Medal of Honor: Daniel P. Matthews – Korean War – March 28, 1953

Name: Daniel P. Matthews
Rank: Sergeant
Branch: U.S. Marine Corps
War: Korean War
Unit: Company F, 2d Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Reinforced)
Date of Action: March 28, 1953
Location: Vegas Hill, Korea

Summary of Action

On 28 March 1953, Sergeant Daniel P. Matthews was serving as a squad leader during a counterattack on Vegas Hill, Korea.

The enemy held a vital forward outpost with a firmly entrenched and concealed force. Six previous assaults had already been repelled.

As Matthews’ squad advanced, it was pinned down by devastating machine-gun fire from an enemy weapon positioned on the peak.

At the same time, a corpsman was unable to reach a wounded Marine lying in the open, fully exposed to the hostile fire.

Recognizing the danger to his comrade, Matthews moved forward alone.

Working his way to the base of the enemy emplacement, he climbed onto the rock fortification surrounding the machine gun and launched a one-man assault.

Catching the enemy completely by surprise, he attacked with his rifle at point-blank range.

The enemy quickly recovered and brought intense fire against him, severely wounding him.

Despite his wounds, Matthews continued fighting.

He killed two enemy soldiers, routed a third, and silenced the machine gun.

His action opened the way for the wounded Marine to be evacuated to safety.

Before aid could reach him, Matthews succumbed to his wounds.

His courage, determination, and willingness to face certain death saved the life of a fellow Marine and inspired all who witnessed his sacrifice.

Medal of Honor Citation

MATTHEWS, DANIEL P.

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a squad leader of Company F, in action against enemy aggressor forces. Participating in a counterattack against a firmly entrenched and well-concealed hostile force which had repelled 6 previous assaults on a vital enemy-held outpost far forward of the main line of resistance Sgt. Matthews fearlessly advanced in the attack until his squad was pinned down by a murderous sweep of fire from an enemy machine gun located on the peak of the outpost. Observing that the deadly fire prevented a corpsman from removing a wounded man lying in an open area fully exposed to the brunt of the devastating gunfire, he worked his way to the base of the hostile machine gun emplacement, leaped onto the rock fortification surrounding the gun and, taking the enemy by complete surprise, single-handedly charged the hostile emplacement with his rifle. Although severely wounded when the enemy brought a withering hail of fire to bear upon him, he gallantly continued his valiant 1-man assault and, firing his rifle with deadly effectiveness, succeeded in killing 2 of the enemy, routing a third, and completely silencing the enemy weapon, thereby enabling his comrades to evacuate the stricken marine to a safe position. Succumbing to his wounds before aid could reach him, Sgt. Matthews, by his indomitable fighting spirit, courageous initiative, and resolute determination in the face of almost certain death, served to inspire all who observed him and was directly instrumental in saving the life of his wounded comrade. His great 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.