Congressional Medal of Honor Society
Stories of Sacrifice
Korean War - U.S. Army
Joseph R Ouellette
Details
- Rank: Private First Class
- Conflict/Era: Korean War
- Unit/Command:
Company H, 9th Infantry Regiment,
2d Infantry Division - Military Service Branch: U.S. Army
- Medal of Honor Action Date: August 31, 1950
- Medal of Honor Action Place: near Yongsan, Korea
Citation
Pfc. Ouellette distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy in the Makioug-Chang River salient. When an enemy assault cut off and surrounded his unit, he voluntarily made a reconnaissance of a nearby hill under intense enemy fire to locate friendly troop positions and obtain information of the enemy's strength and location. Finding that friendly troops were not on the hill, he worked his way back to his unit under heavy fire. Later, when an airdrop of water was made outside the perimeter, he again braved enemy fire in an attempt to retrieve water for his unit. Finding the dropped cans broken and devoid of water, he returned to his unit. His heroic attempt greatly increased his comrades' morale. When ammunition and grenades ran low, Pfc. Ouellette again slipped out of the perimeter to collect these from the enemy dead. After collecting grenades he was attacked by an enemy soldier. He killed this enemy in hand-to-hand combat, gathered up the ammunition, and returned to his unit. When the enemy attacked on 3 September, they assaulted his position with grenades. On six occasions Pfc. Ouellette leaped from his foxhole to escape exploding grenades. In doing so, he had to face enemy small-arms fire. He continued his resistance, despite a severe wound, until he lost his life. The extraordinary heroism and intrepidity displayed by Pfc. Ouellette reflect the highest credit on himself and are in keeping with the esteemed traditions of the military service.
Additional Details
- Accredited to: Lowell, Middlesex County, Massachusetts
- Awarded Posthumously: Yes
- Presentation Date & Details: April 3, 1951
The Pentagon, presented by Gen. Omar N. Bradley to his Mother - Born: May 9, 1930, Lowell, Middlesex County, MA, United States
- Died: September 3, 1950, Korea
- Buried: St. Joseph's Cemetery (MH) (R-766), East Chelmsford, MA, United States