Congressional Medal of Honor Society

Stories of Sacrifice

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Korean War - U.S. Army

Mitchell Red Cloud Jr.

Details
  • Rank: Corporal
  • Conflict/Era: Korean War
  • Unit/Command:
    Company E, 19th Infantry Regiment,
    24th Infantry Division
  • Military Service Branch: U.S. Army
  • Medal of Honor Action Date: November 5, 1950
  • Medal of Honor Action Place: near Chonghyon, Korea
Citation

Cpl. Red Cloud, Company E, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. From his position on the point of a ridge immediately in front of the company command post, he was the first to detect the approach of the Chinese Communist forces and give the alarm as the enemy charged from a brush-covered area less that 100 feet from him. Springing up he delivered devastating point-blank automatic rifle into the advancing enemy. His accurate and intense fire checked this assault and gained time for the company to consolidate its defense. With utter fearlessness he maintained his firing position until severely wounded by enemy fire. Refusing assistance he pulled himself to his feet and wrapping his arm around a tree continued his deadly fire again, until he was fatally wounded. This heroic act stopped the enemy from overrunning his company's position and gained time for reorganization and evacuation of the wounded. Cpl. Red Cloud's dauntless courage and gallant self-sacrifice refects the highest credit upon himself and upholds the esteemed traditions of the U.S. Army.

Medal of Honor Recipient Mitchell Red Cloud Jr.
Medal of Honor Recipient Mitchell Red Cloud Jr.
Additional Details
  • Accredited to: Merrillan, Jackson County, Wisconsin
  • Awarded Posthumously: Yes
  • Presentation Date & Details: April 3, 1951

    The Pentagon, presented by Gen. Omar N. Bradley to his Mother

  • Born: July 2, 1924, Hatfield, Jackson County, WI, United States
  • Died: November 5, 1950, Chonghyon, Korea
  • Buried: Decorah Cemetery - Black Piver Falls, Komensky, WI, United States
  • Location of Medal: Wisconsin Veterans Museum, Madison, WI
 

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