Medal of Honor, Robert E. Simanek, Korean War, August 17, 1952
“In the face of sudden ambush on a Korean hillside, Pfc. Robert E. Simanek made a split-second choice that saved his patrol. Throwing himself onto a grenade, he absorbed the blast with his own body, sparing the lives of his fellow Marines.”
August 18, 2025
Name: Robert E. Simanek
War: Korean War
Date: August 17, 1952
Summary of Action
On August 17, 1952, while serving with Company F, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division, Pfc. Robert E. Simanek was part of a patrol advancing to occupy an outpost forward of friendly lines. Suddenly ambushed by a withering concentration of enemy mortar and small-arms fire, his unit suffered heavy casualties and was forced to take cover in a nearby trench line. As the Marines regrouped under relentless fire, an enemy grenade landed among them.
Without hesitation, Simanek threw himself onto the grenade, absorbing the full force of the explosion with his own body. Gravely wounded, his act of unflinching sacrifice shielded his comrades from death or serious injury. By choosing certain peril over the survival of his brothers-in-arms, Simanek not only saved lives but also set an enduring example of valor and devotion to duty that continues to inspire Marines to this day.
Medal of Honor Citation
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Company F, in action against enemy aggressor forces. While accompanying a patrol en route to occupy a combat outpost forward of friendly lines, Pfc. Simanek exhibited a high degree of courage and a resolute spirit of self-sacrifice in protecting the lives of his fellow marines. With his unit ambushed by an intense concentration of enemy mortar and small-arms fire, and suffering heavy casualties, he was forced to seek cover with the remaining members of the patrol in a nearby trench line. Determined to save his comrades when a hostile grenade was hurled into their midst, he unhesitatingly threw himself on the deadly missile absorbing the shattering violence of the exploding charge in his body and shielding his fellow marines from serious injury or death. Gravely wounded as a result of his heroic action, Pfc. Simanek, by his daring initiative and great personal valor in the face of almost certain death, served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.
