Medal of Honor: Frank N. Mitchell – Korean War – November 26, 1950

Name: Frank Nicias Mitchell
Rank: First Lieutenant
Organization: U.S. Marine Corps
Unit: Company A, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Reinforced)
Place and Date: Near Hansan-ni, Korea – 26 November 1950
Entered Service At: Roaring Springs, Texas
Born: August 18, 1921 – Indian Gap, Texas
Departed: Killed in Action, November 26, 1950
Accredited To: Texas

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Summary of Action

On November 26, 1950, 1st Lt. Frank N. Mitchell led his rifle platoon on point through deep snow and dense woods near Hansan-ni. Without warning, North Korean forces opened fire at point-blank range, pinning down the lead elements and inflicting heavy casualties. Mitchell immediately sprinted forward through automatic weapons fire, seizing an automatic rifle from a wounded Marine and firing into the enemy ranks until his ammunition was spent.

Switching to grenades, he hurled them with deadly accuracy while shouting orders and rallying his men to drive the attackers back. When the enemy launched a fierce counterassault on the front and left flank, Mitchell — already wounded — reorganized his platoon under withering fire and personally led a brutal hand-to-hand fight that broke the enemy attack.

As darkness fell and more wounded lay scattered across snow-covered ground, Mitchell gathered volunteers and led a rescue party beyond friendly lines. Despite multiple wounds, he moved ahead of the litter bearers and fought a one-man rearguard battle, holding off enemy elements long enough for his Marines to withdraw safely. He was fatally struck by small-arms fire while covering their escape — giving his life to save theirs.

His fearless leadership in the face of overwhelming odds turned a near disaster into a fighting withdrawal that preserved his platoon from destruction.

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Medal of Honor Citation

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as leader of a rifle platoon of Company A, in action against enemy aggressor forces. Leading his platoon in point position during a patrol by his company through a thickly wooded and snow-covered area in the vicinity of Hansan-ni, 1st Lt. Mitchell acted immediately when the enemy suddenly opened fire at pointblank range, pinning down his forward elements and inflicting numerous casualties in his ranks. Boldly dashing to the front under blistering fire from automatic weapons and small arms, he seized an automatic rifle from one of the wounded men and effectively trained it against the attackers and, when his ammunition was expended, picked up and hurled grenades with deadly accuracy, at the same time directing and encouraging his men in driving the outnumbering enemy from his position. Maneuvering to set up a defense when the enemy furiously counterattacked to the front and left flank, 1st Lt. Mitchell, despite wounds sustained early in the action, reorganized his platoon under the devastating fire, and spearheaded a fierce hand-to-hand struggle to repulse the onslaught. Asking for volunteers to assist in searching for and evacuating the wounded, he personally led a party of litter bearers through the hostile lines in growing darkness and, although suffering intense pain from multiple wounds, stormed ahead and waged a single-handed battle against the enemy, successfully covering the withdrawal of his men before he was fatally struck down by a burst of small-arms fire. Stouthearted and indomitable in the face of tremendous odds, 1st Lt. Mitchell, by his fortitude, great personal valor and extraordinary heroism, saved the lives of several marines and inflicted heavy casualties among the aggressors. His unyielding courage throughout reflects the highest credit upon himself and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.