Medal of Honor: Frederick F., Korean War, September 1, 1950

Name: Frederick F. Henry
War: Korean War
Date of Action: September 1, 1950
Branch/Unit: U.S. Army, Company F, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division
Born: March 25, 1919, Vian, Oklahoma

Summary of Action

In the early days of the Korean War, U.S. forces were reeling under massive North Korean assaults. Near the village of Am-Dong, 1st Lt. Henry’s platoon was dug in along a strategic ridge when an enemy force, vastly superior in numbers and supported by artillery and mortars, launched a furious attack.

When his men faltered under the onslaught, Henry rose from his foxhole, calmly moving the line, shouting encouragement, and rallying his soldiers to hold. Mortar blasts and machine-gun fire cut down many of his platoon, and Henry himself was seriously wounded. But with communications destroyed and no way to confirm reinforcements were coming, he made the decision: he would hold the ridge at all costs to buy time.

Ordering his wounded evacuated, Henry established a one-man defense, wielding every available weapon. He fired rifles, machine guns, and even captured enemy weapons, laying down such devastating fire that he inflicted an estimated 50 enemy casualties. His stand allowed his platoon to withdraw and reorganize, preventing the enemy from breaking through to the main defensive line.

When last seen, Henry was still firing, refusing evacuation, and standing as a solitary barrier to the advancing tide. Eventually, his ammunition was spent, and the enemy overran his position. But his sacrifice halted the enemy attack long enough for the U.S. defense to stabilize—his lone fight helping to turn the tide in one of the darkest hours of the Korean War.

Medal of Honor Citation

Citation:
1st Lt. Henry, Company F, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action. His platoon was holding a strategic ridge near the town when they were attacked by a superior enemy force, supported by heavy mortar and artillery fire. Seeing his platoon disorganized by this fanatical assault, he left his foxhole and moving along the line ordered his men to stay in place and keep firing. Encouraged by this heroic action the platoon reformed a defensive line and rained devastating fire on the enemy, checking its advance. Enemy fire had knocked out all communications and 1st Lt. Henry was unable to determine whether or not the main line of resistance was altered to this heavy attack. On his own initiative, although severely wounded, he decided to hold his position as long as possible and ordered the wounded evacuated and their weapons and ammunition brought to him. Establishing a l-man defensive position, he ordered the platoon’s withdrawal and despite his wound and with complete disregard for himself remained behind to cover the movement. When last seen he was single-handedly firing all available weapons so effectively that he caused an estimated 50 enemy casualties. His ammunition was soon expended and his position overrun, but this intrepid action saved the platoon and halted the enemy’s advance until the main line of resistance was prepared to throw back the attack. 1st Lt. Henry’s outstanding gallantry and noble self-sacrifice above and beyond the call of duty reflect the highest honor on him and are in keeping with the esteemed traditions of the U.S. Army.