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Congressional Medal of Honor Society

Stories of Sacrifice

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Korean War - U.S. Army

Leroy Anthony Mendonca

Details
  • Rank: Sergeant
  • Conflict/Era: Korean War
  • Unit/Command:
    Company B, 7th Infantry Regiment,
    3d Infantry Division
  • Military Service Branch: U.S. Army
  • Medal of Honor Action Date: July 4, 1951
  • Medal of Honor Action Place: near Chich-on, Korea
Citation

Sgt. LeRoy A. Mendonca, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. After his platoon, in an exhaustive fight, had captured Hill 586, the newly won positions were assaulted during the night by a numerically superior enemy force. When the 1st Platoon positions were outflanked and under great pressure and the platoon was ordered to withdraw to a secondary line of defense, Sgt. Mendonca voluntarily remained in an exposed position and covered the platoon's withdrawal. Although under murderous enemy fire, he fired his weapon and hurled grenades at the onrushing enemy until his supply of ammunition was exhausted. He fought on, clubbing with his rifle and using his bayonet until he was mortally wounded. After the action it was estimated that Sgt. Mendonca had accounted for 37 enemy casualties. His daring actions stalled the crushing assault, protecting the platoon's withdrawal to secondary positions, and enabling the entire unit to repel the enemy attack and retain possession of the vital hilltop position. Sgt. Mendonca's extraordinary gallantry and exemplary valor are in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Army.

Medal of Honor Recipient Leroy A. Mendonca
Medal of Honor Recipient Leroy A. Mendonca
Additional Details
  • Accredited to: Honolulu, Honolulu County, Hawaii
  • Awarded Posthumously: Yes
  • Presentation Date & Details: August 14, 1952

    The Pentagon, presented by Gen. Omar N. Bradley to his Father, Joseph Mendonca

  • Born: August 2, 1932, Honolulu, Honolulu County, HI
  • Died: July 4, 1951, Korea
  • Buried: National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl) (MH) (Q-1408), Honolulu, HI, United States
 

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