Lester Hammond Jr.

Lester Hammond Jr. (March 25, 1931 August 14, 1952) was a soldier in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He posthumously received the Medal of Honor for his actions on August 14, 1952.

Lester Hammond Jr.
Medal of Honor recipient
Born(1931-03-25)March 25, 1931
Wayland, Missouri
DiedAugust 14, 1952(1952-08-14) (aged 21)
near Kumwha, Korea
Place of burial
Sunset Cemetery, Quincy, Illinois
AllegianceUnited States of America
Service/branchUnited States Army
Years of service- 1952
RankCorporal
UnitCompany A, 187th Airborne Infantry Regiment
Battles/warsKorean War  (DOW)
AwardsMedal of Honor
Purple Heart

Medal of Honor citation

Rank and organization: Corporal, U.S. Army, Company A, 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team

Place and date: Near Kumwha, Korea, August 14, 1952

Entered service at: Quincy, Ill. Born: March 25, 1931, Wayland, Mo

G.O. No.: 63, August 17, 1953

Citation:

Cpl. Hammond, a radio operator with Company A, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and outstanding courage above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. Cpl. Hammond was a member of a 6 man reconnaissance patrol which had penetrated approximately 3,500 yards into enemy-held territory. Ambushed and partially surrounded by a large hostile force, the small group opened fire, then quickly withdrew up a narrow ravine in search of protective cover. Despite a wound sustained in the initial exchange of fire and imminent danger of being overrun by the numerically superior foe, he refused to seek shelter and, remaining in an exposed place, called for artillery fire to support a defensive action. Constantly vulnerable to enemy observation and action, he coordinated and directed crippling fire on the assailants, inflicting heavy casualties and repulsing several attempts to overrun friendly positions. Although wounded a second time, he remained steadfast and maintained his stand until mortally wounded. His indomitable fighting spirit set an inspiring example of valor to his comrades and, through his actions, the onslaught was stemmed, enabling a friendly platoon to reach the beleaguered patrol, evacuate the wounded, and effect a safe withdrawal to friendly lines. Cpl. Hammond's unflinching courage and consummate devotion to duty reflect lasting glory on himself and uphold the finest traditions of the military service.[1]

See also

Notes

  1. ""Lester Hammond Jr." entry". Medal of Honor recipients: Korean War. United States Army Center of Military History. June 8, 2009. Archived from the original on 2009-03-10. Retrieved 2007-12-31.

References

Public Domain This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Army Center of Military History.


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