Company 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 NavyE-04Hospitalman Third classKoreaSeptember 5, 1952Company 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 ArmyE-02Private First ClassSobangsan, KoreaJune 24, 1951Company 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. BleakArmyE-05SergeantMinari-gol, KoreaJune 14, 1952Medical 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 ArmyE-07Sergeant First ClassYonggong-ri, KoreaMarch 7, 1951Company 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 ArmyE-02Private First ClassChilgok,
South Korea
(Battle of Ka-san)
September 4, 1950Company 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. BurkeArmyO-02First LieutenantChong-dong, KoreaOctober 28, 1951Company 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 ArmyE-07Sergeant First ClassMundung-ri, KoreaOctober 8, 1951 to October 9, 1951Company 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 CorpsE-01PrivateChangjin,
North Korea
(Battle of Chosin Reservoir)
November 28, 1950Company F,
2nd Battalion, 7th Marines,
1st Marine Division (Rein.)
Risked his life to single-handedly fight off an enemy attack
David B. Champagne Marine CorpsE-04CorporalKoreaMay 28, 1952Company 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. CharetteNavyE-04Hospitalman Third classVegas Hill, KoreaMarch 27, 1953Company F,
2nd Battalion, 7th Marines,
1st Marine Division
Medical corpsman; aided many fallen Marines under heavy fire.
Cornelius H. Charlton ArmyE-05SergeantChipo-ri, KoreaJune 2, 1951Company C,
24th Infantry Regiment,
25th Infantry Division
Killed due to multiple wounds sustained after several attacks against the enemy
Stanley R. Christianson Marine CorpsE-02Private First ClassSeoul,
South Korea
(Second Battle of Seoul)
September 29, 1950Company 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 ArmyE-04CorporalTutayon, KoreaJuly 19, 1953 to July 20, 1953Company 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 ArmyE-04CorporalChindong-ri, KoreaSeptember 19, 1950Company C,
27th Infantry Regiment
Killed when he threw himself on a grenade
Henry A. Commiskey, Sr.Marine CorpsO-01Second LieutenantYongdungpo, South KoreaSeptember 20, 1950Company 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 ArmyO-02First LieutenantKaesong, North KoreaOctober 12, 1950Company C,
5th Cavalry Regiment,
1st Cavalry Division
Killed while attempting to protect a fallen comrade
Gordon M. Craig ArmyE-04CorporalKa-san, South KoreaSeptember 10, 1950Reconnaissance Company,
1st Cavalry Division
Killed after smothering a grenade with his body
Jerry K. CrumpArmyE-04CorporalChorwon,
Korea
September 6, 1951 to September 7, 1951Company L,
7th Infantry Regiment,
3rd Infantry Division
Wounded after smothering a grenade with his body
Jack A. Davenport Marine CorpsE-04CorporalSongnae-dong, KoreaSeptember 21, 1951Company G,
3rd Battalion, 5th Marines,
1st Marine Division (Rein.)
Killed after throwing himself on a grenade
George A. Davis Air ForceO-04MajorYalu River area,
Sinuiju,
North Korea
February 10, 1952334th 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 DavisMarine CorpsO-05Lieutenant ColonelHagaru-ri,
Changjin,
North Korea
(Battle of Chosin Reservoir)
December 1, 1950 to December 4, 19501st Battalion, 7th Marines,
1st Marine Division (Rein.)
For leading the rescue of a trapped rifle company
Richard De Wert NavyE-04Hospitalman Third classKoreaApril 5, 19511st 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. DeanArmyO-08Major GeneralTaejon,
South Korea
(Battle of Taejon)
July 20, 1950 to July 21, 1950Headquarters,
24th Infantry Division
Risked his life to lead the evacuation of Taejon after it had been overrun by the enemy.
