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Naval History and Heritage Command

Naval History and Heritage Command

80-G-442505 Richard De Wert, Hospitalman, USNR

Photo #: 80-G-442505  Richard De Wert, Hospitalman, USNR
Description: Photographed circa 1949-50. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for heroism in combat on 5 April 1951, while serving with the Seventh Marines in Korea. Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.
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Medal of Honor citation of Hospitalman Richard De Wert (as printed in the 1964 Congressional publication "Medal of Honor Recipients --1863-1963", pages 745-46):


"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a Medical Corpsman, attached to a Marine infantry company, 1st Marine Division, in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 5 April 1951. When a fire team from the point platoon of his company was pinned down by a deadly barrage of hostile automatic weapons fire and suffered many casualties, De Wert rushed to the assistance of one of the more seriously wounded and, despite a painful leg wound sustained while dragging the stricken Marine to safety, steadfastly refused medical treatment for himself and immediately dashed back through the fire-swept area to carry a second wounded man out of the line of fire. Undaunted by the mounting hail of devastating enemy fire, he bravely moved forward a third time and received another serious wound in the shoulder after discovering that a wounded Marine had already died. Still persistent in his refusal to submit to first aid, he resolutely answered the call of a fourth stricken comrade and, while rendering medical assistance, was himself mortally wounded by a burst of enemy fire. His courageous initiative, great personal valor, and heroic spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of overwhelming odds reflect the highest credit upon De Wert and enhance the finest traditions of the United States naval service. He gallantly gave his life for his country."

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Wars & Conflicts
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