Name: Sherrod E. Skinner, Jr.
Rank: Second Lieutenant
War: Korean War
Date of Action: October 26, 1952
Unit: Battery F, 2nd Battalion, 11th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Reinforced)
Born: October 29, 1929 – Hartford, Connecticut
Entered Service At: East Lansing, Michigan
Summary of Action
On the night of October 26, 1952, deep in the hills of Korea, 2nd Lt. Sherrod E. Skinner Jr. served as an artillery forward observer in a critical sector of the main line of resistance. When a fanatical enemy assault struck his outpost, supported by a crushing barrage of artillery and mortars, communications were severed and chaos erupted.
Cut off from reinforcements, Skinner quickly organized the remaining Marines and directed their defense. Even after his radio was destroyed, he personally moved through the fire to reposition machine guns, distribute ammunition, and rally his men. Twice he was wounded but refused medical aid, staying at his post and continuing to call fire until every line was overrun.
As the bunker was surrounded and grenades rained down, Skinner ordered his surviving comrades to play dead to avoid execution. Then, when one final grenade landed between him and two others, he made his last decision—throwing himself on the explosive to save their lives.
His sacrifice turned certain death for his men into survival and became one of the most selfless acts of heroism in Marine Corps history.
Medal of Honor Citation
SKINNER, SHERROD E., JR.
Rank and organization: Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, Battery F, 2d Battalion, 11th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein.).
Place and date: Korea, 26 October 1952.
Entered service at: East Lansing, Mich. Born: 29 October 1929, Hartford, Conn.
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as an artillery forward observer of Battery F, in action against enemy aggressor forces on the night of 26 October 1952. When his observation post in an extremely critical and vital sector of the main line of resistance was subjected to a sudden and fanatical attack by hostile forces, supported by a devastating barrage of artillery and mortar fire which completely severed communication lines connecting the outpost with friendly firing batteries, 2d Lt. Skinner, in a determined effort to hold his position, immediately organized and directed the surviving personnel in the defense of the outpost, continuing to call down fire on the enemy by means of radio alone until his equipment became damaged beyond repair. Undaunted by the intense hostile barrage and the rapidly-closing attackers, he twice left the protection of his bunker in order to direct accurate machine gun fire and to replenish the depleted supply of ammunition and grenades. Although painfully wounded on each occasion, he steadfastly refused medical aid until the rest of the men received treatment. As the ground attack reached its climax, he gallantly directed the final defense until the meager supply of ammunition was exhausted and the position overrun. During the 3 hours that the outpost was occupied by the enemy, several grenades were thrown into the bunker which served as protection for 2d Lt. Skinner and his remaining comrades. Realizing that there was no chance for other than passive resistance, he directed his men to feign death even though the hostile troops entered the bunker and searched their persons. Later, when an enemy grenade was thrown between him and 2 other survivors, he immediately threw himself on the deadly missile in an effort to protect the others, absorbing the full force of the explosion and sacrificing his life for his comrades. By his indomitable fighting spirit, superb leadership, and great personal valor in the face of tremendous odds, 2d Lt. Skinner served to inspire his fellow Marines in their heroic stand against the enemy and upheld the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