Reginald B. Desiderio ArmyO-03CaptainIpsok, KoreaNovember 27, 1950Company 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. DeweyMarine CorpsE-04CorporalPanmunjom, KoreaApril 16, 1952Company 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. DoddArmyO-01Second LieutenantSubuk, KoreaJanuary 30, 1951 to January 31, 1951Company E,
5th Infantry Regiment,
24th Infantry Division
Repeatedly attacked the enemy until he and his men successfully captured Hill 256
Ray E. Duke ArmyE-07Sergeant First ClassMugok, KoreaApril 26, 1951Company 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 ArmyE-07Sergeant First ClassChangbong-ri, KoreaJanuary 2, 1951Company E,
23d Infantry Regiment,
2nd Infantry Division
Killed after attacking the enemy multiple times killing several of them
Victor H. EspinozaArmyE-04CorporalChorwon, KoreaAugust 1, 19521st 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. ArmyE-04CorporalPopsudong, KoreaApril 25, 1951Company A,
7th Infantry Regiment,
3rd Infantry Division
Repeatedly attacked the enemy with machine gun fire until killed
Don C. Faith, Jr. ArmyO-05Lieutenant ColonelChangjin,
North Korea
(Battle of Chosin Reservoir)
November 27, 1950 to December 1, 19501st 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 CorpsE-02Private First ClassKoreaSeptember 5, 1952Company I,
3rd Battalion, 5th Marines,
1st Marine Division (Rein.)
For falling on a grenade to save his squad.
Charles George ArmyE-02Private First ClassSongnae-dong, KoreaNovember 30, 1952Company C,
179th Infantry Regiment,
45th Infantry Division
Killed after smothering a grenade with his body
Charles L. Gilliland ArmyE-02Private First ClassTongmang-ri, KoreaApril 25, 1951Company 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. GomezArmyE-05SergeantTabu-dong, South KoreaSeptember 3, 19508th Cavalry Regiment,
1st Cavalry Division
Crawled thirty yards across an open rice field to single-handedly destroy an enemy tank
Edward Gomez Marine CorpsE-02Private First ClassHill 749, KoreaSeptember 14, 1951Company 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 ArmyE-04CorporalPopsu-dong, KoreaApril 24, 1951 to April 25, 1951Company 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 CorpsE-06Staff SergeantSonguch-on, KoreaJuly 25, 1953Company 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 NavyE-03HospitalmanKoreaMarch 26, 1953 to March 27, 19531st 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. ArmyE-04CorporalKumhwa,
North Korea
August 14, 1952Company A,
187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team
Killed while assisting the corpsmen with casualties and evacuation
Melvin O. Handrich ArmyE-08Master SergeantSobuk-san, KoreaAugust 25, 1950 to August 26, 1950Company C,
5th Infantry Regiment
Killed after fighting off an enemy attack. Was found with more than 70 dead enemy around him
Jack G. Hanson ArmyE-02Private First ClassPachi-dong, KoreaJune 7, 1951Company 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 ArmyO-02First LieutenantKobangsan-ri, KoreaAugust 27, 1951Battery A,
15th Field Artillery Battalion,
2nd Infantry Division
Died while directing fire on an attacking enemy force
Raymond HarveyArmyO-03CaptainTaemi-dong, KoreaMarch 9, 1951Company C,
17th Infantry Regiment
Severely wounded after attacking the enemy multiple times and inflicting multiple enemy casualties
Frederick F. Henry ArmyO-02First LieutenantAm-dong, KoreaSeptember 1, 1950Company F,
38th Infantry Regiment
Killed after causing an estimated 50 enemy casualties
Rodolfo P. HernandezArmyE-04CorporalWontong-ri, KoreaMay 31, 1951Company 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.NavyO-02Lieutenant, Junior GradeChangjin,
North Korea
(Battle of Chosin Reservoir)
December 4, 1950Fighter Squadron 32, attached to U.S.S. LeyteRisked his life to rescue a downed pilot
Einar H. Ingman, Jr.ArmyE-04CorporalMaltari, KoreaFebruary 26, 1951Company 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 ArmyE-05SergeantSaga, KoreaSeptember 19, 1950Company C,
35th Infantry Regiment,
25th Infantry Division
Sacrificed his life by smothering a grenade with his body
James E. Johnson Marine CorpsE-05SergeantYudam-ri (Ryudam-ri),
Changjin,
North Korea
(Battle of Chosin Reservoir)
December 2, 1950Company J,
3rd Battalion, 7th Marines,
1st Marine Division (Rein.)
