MOH

Medal of Honor: Reginald B. Desiderio – Korean War – November 27, 1950

Wounded again and again as enemy forces broke through in the dark, one company commander refused evacuation, rallied his soldiers, and personally counterattacked with rifle, carbine, and grenades — fighting to his last breath to save his men.

November 28, 2025

Name: Reginald B. Desiderio
Rank: Captain
Organization: U.S. Army
Unit: Company E, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division
Place and Date: Near Ipsok, Korea – 27 November 1950
Entered Service At: Gilroy, California
Born: September 12, 1918 – Clairton, Pennsylvania
Departed: November 27, 1950 (Killed in Action)
Accredited To: California

Summary of Action

On November 27, 1950, near Ipsok, Korea, Captain Reginald B. Desiderio faced a violent enemy breakthrough threatening the command post of a task force. Under cover of darkness and intense fire, he personally reconnoitered the area and positioned his company to block the attack. Early in the fighting he was wounded, yet refused evacuation, choosing instead to move among his men, check their positions, and prepare them for the next assault.

As the enemy launched repeated attacks, Desiderio was wounded again but continued to direct the defense with calm, relentless determination. His courage steadied his company as they held against wave after wave of fanatical assaults. When enemy troops finally broke through the perimeter, Captain Desiderio personally counterattacked, charging into the breach with his carbine, rifle, and grenades. He inflicted heavy casualties in close combat until he was mortally wounded.

Inspired by his refusal to yield and his fearless leadership, his men rallied and repelled the final enemy attack, holding the position he died defending.

Medal of Honor Citation

DESIDERIO, REGINALD B.

Rank and organization: Captain, U.S. Army, commanding officer, Company E, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division.

Place and date: Near Ipsok, Korea, 27 November 1950.

Entered service at: Gilroy, Calif.

Born: 12 September 1918, Clairton, Pa.

G.O. No.: 58, 2 August 1951.

Citation:

Capt. Desiderio distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the repeated risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. His company was given the mission of defending the command post of a task force against an enemy breakthrough. After personal reconnaissance during darkness and under intense enemy fire, he placed his men in defensive positions to repel an attack. Early in the action he was wounded, but refused evacuation and despite enemy fire continued to move among his men checking their positions and making sure that each element was prepared to receive the next attack. Again wounded, he continued to direct his men. By his inspiring leadership he encouraged them to hold their position. In the subsequent fighting when the fanatical enemy succeeded in penetrating the position, he personally charged them with carbine, rifle, and grenades, inflicting many casualties until he himself was mortally wounded. His men, spurred on by his intrepid example, repelled this final attack. Capt. Desiderio’s heroic leadership, courageous and loyal devotion to duty, and his complete disregard for personal safety reflect the highest honor on him and are in keeping with the esteemed traditions of the U.S. Army.