Congressional Medal of Honor Society

Stories of Sacrifice

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Korean War - U.S. Navy

Richard David Dewert

Details
  • Rank: Hospital Corpsman
  • Conflict/Era: Korean War
  • Unit/Command:
    Hospital corpsman attached to Marine Infantry Company,
    1st Marine Division
  • Military Service Branch: U.S. Navy
  • Medal of Honor Action Date: April 5, 1951
  • Medal of Honor Action Place: Korea
Citation
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as an HC, in action against enemy aggressor forces. When a fire team from the point platoon of his company was pinned down by a deadly barrage of hostile automatic-weapons fire and suffered many casualties, HC Dewert rushed to the assistance of one of the more seriously wounded and, despite a painful leg wound sustained while dragging the stricken marine to safety, steadfastly refused medical treatment for himself and immediately dashed back through the fire-swept area to carry a second wounded man out of the line of fire. Undaunted by the mounting hail of devastating enemy fire, he bravely moved forward a third time and received another serious wound in the shoulder after discovering that a wounded marine had already died. Still persistent in his refusal to submit to first aid, he resolutely answered the call of a fourth stricken comrade and, while rendering medical assistance, was himself mortally wounded by a burst of enemy fire. His courageous initiative, great personal valor, and heroic spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of overwhelming odds reflect the highest credit upon HC Dewert and enhance the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Medal of Honor Recipient Richard D. Dewert
Medal of Honor Recipient Richard D. Dewert
Additional Details
  • Accredited to: Taunton, Bristol County, Massachusetts
  • Awarded Posthumously: Yes
  • Presentation Date & Details: May 27, 1952
    Presented by Sec. of the Navy Dan A. Kimball to his Mother
  • Born: November 17, 1931, Taunton, Bristol County, MA, United States
  • Died: April 5, 1951, Korea
  • Buried: Massachusetts National Cemetery (MH) (5-167), Bourne, MA, United States
 

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