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Congressional Medal of Honor Society

Stories of Sacrifice

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Korean War - U.S. Army

Ernest Edison West

Details
  • Rank: Private First Class
  • Conflict/Era: Korean War
  • Unit/Command:
    2d Squad, 3d Platoon, Company L, 3d Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment,
    25th Infantry Division
  • Military Service Branch: U.S. Army
  • Medal of Honor Action Date: October 12, 1952
  • Medal of Honor Action Place: near Sataeri, Korea
Citation

Pfc. West distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. He voluntarily accompanied a contingent to locate and destroy a reported enemy outpost. Nearing the objective, the patrol was ambushed and suffered numerous casualties. Observing his wounded leader lying in an exposed position, Pfc. West ordered the troops to withdraw, then braved intense fire to reach and assist him. While attempting evacuation, he was attacked by three hostile soldiers employing grenades and small-arms fire. Quickly shifting his body to shelter the officer, he killed the assailants with his rifle, then carried the helpless man to safety. He was critically wounded and lost an eye in this action, but courageously returned through withering fire and bursting shells to assist the wounded. While evacuating two comrades, he closed with and killed three more of the foe. Pfc. West's indomitable spirit, consummate valor, and intrepid actions inspired all who observed him, reflect the highest credit on himself, and uphold the honored traditions of the military service.

USED WITH PERMISSION, COPYRIGHT NICK DELCALZO
USED WITH PERMISSION, COPYRIGHT NICK DELCALZO
Additional Details
  • Accredited to: Wurtland, Greenup County, Kentucky
  • Awarded Posthumously: No
  • Presentation Date & Details: January 12, 1954

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

  • Born: September 2, 1931, Russell, Greenup County, KY, United States
  • Died: May 1, 2021, Huntington, WV, US
  • Buried: Kentucky Veterans Cemetery Northeast, Grayson, KY, US
 
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