Congressional Medal of Honor Society
Stories of Sacrifice
Korean War - U.S. Air Force
Louis Joseph Sebille
Details
- Rank: Major
- Conflict/Era: Korean War
- Unit/Command:
67th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 18th Fighter-Bomber Group,
5th Air Force - Military Service Branch: U.S. Air Force
- Medal of Honor Action Date: August 5, 1950
- Medal of Honor Action Place: near Hanchang, Korea
Citation
Maj. Sebille distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. During an attack on a camouflaged area containing a concentration of enemy troops, artillery, and armored vehicles, Maj. Sebille's F-51 aircraft was severely damaged by antiaircraft fire. Although fully cognizant of the short period he could remain airborne, he deliberately ignored the possibility of survival by abandoning the aircraft or by crash landing, and continued his attack against the enemy forces threatening the security of friendly ground troops. In his determination to inflict maximum damage upon the enemy, Maj. Sebille again exposed himself to the intense fire of enemy gun batteries and dived on the target to his death. The superior leadership, daring, and selfless devotion to duty which he displayed in the execution of an extremely dangerous mission were an inspiration to both his subordinates and superiors and reflect the highest credit upon himself, the U.S. Air Force, and the armed forces of the United Nations.
Additional Details
- Accredited to: Chicago, Cook County, Illinois
- Awarded Posthumously: Yes
- Presentation Date & Details: August 24, 1951
March AFB, Riverside, California, presented by Gen. Hoyt Sanford Vandenberg to his Widow - Born: November 21, 1915, Harbor Beach, Huron County, MI, United States
- Died: August 5, 1950, Near Hanchang, Korea
- Buried: Forest Home Cemetery (MH) (NL-13) , Chicago, IL, United States