Although seriously wounded, was last seen fighting the enemy hand to hand
Mack A. Jordan ArmyE-02Private First ClassKumsong, KoreaNovember 15, 1951Company K,
21st Infantry Regiment,
24th Infantry Division
Killed after volunteering to stay behind allowing his squad to escape
Anthony T. Kahoʻohanohano ArmyE-02Private First ClassNear Chup'a-ri,
Cheorwon,
South Korea
September 1, 1951Company H,
17th Infantry Regiment,
7th Infantry Division
Although wounded, held a position alone and fought hand-to-hand until being killed
Billie G. Kanell ArmyE-01PrivatePyonggang, KoreaSeptember 7, 1951Company I,
35th Infantry Regiment,
25th Infantry Division
Sacrificed his life by smothering a grenade with his body
Emil Kapaun ArmyO-03Captain, US Army Chaplain CorpsPyoktong, North KoreaMay 23, 19513rd 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 ArmyE-07Sergeant First ClassYongsan, South KoreaSeptember 4, 1950 to September 5, 1950Company G,
9th Infantry Regiment
Repeatedly attacked the enemy forcing them to retreat
Woodrow W. KeebleArmyE-08Master SergeantSangsan-ri, KoreaOctober 20, 1951Company 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 CorpsE-02Private First ClassKoreaMay 28, 1952Company C,
1st Battalion, 7th Marines,
1st Marine Division (Rein.)
Killed while attacking and destroying several enemy bunkers singlehandedly
Jack W. Kelso Marine CorpsE-02Private First ClassKoreaOctober 2, 1952Company 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. KennemoreMarine CorpsE-06Staff SergeantChangjin,
North Korea
(Battle of Chosin Reservoir)
November 27, 1950 to November 28, 1950Company 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 NavyE-03HospitalmanKoreaAugust 13, 19523rd Battalion,
7th Marines,
1st Marine Division
Medical corpsman; killed while shielding a wounded Marine with his body.
Noah O. Knight ArmyE-02Private First ClassKowang-San, KoreaNovember 23, 1951 to November 24, 1951Company F,
7th Infantry Regiment,
3rd Infantry Division
Killed while attacking three enemy troops attempting to place demolition charges
John K. Koelsch NavyO-02Lieutenant, Junior GradeKoreaJuly 3, 1951Navy helicopter rescue unitDied as a POW after rescuing several crewman from a downed helicopter and evading the enemy for nine days.
Ernest R. KoumaArmyE-07Sergeant First ClassAgok, KoreaAugust 31, 1950 to September 1, 1950Company A,
72nd Tank Battalion
Risked his life by attacking and killing at least 250 of the enemy
Leonard M. Kravitz ArmyE-02Private First ClassYangpyong, South KoreaMarch 6, 1951 to March 7, 1951Company M,
3rd Battalion,
5th Infantry Regiment
Provided suppressive fire for his retreating unit after position had been overrun by the enemy
Edward C. Krzyzowski ArmyO-03CaptainTondul, KoreaAugust 31, 1951 to September 3, 1951Company B,
9th Infantry Regiment,
2nd Infantry Division
For spearheading an assault against strongly defended Hill 700. Killed by an enemy sniper
Darwin K. Kyle ArmyO-01Second LieutenantKamil-ri, KoreaFebruary 16, 1951Company 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. LeeArmyE-08Master SergeantIp-ori, KoreaFebruary 1, 1951Company I,
23rd Infantry Regiment,
2nd Infantry Division
Although seriously wounded continued to lead his men and fight the enemy
George D. Libby ArmyE-05SergeantTaejon,
South Korea
(Battle of Taejon)
July 20, 1950Company 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 CorpsE-02Private First ClassChungchon, KoreaApril 22, 1951Company C,
1st Battalion, 7th Marines,
1st Marine Division (Rein.)
Sacrificed his life by smothering a grenade with his body
Charles R. Long ArmyE-05SergeantNear Hoengseong,
South Korea
February 12, 1951Company 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 CorpsO-02First LieutenantBattle of Inchon, KoreaSeptember 15, 1950Company A,
1st Battalion, 5th Marines,
1st Marine Division (Rein.)
