Medal of Honor: LeRoy A. Mendonca – Korean War, July 4, 1951

Name: LeRoy A. Mendonca
Rank: Sergeant
Conflict: Korean War
Unit: Company B, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division
Date of Action: 4 July 1951
Location: Near Chich-on, Korea

Summary of Action:
In the predawn darkness of July 4, 1951, the newly captured Hill 586 came under ferocious counterattack from a numerically superior enemy force. As his platoon fell back to a secondary defensive position under orders, Sergeant LeRoy A. Mendonca made a fateful choice—he would stay behind to cover their retreat. Alone and exposed, he poured fire into the onrushing enemy, threw grenades until his supply was gone, and finally met them in brutal hand-to-hand combat, wielding his empty rifle and bayonet until he was mortally wounded. His stand stalled the enemy advance, buying precious time for his comrades to regroup and hold the hill. It was later estimated that Sgt. Mendonca had single-handedly accounted for 37 enemy casualties.

Medal of Honor Citation:
Sgt. LeRoy A. Mendonca distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. After his platoon, in an exhaustive fight, had captured Hill 586, the newly won positions were assaulted during the night by a numerically superior enemy force. When the 1st Platoon positions were outflanked and under great pressure and the platoon was ordered to withdraw to a secondary line of defense, Sgt. Mendonca voluntarily remained in an exposed position and covered the platoon’s withdrawal. Although under murderous enemy fire, he fired his weapon and hurled grenades at the onrushing enemy until his supply of ammunition was exhausted. He fought on, clubbing with his rifle and using his bayonet until he was mortally wounded. After the action it was estimated that Sgt. Mendonca had accounted for 37 enemy casualties. His daring actions stalled the crushing assault, protecting the platoon’s withdrawal to secondary positions, and enabling the entire unit to repel the enemy attack and retain possession of the vital hilltop position. Sgt. Mendonca’s extraordinary gallantry and exemplary valor are in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Army.

Legacy:
In 2001, the U.S. Navy honored his sacrifice by commissioning the USNS Mendonca (T-AKR-303), a Bob Hope-class roll-on/roll-off vehicle cargo ship operated by the Military Sealift Command. The ship served as part of the U.S. strategic sealift fleet until being stricken from the Navy list in 2022.