Congressional Medal of Honor Society

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Korean War - U.S. Army

Clair Goodblood

Details
  • Rank: Corporal
  • Conflict/Era: Korean War
  • Unit/Command:
    Company D, 1st Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment,
    3d Infantry Division
  • Military Service Branch: U.S. Army
  • Medal of Honor Action Date: April 24, 1951
  • Medal of Honor Action Place: Popsu-dong, Korea
Citation
Cpl. Goodblood, a member of Company D, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty in action against an armed enemy of the United Nations. Cpl. Goodblood, a machine gunner, was attached to Company B in defensive positions on thickly wooded key terrain under attack by a ruthless foe. In the bitter fighting which ensued, the numerically superior enemy infiltrated the perimeter, rendering the friendly positions untenable. Upon order to move back, Cpl. Goodblood voluntarily remained to cover the withdrawal and, constantly vulnerable to heavy fire, inflicted withering destruction on the assaulting force. Seeing a grenade lobbed at his position, he shoved his assistant to the ground and flinging himself upon the soldier attempted to shield him. Despite his valorous act both men were wounded. Rejecting aid for himself, he ordered the ammunition bearer to evacuate the injured man for medical treatment. He fearlessly maintained his one-man defense, sweeping the onrushing assailants with fire until an enemy banzai charge carried the hill and silenced his gun. When friendly elements regained the commanding ground, Cpl. Goodblood's body was found lying beside his gun and approximately 100 hostile dead lay in the wake of his field of fire. Through his unflinching courage and willing self-sacrifice the onslaught was retarded, enabling his unit to withdraw, regroup, and resecure the strongpoint. Cpl. Goodblood's inspirational conduct and devotion to duty reflect lasting glory on himself and are in keeping with the noble traditions of the military service.
Medal of Honor Recipient Clair Goodblood
Medal of Honor Recipient Clair Goodblood
Additional Details
  • Accredited to: Burnham, Waldo County, Maine
  • Awarded Posthumously: Yes
  • Presentation Date & Details: January 16, 1952
    The Pentagon, presented by Sec. of Defense Robert A. Lovett to his Mother
  • Born: September 18, 1929, Fort Kent, Aroostook County, ME, United States
  • Died: April 25, 1951, Korea
  • Buried: Chandler Cemetery (MH), Burham, ME, United States
  • Location of Medal: Maine Military Historical Museum, Camp Keyes, Augusta, ME
 

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