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Congressional Medal of Honor Society

Stories of Sacrifice

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Korean War - U.S. Marine Corps

Alford Lee McLaughlin

Details
  • Rank: Private First Class (Highest Rank: Master Sergeant)
  • Conflict/Era: Korean War
  • Unit/Command:
    Company L, 3d Battalion, 5th Marines,
    1st Marine Division (Rein)
  • Military Service Branch: U.S. Marine Corps
  • Medal of Honor Action Date: September 4, 1952
  • Medal of Honor Action Place: Outpost Bruce, Korea
Citation

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a machine gunner of Company L, in action against enemy aggressor forces on the night of 4-5 September 1952. Volunteering for his second continuous tour of duty on a strategic combat outpost far in advance of the main line of resistance, Pfc. McLaughlin, although operating under a barrage of enemy artillery and mortar fire, set up plans for the defense of his position which proved decisive in the successful defense of the outpost. When hostile forces attacked in battalion strength during the night, he maintained a constant flow of devastating fire upon the enemy, alternately employing two machine guns, a carbine, and hand grenades. Although painfully wounded, he bravely fired the machine guns from the hip until his hands became blistered by the extreme heat of the weapons and, placing the guns on the ground to allow them to cool, continued to defend the position with his carbine and grenades. Standing up in full view, he shouted words of encouragement to his comrades above the din of battle and, throughout a series of fanatical enemy attacks, sprayed the surrounding area with deadly fire, accounting for an estimated 150 enemy dead and 50 wounded. By his indomitable courage, superb leadership, and valiant fighting spirit in the face of overwhelming odds, Pfc. McLaughlin served to inspire his fellow marines in their gallant stand against the enemy and was directly instrumental in preventing the vital outpost from falling into the hands of a determined and numerically superior hostile force. His outstanding heroism and unwavering devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon himself and enhance the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.

Medal of Honor Recipient Alford L. McLaughlin
Medal of Honor Recipient Alford L. McLaughlin
Additional Details
  • Accredited to: Leeds, Jefferson County, Alabama
  • Awarded Posthumously: No
  • Presentation Date & Details: October 27, 1953

    The White House, presented by Pres. Dwight D. Eisenhower

  • Born: March 18, 1928, Leeds, Jefferson County, AL, United States
  • Died: January 15, 1977, Leeds, AL, United States
  • Buried: Mount Hebron Cemetery (MH), Leeds, AL, United States
 

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