Battle of Backbone Mountain

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
Photo Name Service Rank Place of action Date of action Unit Notes
Charles G. Abrell  Marine Corps E-04Corporal 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-07Sergeant First Class Sesim-ri, Korea February 4, 1951 19th Infantry Regiment For leading the repelling of an enemy attack
Joe R. Baldonado  Army E-04Corporal 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-03Captain 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-01Private 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-02Private 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-04Hospitalman 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-02Private 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-05Sergeant 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-07Sergeant 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-02Private 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-02First 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-07Sergeant 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-01Private 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-04Corporal 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-04Hospitalman 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-05Sergeant 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-02Private 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-04Corporal 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-04Corporal 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-01Second 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 S Coursen USMA 1949 Samuel Streit Coursen  Army O-02First 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-04Corporal 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-04Corporal 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-04Corporal 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-04Major 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-05Lieutenant 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-04Hospitalman 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-08Major 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-03Captain 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-04Corporal 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-01Second 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-07Sergeant 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-07Sergeant 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-04Corporal 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-04Corporal 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-05Lieutenant 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-02Private 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-02Private 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-02Private 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-05Sergeant 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-02Private 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-04Corporal 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-06Staff 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-03Hospitalman 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-04Corporal 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-08Master 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-02Private 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-02First 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-03Captain Taemi-dong, Korea March 9, 1951 Company C,
17th Infantry Regiment
Severely wounded after attacking the enemy multiple times and inflicting multiple enemy casualties
LT FredrickHenry CMH Frederick F. Henry  Army O-02First 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-04Corporal 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-02Lieutenant, 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-04Corporal 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-05Sergeant 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-05Sergeant 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-02Private 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 Anthony T. Kahoʻohanohano  Army E-02Private 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-01Private 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 Emil Kapaun  Army O-03Captain, 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-07Sergeant 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
Head and torso of a man sitting with his arms folded on his lap, wearing a garrison cap, horn-rimmed glasses, and a military jacket. The jacket's left breast is completely covered in ribbon bars and medals. Woodrow W. Keeble Army E-08Master 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-02Private 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-02Private 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-06Staff 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-03Hospitalman 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-02Private 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-02Lieutenant, 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-07Sergeant 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-02Private 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-03Captain 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-01Second 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-08Master 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-05Sergeant 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-02Private 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-05Sergeant 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-02First 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-04Major 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-04Corporal 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-04Corporal 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-05Sergeant 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-05Sergeant 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-02First 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-02Private 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
Head and shoulders of a smiling young man with dark hair wearing a garrison cap and a military jacket with two round pins on each lapel. Leroy A. Mendonca  Army E-05Sergeant 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 Millett saluting 1985 Lewis L. Millett Army O-03Captain Hill 180 near Songtan or Anyang,[7][8][9][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-02First 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-04Corporal 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-05Sergeant 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-02Private 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-02Private 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-07Sergeant 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-01Second 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-04Major 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-08Master 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-02Private 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-01Second 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-02Private 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-05Lieutenant 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-08Master 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-04Corporal 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-04Corporal 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-02Private 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-05Sergeant 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-02Private 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-05Sergeant 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-05Sergeant 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-01First 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-01Second 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
Head and shoulders of a young man wearing a peaked cap and a military jacket with ribbon bars and a badge on the left breast. Mitchell Red Cloud, Jr.  Army E-04Corporal 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-01Second 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-02Private 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-02Private 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-04Corporal 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-04Corporal 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-04Corporal 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-02First 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-04Major 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-02First 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-06Staff 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-02Private 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-07Sergeant 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-03Captain 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-01Second 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-02Private 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-04Corporal 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-02First 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-02Private 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-01Second 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-02Private 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-02Private 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-07Sergeant 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-06Staff 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-01Private 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-04Corporal 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-03Captain 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-06Staff 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-08Master 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-05Sergeant 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-02Private 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-08Master 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-06Technical 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-02Private 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-06Staff 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-02Private 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-02Private 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
  1. ^ "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.
  2. ^ 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.
  3. ^ 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.
  4. ^ "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.
  5. ^ [1] Archived 2014-02-02 at the Wayback Machine Home of Heroes site. Retrieved Jan. 22, 2014.
  6. ^ Keeble awarded MOH
  7. ^ There is a controversy about location of Hill 180
  8. ^ "Hallowed Ground Bayonet Hill, South Korea | HistoryNet". historynet.com. 3 July 2018. Retrieved 2018-07-21.
  9. ^ "Commentary: Not our Hill 180". Osan Air Base. Retrieved 2019-04-17.
  10. ^ 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.