For smothering a hand grenade with his own body.
Charles J. Loring, Jr. Air ForceO-04MajorSniper Ridge,
Kumhwa,
North Korea
November 22, 195280th Fighter-Bomber Squadron,
8th Fighter-Bomber Wing
Sacrificed his life by diving his damaged airplane into enemy gun emplacements
William F. Lyell ArmyE-04CorporalChup'a-ri, South KoreaAugust 31, 1951Company 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 ArmyE-04CorporalSatae-ri, KoreaSeptember 6, 1952Company 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 CorpsE-05SergeantVegas Hill, KoreaMarch 28, 1953Company F,
2nd Battalion, 7th Marines,
1st Marine Division (Rein.)
Sacrificed his life to silence an enemy gun emplacement
Frederick W. Mausert, III Marine CorpsE-05SergeantSongnap-yong, KoreaSeptember 12, 1951Company 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 ArmyO-02First LieutenantKamyangjan-ri, KoreaJanuary 30, 1951Company A,
5th Cavalry Regiment,
1st Cavalry Division
Killed by a burst of machine gun fire after destroying an enemy gun emplacement
Alford L. McLaughlinMarine CorpsE-02Private First ClassKoreaSeptember 4, 1952 to September 5, 1952Company 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 ArmyE-05SergeantChich-on, KoreaJuly 4, 1951Company B,
7th Infantry Regiment,
3rd Infantry Division
Sacrificed his life by remaining in an exposed position and covering the platoon's withdrawal
Lewis L. MillettArmyO-03CaptainHill 180 near Songtan or Anyang,[7][8][9][10]South KoreaFebruary 7, 1951Company E,
27th Infantry Regiment,
25th Infantry Division
In taking an occupied hill, he led the last major American bayonet charge
Frank N. Mitchell Marine CorpsO-02First LieutenantHansan-ri, KoreaNovember 26, 1950Company 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. MiyamuraArmyE-04CorporalTaejon-ri, KoreaApril 24, 1951 to April 25, 1951Company 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. MizeArmyE-05SergeantSurang-ri, KoreaJune 10, 1953 to June 11, 1953Company 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 CorpsE-02Private First ClassSosa-ri, KoreaSeptember 17, 1950 and September 20, 1950Company F,
2nd Battalion, 1st Marines,
1st Marine Division (Rein.)
Killed while repeatedly attacking the enemy at night
Whitt L. Moreland Marine CorpsE-02Private First ClassKwagch'i-dong, KoreaMay 29, 1951Company C,
1st Battalion, 5th Marines,
1st Marine Division (Rein.)
Sacrificed his life by smothering a grenade with his body
Donald R. Moyer ArmyE-07Sergeant First ClassNear Seoul,
South Korea
(UN May–June 1951 counteroffensive)
May 20, 1951Company E,
35th Infantry Regiment
Sacrificed his life by smothering a grenade with his body
Raymond G. MurphyMarine CorpsO-01Second LieutenantKoreaFebruary 3, 1953Company 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. MyersMarine CorpsO-04MajorHagaru-ri,
Changjin, North Korea
(Battle of Chosin Reservoir)
November 29, 19503rd 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 NegrónArmyE-08Master SergeantKalma-Eri, KoreaApril 28, 195165th 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 CorpsE-02Private First ClassSeoul,
South Korea
(Second Battle of Seoul)
September 26, 1950Company 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 CorpsO-01Second LieutenantKoreaOctober 27, 1952Company 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 ArmyE-02Private First ClassYongsan, South KoreaAugust 31, 1950 to September 3, 1950Company 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 ArmyO-05Lieutenant ColonelChangjin,
North Korea
(Battle of Chosin Reservoir)
November 29, 1950 to December 10, 1950X Corps Artillery,
while attached to the 52d Transportation Truck Battalion
Repeatedly attacked the enemy and defended his convoy until killed
Mike C. Pena ArmyE-08Master SergeantWaegwan, KoreaSeptember 4, 19502nd 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 ArmyE-04CorporalChoo Gung-dong, KoreaJuly 16, 1953 to July 17, 1953Company 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 CorpsE-04CorporalKoreaNovember 4, 1950Company E,
2nd Battalion, 7th Marines,
1st Marine Division (Rein.)
