Medal of Honor: Charles R. Long – U.S. Army – Korean War

Name: Charles R. Long
Rank: Sergeant
Branch: U.S. Army
Unit: Company M, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division
Place: Near Hoengsong, Korea
Entered Service At: Kansas City, Missouri
Born: 10 December 1923, Kansas City, Missouri

Summary of Action

In the early morning darkness of 12 February 1951, Company M occupied a defensive perimeter on Hill 300 near Hoengsong, Korea. At approximately 0300 hours, a numerically superior hostile force launched a violent assault against the position.

As the overwhelming enemy pressure forced the company to withdraw, Sgt. Charles R. Long, serving as a forward observer for the mortar platoon, voluntarily chose to remain behind. Maintaining radio contact with his platoon, he directed precise and devastating mortar fire onto the advancing enemy formations.

From his exposed position, Sgt. Long coolly adjusted fire missions while simultaneously fighting with his own weapon. He fired his carbine and hurled hand grenades into the encroaching enemy ranks as they closed in on his position.

Even after being surrounded, he refused to abandon his post. Continuing to direct mortar fire until he was mortally wounded, Sgt. Long’s stand halted the enemy advance long enough for his company to withdraw, reorganize, and later counterattack to retake the hill.

His steadfast courage and deliberate self-sacrifice saved his comrades and turned the tide of the engagement.

Medal of Honor Citation

LONG, CHARLES R.

Sgt. Long, a member of Company M, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action against an armed enemy of the United Nations. When Company M, in a defensive perimeter on Hill 300, was viciously attacked by a numerically superior hostile force at approximately 0300 hours and ordered to withdraw, Sgt. Long, a forward observer for the mortar platoon, voluntarily remained at his post to provide cover by directing mortar fire on the enemy. Maintaining radio contact with his platoon, Sgt. Long coolly directed accurate mortar fire on the advancing foe. He continued firing his carbine and throwing handgrenades until his position was surrounded and he was mortally wounded. Sgt. Long’s inspirational, valorous action halted the onslaught, exacted a heavy toll of enemy casualties, and enabled his company to withdraw, reorganize, counterattack, and regain the hill strongpoint. His unflinching courage and noble self-sacrifice reflect the highest credit on himself and are in keeping with the honored traditions of the military service.