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

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

Summary of Action

On 4 July 1951, Sergeant LeRoy A. Mendonca was serving with Company B, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division during combat operations near Chich-on, Korea.

Following an exhausting battle, his platoon succeeded in capturing the strategically important Hill 586.

During the night, however, a numerically superior enemy force launched a determined counterattack against the newly established American positions.

The assault outflanked the 1st Platoon and placed its defenders under overwhelming pressure.

Faced with the danger of annihilation, the platoon received orders to withdraw to a secondary defensive line.

Recognizing that someone had to delay the advancing enemy, Mendonca voluntarily remained behind.

Occupying an exposed position under intense enemy fire, he poured rifle fire into the advancing attackers and repeatedly hurled grenades into their ranks.

His determined stand slowed the enemy advance and gave his platoon precious time to reach the secondary defenses.

When his ammunition was exhausted, Mendonca refused to retreat.

Instead, he continued fighting at close quarters.

Using the butt of his rifle as a club and then his bayonet, he battled the attacking enemy until he was mortally wounded.

After the battle, it was estimated that Mendonca had inflicted thirty-seven enemy casualties during his lone stand.

His extraordinary sacrifice halted the enemy assault long enough for his platoon to withdraw in good order, allowing the company to regroup, repel the attack, and retain possession of the vital hilltop.

Sergeant LeRoy A. Mendonca's extraordinary courage, determination, and selfless sacrifice reflected the highest traditions of the United States Army.

Medal of Honor Citation

MENDONCA, LEROY A.

Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company B, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division.

Place and date: Near Chich-on, Korea, 4 July 1951.

Entered service at: Honolulu, Territory of Hawaii.

Birth: Honolulu, Territory of Hawaii.

G.O. No.: 83, 3 September 1952.

Citation:

Sergeant 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, Sergeant 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 Sergeant Mendonca had accounted for thirty-seven 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.

Sergeant Mendonca's extraordinary gallantry and exemplary valor are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army.