William F. Lyell

William Franklin Lyell (February 14, 1929 – August 31, 1951) was a soldier in the United States Army during the Korean War. He posthumously received the Medal of Honor for his actions on August 31, 1951.

"William Lyell" redirects here. For the boxer, see Billy Lyell.
William F. Lyell
Medal of Honor recipient
Born(1929-02-14)February 14, 1929
Hickman County, Tennessee, U.S.
DiedAugust 31, 1951(1951-08-31) (aged 22)
near Chup'a-ri, Korea
Place of burial
Nashville National Cemetery, Madison, Tennessee
AllegianceUnited States of America
Service/branchUnited States Army
Years of service1950–1951
RankCorporal
UnitCompany F, 17th Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division
Battles/warsKorean War  (DOW)
AwardsMedal of Honor
Purple Heart

Lyell joined the Army from Old Hickory, Tennessee in 1950.[1]

Medal of Honor citation

Rank and organization: Corporal, U.S. Army, Company F, 17th Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division

Place and date: Near Chup'a-ri, Korea, August 31, 1951

Entered service at: Old Hickory, Tennessee Birth: Hickman County, Tennessee

G.O. No.: 4, January 9, 1953.

Citation:

Cpl. Lyell, a member of Company F, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and outstanding courage above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. When his platoon leader was killed, Cpl. Lyell assumed command and led his unit in an assault on strongly fortified enemy positions located on commanding terrain. When his platoon came under vicious, raking fire which halted the forward movement, Cpl. Lyell seized a 57mm. recoilless rifle and unhesitatingly moved ahead to a suitable firing position from which he delivered deadly accurate fire completely destroying an enemy bunker, killing its occupants. He then returned to his platoon and was resuming the assault when the unit was again subjected to intense hostile fire from 2 other bunkers. Disregarding his personal safety, armed with grenades he charged forward hurling grenades into 1 of the enemy emplacements, and although painfully wounded in this action he pressed on destroying the bunker and killing 6 of the foe. He then continued his attack against a third enemy position, throwing grenades as he ran forward, annihilating 4 enemy soldiers. He then led his platoon to the north slope of the hill where positions were occupied from which effective fire was delivered against the enemy in support of friendly troops moving up. Fearlessly exposing himself to enemy fire, he continuously moved about directing and encouraging his men until he was mortally wounded by enemy mortar fire. Cpl. Lyell's extraordinary heroism, indomitable courage, and aggressive leadership reflect great credit on himself and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.[2]

See also

Notes
  1. Service Profile
  2. ""WILLIAM F. LYELL" 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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