Risked his life to defeat a pocket of enemy resistance
Herbert K. Pililaau ArmyE-02Private First ClassPia-ri, KoreaSeptember 17, 1951Company 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. PittmanArmyE-05SergeantKujangdong, KoreaNovember 26, 1950Company C,
23rd Infantry Regiment,
2nd Infantry Division
Protected his squad by smothering a grenade with his body
Ralph E. Pomeroy ArmyE-02Private First ClassKumwha,
North Korea
October 15, 1952Company E,
31st Infantry Regiment,
7th Infantry Division
Sacrificed his life manning a heavy machine gun until mortally wounded
Donn F. Porter ArmyE-05SergeantMundung-ri, KoreaSeptember 7, 1952Company G,
14th Infantry Regiment,
25th Infantry Division
Killed after fighting back a superior enemy force
James I. Poynter Marine CorpsE-05SergeantSudong, KoreaNovember 4, 1950Company 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 PuckettArmyO-01First LieutenantNear Unsan,
North Korea
November 25, 1950 to November 26, 19508th 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 CorpsO-01Second LieutenantKoreaSeptember 12, 1951Company 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. ArmyE-04CorporalChonghyon, KoreaNovember 5, 1950Company 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 CorpsO-01Second LieutenantChinhung-ri, KoreaNovember 6, 1950Company H,
3rd Battalion, 7th Marines,
1st Marine Division (Rein.)
Killed after he covered a grenade with his body
Demensio RiveraArmyE-02Private First ClassChangyongni, KoreaMay 22, 1951 to May 23, 1951Company 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. RodriguezArmyE-02Private First ClassMunye-ri, KoreaMay 21, 1951Company F,
17th Infantry Regiment,
7th Infantry Division
Singlehandedly destroyed several enemy gun emplacements and foxholes
Ronald E. RosserArmyE-04CorporalPonggilli, KoreaJanuary 12, 1952Heavy Mortar Company,
38th Infantry Regiment,
2nd Infantry Division
Repeatedly risked his life to fight the enemy and rescue several wounded soldiers
Tibor RubinArmyE-04CorporalKoreaJuly 23, 1950 to April 20, 1953Company 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 ArmyE-04CorporalSokkogae,
Yeoncheon,
South Korea
July 8, 1953 to July 10, 1953Company 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.ArmyO-02First LieutenantKumhwa,
North Korea
October 14, 1952Company 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 ForceO-04MajorHanchang, KoreaAugust 5, 195067th Fighter-Bomber Squadron,
18th Fighter-Bomber Group,
5th Air Force
Killed after diving his aircraft into enemy troops
Richard Thomas Shea ArmyO-02First LieutenantSokkogae,
Yeoncheon,
South Korea
July 6, 1953 to July 8, 1953Company 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 CorpsE-06Staff SergeantKoreaJuly 3, 1952Company G,
3rd Battalion, 7th Marines,
1st Marine Division (Rein.)
