Medal of Honor: Ambrosio Guillen – Korean War, July 25, 1953

Ambrosio Guillen
Rank: Staff Sergeant
Conflict: Korean War
Unit: Company F, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Reinforced)
Date of Action: July 25, 1953
Location: Near Songuch-on, Korea

Summary of Action:
In the final brutal weeks of the Korean War, just days before the armistice, Staff Sergeant Ambrosio Guillen led his Marines into one of the last desperate clashes near Songuch-on. A native of La Junta, Colorado, raised in El Paso, Texas, Guillen had trained as a drill instructor before volunteering to lead men in combat. On July 25, 1953, his platoon was assigned to defend a remote outpost forward of the main line. That night, under cover of darkness and rain, an estimated two battalions of enemy troops supported by artillery and mortars launched a furious assault on their position.

Outnumbered and under intense fire, Guillen calmly maneuvered his men over unfamiliar terrain and placed them in optimal fighting positions. When the enemy barrage intensified, he deliberately exposed himself to direct fire, moving through the chaos to supervise evacuation of the wounded and direct return fire. His leadership turned the tide: the platoon rallied and engaged in savage hand-to-hand combat to hold the line. Even after being critically wounded, Guillen refused evacuation and continued directing his Marines until the enemy was repelled in disorganized retreat. He died hours later—having secured not only the outpost, but the lives of countless Marines who fought beside him.

Medal of Honor Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a platoon sergeant of Company F in action against enemy aggressor forces. Participating in the defense of an outpost forward of the main line of resistance, S/Sgt. Guillen maneuvered his platoon over unfamiliar terrain in the face of hostile fire and placed his men in fighting positions.

With his unit pinned down when the outpost was attacked under cover of darkness by an estimated force of 2 enemy battalions supported by mortar and artillery fire, he deliberately exposed himself to the heavy barrage and attacks to direct his men in defending their positions and personally supervise the treatment and evacuation of the wounded. Inspired by his leadership, the platoon quickly rallied and engaged the enemy in fierce hand-to-hand combat.

Although critically wounded during the course of the battle, S/Sgt. Guillen refused medical aid and continued to direct his men throughout the remainder of the engagement until the enemy was defeated and thrown into disorderly retreat. Succumbing to his wounds within a few hours, S/Sgt. Guillen, by his outstanding courage and indomitable fighting spirit, was directly responsible for the success of his platoon in repelling a numerically superior enemy force. His personal valor reflects the highest credit upon himself and enhances the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.