Medal of Honor: Charles G. Abrell - Korean War - June 10, 1951

Name: Charles G. Abrell
Rank: Corporal
Branch: U.S. Marine Corps
War: Korean War
Unit: Company E, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division (Reinforced)
Date of Action: June 10, 1951
Location: Hangnyong, Korea

Summary of Action

On 10 June 1951, during combat operations near Hangnyong, Korea, Corporal Charles G. Abrell displayed extraordinary heroism while serving as a fire team leader with Company E, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines.

His platoon was advancing against well-concealed and heavily fortified enemy positions when accurate automatic-weapons fire from a bunker on commanding ground pinned down the assaulting squad and threatened to halt the attack.

Without waiting for orders, Abrell voluntarily rushed forward through the stalled line of Marines toward the hostile strongpoint.

Already wounded by fragments from an enemy hand grenade, he ignored his injuries and continued his one-man assault, urging his fellow Marines to follow as he advanced into the deadly fire.

As he closed on the bunker, he was struck twice more by enemy fire.

Still refusing to stop, Abrell reached for a grenade, pulled the safety pin, and made a final selfless decision.

With the live grenade still clutched in his hand, he deliberately hurled himself into the enemy bunker.

The resulting explosion killed the entire enemy gun crew but mortally wounded Abrell.

His supreme sacrifice eliminated the strongpoint that had pinned down the platoon, inspired his fellow Marines to renew their attack, and directly contributed to the successful seizure of the objective.

By knowingly giving his life so that others could continue the assault, Corporal Charles G. Abrell demonstrated courage and devotion to duty of the highest order, reflecting the finest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

Medal of Honor Citation

ABRELL, CHARLES G.

Rank and organization: Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, Company E, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division (Reinforced).

Place and date: Hangnyong, Korea, 10 June 1951.

Entered service at: Terre Haute, Ind.

Born: 12 August 1931, Terre Haute, Ind.

Citation:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a fire team leader in Company E, in action against enemy aggressor forces. While advancing with his platoon in an attack against well-concealed and heavily fortified enemy hill positions, Cpl. Abrell voluntarily rushed forward through the assaulting squad which was pinned down by a hail of intense and accurate automatic-weapons fire from a hostile bunker situated on commanding ground. Although previously wounded by enemy hand grenade fragments, he proceeded to carry out a bold, single-handed attack against the bunker, exhorting his comrades to follow him. Sustaining two additional wounds as he stormed toward the emplacement, he resolutely pulled the pin from a grenade clutched in his hand and hurled himself bodily into the bunker with the live missile still in his grasp. Fatally wounded in the resulting explosion which killed the entire enemy gun crew within the stronghold, Cpl. Abrell, by his valiant spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of certain death, served to inspire all his comrades and contributed directly to the success of his platoon in attaining its objective. His superb courage and heroic initiative sustain and enhance the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.