Medal of Honor: Jack A. Davenport, Korean War, September 21, 1951

Name: Jack A. Davenport
Rank: Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps
War: Korean War
Date of Action: September 21, 1951
Unit: Company G, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Reinforced)
Place: Vicinity of Songnae-Dong, Korea
Born: September 7, 1931, Kansas City, Missouri

Summary of Action

In the early hours of September 21, 1951, near Songnae-Dong, Korea, Corporal Jack A. Davenport was serving as a squad leader with Company G, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division. His unit came under sudden attack as enemy forces attempted to infiltrate their defensive positions.

Directing his Marines with calm efficiency, Davenport helped coordinate the defense under the pressure of close-quarters combat. Then, in the darkness, an enemy grenade landed inside the foxhole he shared with another Marine. In that split second, Davenport acted with total selflessness. Locating the grenade in the dark, he hurled himself upon it, shielding his comrade from certain death or injury.

The grenade detonated beneath him, killing him instantly—but his comrade survived. Davenport’s gallantry not only saved a life but inspired those around him to hold their ground. His ultimate sacrifice reflected the highest traditions of valor in the U.S. Marine Corps. At only 20 years old, he gave everything for his brother-in-arms.

Official Medal of Honor Citation

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a squad leader in Company G, in action against enemy aggressor forces, early in the morning. While expertly directing the defense of his position during a probing attack by hostile forces attempting to infiltrate the area, Cpl. Davenport, acting quickly when an enemy grenade fell into the foxhole which he was occupying with another marine, skillfully located the deadly projectile in the dark and, undeterred by the personal risk involved, heroically threw himself over the live missile, thereby saving his companion from serious injury or possible death. His cool and resourceful leadership were contributing factors in the successful repulse of the enemy attack and his superb courage and admirable spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of almost certain death enhance and sustain the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. Cpl. Davenport gallantly gave his life for his country.