Medal of Honor: David B. Champagne - Korean War - May 28, 1952

Name: David B. Champagne
Rank: Corporal
Branch: U.S. Marine Corps
War: Korean War
Unit: Company A, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Reinforced)
Date of Action: May 28, 1952
Location: Korea

Summary of Action

On 28 May 1952, Corporal David B. Champagne displayed extraordinary heroism during combat operations against enemy forces in Korea.

As part of the initial assault against a heavily fortified hill position, Champagne skillfully led his fire team through intense enemy machine-gun, rifle, and grenade fire.

Driving forward through trenches and bunker complexes considered nearly impregnable, he helped lead the Marines all the way to the crest of the hill where defensive positions were quickly established.

Soon afterward, enemy forces launched a violent counterattack under a devastating barrage of mortar and artillery fire.

During the fighting, Champagne suffered a painful wound to the leg.

Despite his injury, he steadfastly refused evacuation and remained in position directing the fire of his team while enemy troops closed in on the Marine defenses.

As the counterattack intensified, a hostile grenade suddenly landed in the middle of his fire team.

Without hesitation and fully aware of the danger, Champagne seized the grenade and hurled it back toward the advancing enemy.

As the grenade left his hand, it exploded.

The blast tore off his hand and threw him from the trench into an exposed position.

Mortally wounded moments later by enemy mortar fire, Champagne’s courageous act saved the lives of several fellow Marines who otherwise would have been killed or seriously wounded.

His fearless leadership, determination under fire, and ultimate sacrifice reflected the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and Naval Service.

Medal of Honor Citation

CHAMPAGNE, DAVID B.

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 of Company A, in action against enemy aggressor forces. Advancing with his platoon in the initial assault of the company against a strongly fortified and heavily defended hill position, Cpl. Champagne skillfully led his fire team through a veritable hail of intense enemy machine gun, small-arms, and grenade fire, overrunning trenches and a series of almost impregnable bunker positions before reaching the crest of the hill and placing his men in defensive positions. Suffering a painful leg wound while assisting in repelling the ensuing hostile counterattack, which was launched under cover of a murderous hail of mortar and artillery fire, he steadfastly refused evacuation and fearlessly continued to control his fire team When the enemy counterattack increased in intensity, and a hostile grenade landed in the midst of the fire team, Cpl. Champagne unhesitatingly seized the deadly missile and hurled it in the direction of the approaching enemy. As the grenade left his hand, it exploded blowing off his hand and throwing him out of the trench. Mortally wounded by enemy mortar fire while in this exposed position, Cpl. Champagne, by his valiant leadership, fortitude, and gallant spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of almost certain death, undoubtedly saved the lives of several of his fellow marines. His heroic actions served to inspire all who observed him and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.