Sacrificed his life to assure that all dead and wounded were evacuated
Robert E. SimanekMarine CorpsE-02Private First ClassKoreaAugust 17, 1952Company 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 ArmyE-07Sergeant First ClassChipyong-ri, South KoreaFebruary 14, 1951Company M,
23rd Infantry Regiment,
2nd Infantry Division
Sacrificed his life to save his comrades by smothering a grenade with his body
Carl L. SitterMarine CorpsO-03CaptainHagaru-ri,
Changjin, North Korea
(Battle of Chosin Reservoir)
November 29, 1950 to November 30, 1950Company 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 CorpsO-01Second LieutenantKoreaOctober 26, 1952Battery 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 ArmyE-02Private First ClassYongsan, South KoreaSeptember 1, 1950Company E,
9th Infantry Regiment,
2nd Infantry Division
Sacrificed his life to save his comrades by smothering a grenade with his body
Clifton T. Speicher ArmyE-04CorporalMinarigol, KoreaJune 14, 1952Company F,
223rd Infantry Regiment,
40th Infantry Division
Died after wounds received after charging into an enemy machine gun nest
James L. StoneArmyO-02First LieutenantSokkogae,
Yeoncheon,
South Korea
November 21, 1951 to November 22, 1951Company E,
8th Cavalry Regiment,
1st Cavalry Division
Captured while leading his men against an overwhelming enemy assault
Luther H. Story ArmyE-02Private First ClassAgok, KoreaSeptember 1, 1950Company 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 ArmyO-01Second LieutenantKumhwa,
North Korea
September 12, 1951Company 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 ArmyE-02Private First ClassKoreaJune 12, 1952Company F,
32nd Infantry Regiment,
7th Infantry Division
Charged forward, then smothered a grenade blast with his body
William Thompson ArmyE-02Private First ClassHaman, KoreaAugust 6, 195024th Company M,
24th Infantry Regiment,
25th Infantry Division
Killed by an enemy grenade while covering his units withdrawal
Charles W. Turner ArmyE-07Sergeant First ClassYongsan, South KoreaSeptember 1, 19502nd Reconnaissance Company,
2nd Infantry Division
Directed his tank to destroy seven enemy machine gun nests and covered his units withdrawal until killed
Archie Van WinkleMarine CorpsE-06Staff SergeantSudong, KoreaNovember 2, 1950Company 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 ArmyE-01PrivateChorwon, KoreaSeptember 21, 1952Company 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 CorpsE-04CorporalHill 749, KoreaSeptember 15, 1951 to September 16, 1951Company 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 ForceO-03CaptainYangdok, KoreaSeptember 14, 19518th 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 CorpsE-06Staff SergeantKoreaOctober 7, 1952Company I,
3rd Battalion, 7th Marines,
1st Marine Division (Rein.)
Killed by an enemy grenade when it exploded in his hand
Travis E. Watkins ArmyE-08Master SergeantYongsan, South KoreaAugust 31, 1950 to September 3, 1950Company 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 WeinsteinArmyE-05SergeantKumson, KoreaOctober 19, 1951Company 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. WestArmyE-02Private First ClassSataeri, KoreaOctober 12, 1952Company L,
14th Infantry Regiment,
25th Infantry Division
Although wounded he assisted in evacuating the wounded and killed several of the enemy
Benjamin F. WilsonArmyE-08Master SergeantHwach'on-Myon, KoreaJune 5, 1951Company I,
31st Infantry Regiment,
7th Infantry Division
Repeatedly risked his life in order for his troops to reorganize and counterattack
Harold E. WilsonMarine CorpsE-06Technical SergeantKoreaApril 23, 1951 to April 24, 1951Company 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 ArmyE-02Private First ClassOpari, KoreaOctober 21, 1950Co. 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 CorpsE-06Staff SergeantYudam-ri (Ryudam-ri), Changjin, North Korea
(Battle of Chosin Reservoir)
December 1, 1950Company 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 ArmyE-02Private First ClassSokso-ri, KoreaMarch 12, 1952Medical Company,
14th Infantry Regiment,
25th Infantry Division
Sacrificed his life aiding other wounded soldiers
Robert H. Young ArmyE-02Private First ClassNorth of Kaesong, North KoreaOctober 9, 1950Company E,
8th Cavalry Regiment,
1st Cavalry Division
Although wounded, repeatedly repelled the enemy and insisted other wounded be treated first

See also

References

General
  • "Who's Who list of Marines". Who's Who in Marine Corps History. History Division, United States Marine Corps. Archived from the original on February 19, 2007. Retrieved March 10, 2008.
  • "Medal of Honor recipients". Korean War. United States Army Center of Military History. June 8, 2009. Archived from the original on March 10, 2009. Retrieved June 29, 2009.
  • "Medal of Honor recipients". Medal of Honor statistics. United States Army Center of Military History. June 8, 2009. Archived from the original on August 9, 2011. Retrieved June 29, 2009.
Inline