Medal of Honor: David M. Smith, Korean War, September 1, 1950

Name: Charles W. Turner

War: Korean War
Date of Action: September 1, 1950
Branch/Unit: U.S. Army, 2d Reconnaissance Company, 2d Infantry Division
Born: Boston, Massachusetts

Summary of Action

The desperate fighting along the Naktong River Line in late August and early September 1950 marked some of the most ferocious battles of the Korean War. The enemy sought to shatter the American perimeter and seize the road to Pusan.

On September 1, 1950, Turner’s platoon came under heavy assault by a numerically superior force, supported by mortars and automatic weapons. As a section leader, he quickly organized his men for defense. Spotting that the main thrust of the attack was directed against a tank section about 100 yards away, Turner made a fateful decision.

Dashing through withering fire, he mounted one of the tanks, climbed into the exposed turret, and took control of its .50 caliber machine gun. Under a storm of incoming fire, he poured devastating fire into the enemy ranks and personally directed the tank’s 75mm cannon, leading to the destruction of seven enemy machine gun nests.

Although he was severely wounded, Turner refused to abandon his position. He remained at the gun, shouting encouragement to his comrades and continuing to fire until his position was struck more than fifty times by enemy fire. Even as the tank shuddered under direct hits, he held fast until he was killed by an enemy burst. His gallantry allowed his platoon to withdraw, regroup, and ultimately counterattack to drive back the enemy.

Medal of Honor Citation

Citation:
Sfc. Turner distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. A large enemy force launched a mortar and automatic weapon supported assault against his platoon. Sfc. Turner, a section leader, quickly organized his unit for defense and then observed that the attack was directed at the tank section 100 yards away. Leaving his secured section he dashed through a hail of fire to the threatened position and, mounting a tank, manned the exposed turret machine gun. Disregarding the intense enemy fire he calmly held this position delivering deadly accurate fire and pointing out targets for the tank’s 75mm. gun. His action resulted in the destruction of 7 enemy machine gun nests. Although severely wounded he remained at the gun shouting encouragement to his comrades. During the action the tank received over 50 direct hits; the periscopes and antenna were shot away and 3 rounds hit the machine gun mount. Despite this fire he remained at his post until a burst of enemy fire cost him his life. This intrepid and heroic performance enabled the platoon to withdraw and later launch an attack which routed the enemy. Sfc. Turner’s valor and example reflect the highest credit upon himself and are in keeping with the esteemed traditions of the U.S. Army.