Medal of Honor: Cornelius H. Charlton – Korean War – June 2, 1951

Name: Cornelius H. Charlton
Rank: Sergeant
Branch: U.S. Army
War: Korean War
Unit: Company C, 24th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division
Date of Action: June 2, 1951
Location: Near Chipo-ri, Korea

Summary of Action

On 2 June 1951, Sergeant Cornelius H. Charlton displayed extraordinary heroism during combat operations near Chipo-ri, Korea.

His platoon was attacking a series of heavily defended enemy positions situated on commanding terrain when intense resistance threatened to halt the assault.

Early in the attack, the platoon leader was wounded and evacuated.

Without hesitation, Charlton assumed command of the platoon, rallied the shaken soldiers, and led the attack forward.

Advancing through heavy enemy fire, he personally destroyed two hostile positions, killing six enemy soldiers with a combination of rifle fire and grenades.

Despite his leadership, the platoon suffered mounting casualties and became pinned down on the slope.

Refusing to allow the attack to fail, Charlton reorganized the men and led them forward once again.

The renewed assault was met by a devastating barrage of enemy grenades that forced the platoon back.

During the fighting, Charlton suffered a severe chest wound.

Ignoring his injury and refusing medical treatment, he remained at the front of the attack.

Determined to seize the objective, he rallied his men a third time and personally led another charge up the hill.

This final assault carried the platoon to the crest of the ridge.

Once there, Charlton identified a remaining enemy strongpoint on the reverse slope that continued to threaten the advance.

Knowing the position had to be destroyed, he charged it alone.

During the assault, he was struck again by enemy grenade fragments.

Despite his wounds, he continued forward and poured devastating fire into the emplacement, destroying the position and routing its defenders.

Although the objective had been secured, the wounds Charlton received during his heroic actions proved fatal.

His extraordinary courage, determination, and leadership inspired his men to victory and reflected the highest traditions of the United States Army.

Medal of Honor Citation

CHARLTON, CORNELIUS H.

Sgt. Charlton, a member of Company C, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. His platoon was attacking heavily defended hostile positions on commanding ground when the leader was wounded and evacuated. Sgt. Charlton assumed command, rallied the men, and spearheaded the assault against the hill. Personally eliminating 2 hostile positions and killing 6 of the enemy with his rifle fire and grenades, he continued up the slope until the unit suffered heavy casualties and became pinned down. Regrouping the men he led them forward only to be again hurled back by a shower of grenades. Despite a severe chest wound, Sgt. Charlton refused medical attention and led a third daring charge which carried to the crest of the ridge. Observing that the remaining emplacement which had retarded the advance was situated on the reverse slope, he charged it alone, was again hit by a grenade but raked the position with a devastating fire which eliminated it and routed the defenders. The wounds received during his daring exploits resulted in his death but his indomitable courage, superb leadership, and gallant self-sacrifice reflect the highest credit upon himself the infantry, and the military service.