*POMEROY, RALPH E.
Rank and organization:
Private First Class, U.S. Army, Company E, 31st Infantry Regiment, 7th
Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Kumhwa, Korea, 15
October 1952. Entered service at: Quinwood, W. Va. Born:
26 March 1930, Quinwood, W. Va. G.O. No.: 97, 30 December
1953.
Citation:
Pfc. Pomeroy, a machine gunner with Company E, distinguished himself
by conspicuous gallantry and indomitable courage above and beyond the
call of duty in action against the enemy. While his comrades were
consolidating on a key terrain feature, he manned a machinegun at the
end of a communication trench on the forward slope to protect the
platoon flank and prevent a surprise attack. When the enemy attacked
through a ravine leading directly to his firing position, he
immediately opened fire on the advancing troops inflicting a heavy
toll in casualties and blunting the assault. At this juncture the
enemy directed intense concentrations of artillery and mortar fire on
his position in an attempt to neutralize his gun. Despite withering
fire and bursting shells, he maintained his heroic stand and poured
crippling fire into the ranks of the hostile force until a mortar
burst severely wounded him and rendered the gun mount inoperable.
Quickly removing the hot, heavy weapon, he cradled it in his arms and,
moving forward with grim determination, raked the attacking forces
with a hail of fire. Although wounded a second time he pursued his
relentless course until his ammunition was expended within 10 feet of
the foe and then, using the machinegun as a club, he courageously
closed with the enemy in hand-to-hand combat until mortally wounded.
Pfc. Pomeroy's consummate valor, inspirational actions and supreme
sacrifice enabled the platoon to contain the attack and maintain the
integrity of the perimeter, reflecting lasting glory upon himself and
upholding the noble traditions of the military service.
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