MOH

Medal of Honor: Duane E. Dewey – Korean War – April 16, 1952

Already wounded in a savage night battle, he was being treated when danger landed beside him. In a split second, he chose to shield everyone else.

April 29, 2026

Name: Duane E. Dewey
Rank: Corporal
Branch: U.S. Marine Corps Reserve
War: Korean War
Unit: Company E, 2d Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Reinforced)
Date of Action: April 16, 1952
Location: Near Panmunjom, Korea

Summary of Action

On 16 April 1952, Corporal Duane E. Dewey distinguished himself while serving as a machine-gun platoon gunner with Company E near Panmunjom, Korea.

During a fierce night attack, numerically superior enemy forces assaulted Marine positions.

Dewey and his assistant gunner had already been wounded and were receiving medical treatment when a new threat suddenly appeared.

An enemy grenade landed close to their position.

Though suffering intense pain from his own wounds, Dewey reacted instantly.

He grabbed the corpsman treating him and pulled him to the ground.

At the same time, he shouted a warning to the other Marines nearby.

Knowing there was no time to throw the grenade clear, Dewey threw himself upon it.

He absorbed the full force of the explosion with his own body, saving his comrades from possible death or severe injury.

His fearless self-sacrifice, concern for others, and courage in the face of certain danger reflected the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Medal of Honor Citation

DEWEY, DUANE E.

Rank and organization: Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, Company E, 2d Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein.).
Place and date: Near Panmunjon, Korea, 16 April 1952.
Entered service at: Muskegon, Mich.
Born: 16 November 1931, Grand Rapids, Mich.

Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a gunner in a machine gun platoon of Company E, in action against enemy aggressor forces. When an enemy grenade landed close to his position while he and his assistant gunner were receiving medical attention for their wounds during a fierce night attack by numerically superior hostile forces, Cpl. Dewey, although suffering intense pain, immediately pulled the corpsman to the ground and, shouting a warning to the other marines around him, bravely smothered the deadly missile with his body, personally absorbing the full force of the explosion to save his comrades from possible injury or death. His indomitable courage, outstanding initiative, and valiant efforts in behalf of others in the face of almost certain death reflect the highest credit upon Cpl. Dewey and enhance the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.