MOH

Medal of Honor: Juan E. Negron - Korean War - April 28, 1951

The enemy broke through the line and darkness fell on a collapsing position. On the exposed flank, one sergeant held the ground through the night with grenades and rifle fire.

May 1, 2026

Name: Juan E. Negron
Rank: Sergeant
Branch: U.S. Army
War: Korean War
Date of Action: April 28, 1951
Location: Kalma-Eri, Korea

Summary of Action

On 28 April 1951, Sergeant Juan E. Negron distinguished himself in combat near Kalma-Eri, Korea.

During a fierce enemy assault, hostile forces overran a section of the American line and placed the company in grave danger.

Negron occupied the most vulnerable position on the exposed right flank, where the enemy threatened to collapse the defense entirely.

Rather than withdraw, he chose to stand fast.

Throughout the long night battle, Negron repeatedly repelled enemy soldiers who pressed toward his position.

When hostile troops approached at close range, he met them with accurately thrown hand grenades.

Again and again, he broke up attacks before they could overrun the flank.

His determined resistance helped hold the line during one of the most dangerous moments of the battle.

By maintaining his position under intense pressure, he bought vital time for his comrades and prevented a greater breakthrough.

His courage, steadfastness, and devotion to duty reflected the highest traditions of the United States Army.

Medal of Honor Citation

NEGRON, JUAN E.

Rank and Organization: Sergeant, U.S. Army.
Place and Date: April 28, 1951, Kalma-Eri, Korea.
Born: September 26, 1929, Corozal, Puerto Rico.
Departed: Yes (03/29/1996).
Date of Issue: 03/18/2014.

Citation:
Then-Sgt. Juan E. Negron distinguished himself on April 28, 1951, for actions near Kalma-Eri, Korea. Negron held the most vulnerable position on his company’s exposed right flank after an enemy force had overrun a section of the line. He held the position throughout the night, accurately hurling hand grenades at short range when hostile troops approached his position.