Medal of Honor: Emory L. Bennett – Korean War – June 24, 1951

Name: Emory L. Bennett
Rank: Private First Class
Branch: U.S. Army
War: Korean War
Unit: Company B, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division
Date of Action: June 24, 1951
Location: Near Sobangsan, Korea

Summary of Action

During the early morning hours of 24 June 1951, Private First Class Emory L. Bennett was serving with Company B, 15th Infantry Regiment, near Sobangsan, Korea.

At approximately 2:00 a.m., two enemy battalions launched a determined banzai attack against the company's defensive positions along a ridgeline. The assaulting force advanced with overwhelming numbers and fanatical determination in an effort to overrun the American position.

Although the defenders inflicted severe casualties upon the attacking enemy, the sheer weight of the assault began to threaten the integrity of the perimeter.

Recognizing the danger to his company, Bennett voluntarily left the protection of his foxhole and moved through intense enemy fire to a fully exposed position.

Standing in plain view of the advancing enemy, he opened fire with his automatic rifle, pouring devastating fire into the ranks of the attackers.

His accurate and determined fire inflicted heavy casualties and temporarily halted the enemy advance.

During this brief pause, the company was able to reorganize and prepare for a counterattack.

However, the numerically superior enemy soon penetrated portions of the defensive position and the company was ordered to withdraw.

Realizing that his comrades needed time to escape, Bennett voluntarily remained behind to provide covering fire.

Ignoring the danger surrounding him, he continued firing into the advancing enemy at close range, slowing their attack and protecting the withdrawing soldiers.

He remained at his position until he was mortally wounded.

His courageous stand prevented the company from being overrun and enabled an orderly withdrawal from the threatened position.

Private First Class Emory L. Bennett's extraordinary courage, self-sacrifice, and devotion to his fellow soldiers reflected the highest traditions of the United States Army.

Medal of Honor Citation

BENNETT, EMORY L.

Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Company B, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division.

Place and date: Near Sobangsan, Korea, 24 June 1951.

Entered service at: Cocoa, Florida.

Born: 20 December 1929, New Smyrna Beach, Florida.

G.O. No.: 11, 1 February 1952.

Citation:

Private First Class Bennett, a member of Company B, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty in action against an armed enemy of the United Nations. At approximately 0200 hours, two enemy battalions swarmed up the ridgeline in a ferocious banzai charge in an attempt to dislodge Private First Class Bennett's company from its defensive positions. Meeting the challenge, the gallant defenders delivered destructive retaliation, but the enemy pressed the assault with fanatical determination and the integrity of the perimeter was imperiled.

Fully aware of the odds against him, Private First Class Bennett unhesitatingly left his foxhole, moved through withering fire, stood within full view of the enemy, and, employing his automatic rifle, poured crippling fire into the ranks of the onrushing assailants, inflicting numerous casualties. Although wounded, Private First Class Bennett gallantly maintained his one-man defense and the attack was momentarily halted.

During this lull in battle, the company regrouped for counterattack, but the numerically superior foe soon infiltrated the position. Upon orders to move back, Private First Class Bennett voluntarily remained to provide covering fire for the withdrawing elements and, defying the enemy, continued to sweep the charging foe with devastating fire until mortally wounded.

His willing self-sacrifice and intrepid actions saved the position from being overrun and enabled the company to effect an orderly withdrawal. Private First Class Bennett's unflinching courage and consummate devotion to duty reflect lasting glory upon himself and the military service.