Medal of Honor: Ray E. Duke - Korean War - April 26, 1951

Name: Ray E. Duke
Rank: Sergeant First Class
Branch: U.S. Army
War: Korean War
Unit: Company C, 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division
Date of Action: April 26, 1951
Location: Near Mugok, Korea

Summary of Action

On 26 April 1951, Sergeant First Class Ray E. Duke distinguished himself during fierce combat near Mugok, Korea.

After his platoon had been ordered to withdraw, several of his men were left isolated and heavily engaged in ground already yielded to the enemy.

Without hesitation, Duke gathered a small force and led a daring counterattack.

The assault retook the lost position and rescued the trapped soldiers.

Soon afterward, the enemy attacked again in strength, inflicting numerous casualties.

Though wounded by mortar fragments, Duke calmly moved along the platoon line, coordinating fields of fire and urging his men to stand fast.

Wounded a second time, he accepted first aid, then immediately returned to his position.

Shortly after dawn, enemy forces launched another determined assault.

Despite his wounds, Duke repeatedly exposed himself to withering fire to ensure each defensive position was holding and properly manned.

As casualties mounted and the platoon faced destruction, the order was again given to withdraw.

During this final phase of the battle, Duke was struck a third time and wounded severely in both legs, leaving him unable to walk.

Two comrades attempted to carry him down the hill.

Realizing he was slowing their escape and placing them in greater danger, Duke ordered them to leave him and save themselves.

When last seen, he was pouring devastating fire into the advancing enemy ranks.

His extraordinary courage, leadership under fire, and selfless sacrifice reflected the highest traditions of the infantry and the United States Army.

Medal of Honor Citation

DUKE, RAY E.

Sfc. Duke, a member of Company C, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and outstanding courage above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. Upon learning that several of his men were isolated and heavily engaged in an area yielded by his platoon when ordered to withdraw, he led a small force in a daring assault which recovered the position and the beleaguered men. Another enemy attack in strength resulted in numerous casualties but Sfc. Duke, although wounded by mortar fragments, calmly moved along his platoon line to coordinate fields of fire and to urge his men to hold firm in the bitter encounter. Wounded a second time he received first aid and returned to his position. When the enemy again attacked shortly after dawn, despite his wounds, Sfc. Duke repeatedly braved withering fire to insure maximum defense of each position. Threatened with annihilation and with mounting casualties, the platoon was again ordered to withdraw when Sfc. Duke was wounded a third time in both legs and was unable to walk. Realizing that he was impeding the progress of 2 comrades who were carrying him from the hill, he urged them to leave him and seek safety. He was last seen pouring devastating fire into the ranks of the onrushing assailants. The consummate courage, superb leadership, and heroic actions of Sfc. Duke, displayed during intensive action against overwhelming odds, reflect the highest credit upon himself, the infantry, and the U.S. Army.