Medal of Honor, Lester Hammond Jr. Korean War, August 14, 1952

Name: Lester Hammond Jr.
War: Korean War
Date: August 14, 1952

Summary of Action

On August 14, 1952, near Kumwha, Korea, Corporal Lester Hammond Jr., serving as a radio operator with Company A, 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team, accompanied a six-man reconnaissance patrol that pushed more than 3,500 yards into enemy territory. The small group was ambushed by a numerically superior force and forced to withdraw up a ravine under intense fire. Though wounded early in the engagement, Hammond refused to fall back into cover. Instead, he positioned himself in an exposed location to relay artillery fire, calling in devastating barrages that broke wave after wave of enemy assaults. Hit again by enemy fire, he pressed on, directing the defense with unwavering resolve until he was mortally struck. His sacrifice allowed reinforcements to reach the patrol, evacuate the wounded, and withdraw safely—his courage ensuring that others lived to fight another day.

Medal of Honor Citation

Corporal Hammond, a radio operator with Company A, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and outstanding courage above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. Corporal Hammond was a member of a 6-man reconnaissance patrol which had penetrated approximately 3,500 yards into enemy-held territory. Ambushed and partially surrounded by a large hostile force, the small group opened fire, then quickly withdrew up a narrow ravine in search of protective cover. Despite a wound sustained in the initial exchange of fire and imminent danger of being overrun by the numerically superior foe, he refused to seek shelter and, remaining in an exposed place, called for artillery fire to support a defensive action. Constantly vulnerable to enemy observation and action, he coordinated and directed crippling fire on the assailants, inflicting heavy casualties and repulsing several attempts to overrun friendly positions. Although wounded a second time, he remained steadfast and maintained his stand until mortally wounded. His indomitable fighting spirit set an inspiring example of valor to his comrades and, through his actions, the onslaught was stemmed, enabling a friendly platoon to reach the beleaguered patrol, evacuate the wounded, and effect a safe withdrawal to friendly lines. Corporal Hammond’s unflinching courage and consummate devotion to duty reflect lasting glory on himself and uphold the finest traditions of the military service.