Congressional Medal of Honor Society

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Korean War - U.S. Army

Ralph Eugene Pomeroy

Details
  • Rank: Private First Class
  • Conflict/Era: Korean War
  • Unit/Command:
    Company E, 31st Infantry Regiment,
    7th Infantry Division
  • Military Service Branch: U.S. Army
  • Medal of Honor Action Date: October 15, 1952
  • Medal of Honor Action Place: near Kumhwa, Korea
Citation
Pfc. Pomeroy, a machine gunner with Company E, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and indomitable courage above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. While his comrades were consolidating on a key terrain feature, he manned a machine gun at the end of a communication trench on the forward slope to protect the platoon flank and prevent a surprise attack. When the enemy attacked through a ravine leading directly to his firing posiiton, he immediately opened fire on the advancing troops, inflicting a heavy toll in casualties and blunting the assault. At this juncture the enemy directed intense concentrations of artillery and mortar fire on his position in an attempt to neutralize his gun. Despite withering fire and bursting shells, he maintained his heroic stand and poured crippling fire into the ranks of the hostile force until a mortar burst severely wounded him and rendered the gun mount inoperable. Quickly removing the hot, heavy weapon, he cradled it in his arms and, moving forward with grim determination, raked the attacking forces with a hail of fire. Although wounded a second time he pursued his relentless course until his ammunition was expended to within 10 feet of the foe and then, using the machine gun as a club, he courageously closed with the enemy in hand-to-hand combat until mortally wounded. Pfc. Pomeroy's consummate valor, inspirational actions, and supreme sacrifice enabled the platoon to contain the attack and maintain the integrity of the perimeter, reflecting lasting glory upon himself and upholding the noble traditions of the military service.
Medal of Honor Recipient Ralph E. Pomeroy
Medal of Honor Recipient Ralph E. Pomeroy
Additional Details
  • Accredited to: Quinwood, Greenbrier County, West Virginia
  • Awarded Posthumously: Yes
  • Presentation Date & Details: December 16, 1953
    The Pentagon, presented by Sec. of the Army Robert T. Stevens to his father George Pomeroy
  • Born: March 26, 1930, Quinwood, Greenbrier County, WV, United States
  • Died: October 15, 1952, Korea
  • Buried: At The End Of The Trail Cemetery (MH), Clintonville, WV, United States
 

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