Unit/Command: Company A, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein)
Military Service Branch: U.S. Marine Corps
Medal of Honor Action Date: November 26, 1950
Medal of Honor Action Place: near Hansan-ni, Korea
Citation
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as leader of a rifle platoon of Company A, in action against enemy aggressor forces. Leading his platoon in point position during a patrol by his company through a thickly wooded and snow-covered area in the vicinity of Hansan-ni, 1st Lt. Mitchell acted immediately when the enemy suddenly opened fire at point-blank range, pinning down his forward elements and inflicting numerous casualties in his ranks. Boldly dashing to the front under blistering fire from automatic weapons and small arms, he seized an automatic rifle from one of the wounded men and effectively trained it against the attackers and, when his ammunition was expended, picked up and hurled grenades with deadly accuracy, at the same time directing and encouraging his men in driving the outnumbering enemy from his position. Maneuvering to set up a defense when the enemy furiously counterattacked to the front and left flank, 1st Lt. Mitchell, despite wounds sustained early in the action, reorganized his platoon under the devastating fire and spearheaded a fierce hand-to-hand struggle to repulse the onslaught. Asking for volunteers to assist in searching for and evacuating the wounded, he personally led a party of litter bearers through the hostile lines in growing darkness and, although suffering intense pain from multiple wounds, stormed ahead and waged a singlehanded battle against the enemy, successfully covering the withdrawal of his men before he was fatally struck down by a burst of small-arms fire. Stouthearted and indomitable in the face of tremendous odds, 1st Lt. Mitchell, by his fortitude, great personal valor, and extraordinary heroism, saved the lives of several marines and inflicted heavy casualties among the aggressors. His unyielding courage throughout reflects the highest credit upon himself and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Additional Details
Accredited to: Roaring Springs, Motley County, Texas
Awarded Posthumously: Yes
Presentation Date & Details: Atlanta, GA, to his widow, Beverly Banks Mitchell and his daughter, Barbara
Born: August 18, 1921, Indian Gap, Hamilton County, TX, United States
Died: November 26, 1950, near Hansan-ni, Korea
Buried: National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl)(Wall of the Missing) Honolulu, Hawaii, Roaring Springs Cemetery (MH)('In Memory' marker) (C-8), Roaring Springs, TX, United States