Medal of Honor: Francis C. Hammond – Korean War – March 26–27, 1953

Name: Francis C. Hammond
Rank: Hospital Corpsman
Branch: U.S. Navy
War: Korean War
Unit: Attached as a medical corpsman to the 1st Marine Division
Date of Action: March 26–27, 1953
Location: Korea

Summary of Action

On the night of 26–27 March 1953, Hospital Corpsman Francis C. Hammond was serving with Marines of the 1st Marine Division during a counterattack against a heavily fortified and numerically superior enemy force on a fiercely contested outpost far forward of the main line of resistance.

After the platoon reached an intermediate objective, it was struck by a devastating barrage of enemy mortar and artillery fire.

Moments later, hostile troops launched a violent ground assault.

With Marines falling all around him, Hammond moved directly into the storm of fire to reach the wounded.

Ignoring the danger, he worked among the defenders, administering aid where it was needed most.

During the action he was critically wounded, yet refused to stop.

For the next four exhausting hours, he continued treating casualties while the battle raged.

When the unit was ordered to withdraw, Hammond helped organize and direct the evacuation of the wounded.

Rather than leave with the others, he remained behind in the fire-swept area to assist the corpsmen of the relieving unit.

Still serving others after his own wounds, he was struck again by enemy mortar fire and mortally wounded.

His courage, endurance, and devotion to wounded Marines saved many lives.

Francis C. Hammond upheld the finest traditions of the United States Naval Service and gallantly gave his life for his country.

Medal of Honor Citation

HAMMOND, FRANCIS C.

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as a HC serving with the 1st Marine Division in action against enemy aggressor forces on the night of 26-27 March 1953. After reaching an intermediate objective during a counterattack against a heavily entrenched and numerically superior hostile force occupying ground on a bitterly contested outpost far in advance of the main line of resistance. HC Hammond’s platoon was subjected to a murderous barrage of hostile mortar and artillery fire, followed by a vicious assault by onrushing enemy troops. Resolutely advancing through the veritable curtain of fire to aid his stricken comrades, HC Hammond moved among the stalwart garrison of marines and, although critically wounded himself, valiantly continued to administer aid to the other wounded throughout an exhausting 4-hour period. When the unit was ordered to withdraw, he skillfully directed the evacuation of casualties and remained in the fire-swept area to assist the corpsmen of the relieving unit until he was struck by a round of enemy mortar fire and fell, mortally wounded. By his exceptional fortitude, inspiring initiative and self-sacrificing efforts, HC Hammond undoubtedly saved the lives of many marines. His great personal valor in the face of overwhelming odds enhances and sustains the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.