Medal of Honor: Ernest E. West, Korean War, October 12, 1952

Name: Ernest E. West
Rank: Private First Class
War: Korean War
Date of Action: October 12, 1952
Unit: Company L, 14th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division
Born: September 2, 1931 – Russell, Kentucky
Entered Service At: Wurtland, Kentucky

Summary of Action
When a patrol was ambushed near Sataeri, Korea, Private First Class Ernest West made a split-second decision that would define a lifetime of courage. Seeing his platoon leader lying wounded in the open, he ordered the others to fall back, then sprinted forward alone through automatic fire and explosions to reach him. As he struggled to pull the officer to safety, three enemy soldiers charged with grenades. Shielding his comrade with his own body, West shot all three attackers, then dragged the wounded man to cover.
Though critically wounded himself—and having lost an eye—he refused evacuation. Instead, West crawled back into the kill zone again and again, rescuing two more wounded soldiers and killing three more enemy in close combat. His sheer will and defiance under fire saved lives that day, earning him the Medal of Honor and the undying respect of all who served beside him.

Medal of Honor Citation
WEST, ERNEST E.
Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Company L, 14th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Sataeri, Korea, 12 October 1952. Entered service at: Wurtland, Ky. Born: 2 September 1931, Russell, Ky. G.O. No.: 7, 29 January 1954.
Citation: Pfc. West distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. He voluntarily accompanied a contingent to locate and destroy a reported enemy outpost. Nearing the objective, the patrol was ambushed and suffered numerous casualties. Observing his wounded leader lying in an exposed position, Pfc. West ordered the troops to withdraw, then braved intense fire to reach and assist him. While attempting evacuation, he was attacked by three hostile soldiers employing grenades and small-arms fire. Quickly shifting his body to shelter the officer, he killed the assailants with his rifle, then carried the helpless man to safety. He was critically wounded and lost an eye in this action, but courageously returned through withering fire and bursting shells to assist the wounded. While evacuating two comrades, he closed with and killed three more of the foe. Pfc. West’s indomitable spirit, consummate valor, and intrepid actions inspired all who observed him, reflect the highest credit on himself, and uphold the honored traditions of the military service.