Congressional Medal of Honor Society

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Korean War - U.S. Marine Corps Reserve

Duane Edgar Dewey

Details
  • Rank: Corporal
  • Conflict/Era: Korean War
  • Unit/Command:
    3d Squad, Weapons Platoon, Company E, 2d Battalion, 5th Marines,
    1st Marine Division (Rein)
  • Military Service Branch: U.S. Marine Corps Reserve
  • Medal of Honor Action Date: April 16, 1952
  • Medal of Honor Action Place: near Panmunjom, Korea
Citation

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a gunner in a machine-gun platoon of Company E, in action against enemy aggressor forces. When an enemy grenade landed close to his position while he and his assistant gunner were receiving medical attention for their wounds during a fierce night attack by numerically superior hostile forces, Cpl. Dewey, although suffering intense pain, immediately pulled the corpsman to the ground and, shouting a warning to the other marines around him, bravely smothered the deadly missile with his body, personally absorbing the full force of the explosion to save his comrades from possible injury or death. His indomitable courage, outstanding initiative, and valiant efforts in behalf of others in the face of almost certain death reflect the highest credit upon Cpl. Dewey and enhance the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.

Medal of Honor Recipient Duane E. Dewey. Copyright Nick DelCalzo. Used with Permission.
Medal of Honor Recipient Duane E. Dewey. Copyright Nick DelCalzo. Used with Permission.
Additional Details
  • Accredited to: Muskegon, Muskegon County, Michigan
  • Awarded Posthumously: No
  • Presentation Date & Details: March 12, 1953

    The White House (Oval Office), presented by Pres. Dwight D. Eisenhower

  • Born: November 16, 1931, Grand Rapids, Kent County, MI, United States
  • Died: October 11, 2021, Saint Augustine, FL, United States
  • Buried: Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL, US
 
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