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 | March 25, 1931 Wayland, Missouri |
| Died | August 14, 1952 (aged 21) near Kumwha, Korea |
| Place of burial | Sunset Cemetery, Quincy, Illinois |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ | United States Army |
| Years of service | - 1952 |
| Rank | Corporal |
| Unit | Company A, 187th Airborne Infantry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | Korean War (DOW) |
| Awards | Medal 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]
Notes
- ""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
This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Army Center of Military History.
- ""Lester Hammand 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.