Medal of Honor: William F. Lyell, Korean War Date of Action, August 31, 1951

Name: William F. Lyell
War: Korean War
Date of Action: August 31, 1951
Unit: Company F, 17th Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division

Summary of Action

By the summer of 1951, the war in Korea had settled into a brutal series of battles for ridgelines and fortified hills. These strongpoints controlled valleys, supply routes, and the advance of entire divisions. On 31 August 1951, near Chup’a-ri, Corporal William Lyell’s platoon was ordered forward against heavily dug-in enemy positions.

When the platoon leader was killed in the opening exchange, Lyell—only a corporal—took command without hesitation. He rallied his shaken comrades and pressed the assault despite the raking fire of machine guns and mortars from bunkers above. Grabbing a 57mm recoilless rifle, he destroyed a bunker at close range, killing its defenders. Moments later, under withering fire, he armed himself with grenades and single-handedly assaulted a second bunker, eliminating six enemy soldiers even as he was wounded in the fight.

Not stopping there, Lyell turned on a third emplacement, again hurling grenades and killing four more defenders. His fearless advance cleared the way for his platoon to secure the north slope of the hill, where they established a position to support fellow infantrymen. Exposed to fire and weakened by his wounds, Lyell continued to move across the line, directing fire, encouraging his men, and leading until an enemy mortar struck him down. His sacrifice inspired his soldiers to hold the hill against repeated attacks, ensuring the mission’s success.

Medal of Honor Citation

Citation:
Cpl. Lyell, a member of Company F, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and outstanding courage above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. When his platoon leader was killed, Cpl. Lyell assumed command and led his unit in an assault on strongly fortified enemy positions located on commanding terrain. When his platoon came under vicious, raking fire which halted the forward movement, Cpl. Lyell seized a 57mm. recoilless rifle and unhesitatingly moved ahead to a suitable firing position from which he delivered deadly accurate fire completely destroying an enemy bunker, killing its occupants. He then returned to his platoon and was resuming the assault when the unit was again subjected to intense hostile fire from 2 other bunkers. Disregarding his personal safety, armed with grenades he charged forward hurling grenades into 1 of the enemy emplacements, and although painfully wounded in this action he pressed on destroying the bunker and killing 6 of the foe. He then continued his attack against a third enemy position, throwing grenades as he ran forward, annihilating 4 enemy soldiers. He then led his platoon to the north slope of the hill where positions were occupied from which effective fire was delivered against the enemy in support of friendly troops moving up. Fearlessly exposing himself to enemy fire, he continuously moved about directing and encouraging his men until he was mortally wounded by enemy mortar fire. Cpl. Lyell’s extraordinary heroism, indomitable courage, and aggressive leadership reflect great credit on himself and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.