Korean War Medal of Honor Recipient. He served as a Corporal in the United States Marine Corps in Company A, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein). He was awarded the Medal of Honor for action on May 28, 1952 in Korea. He was killed in action. His citation reads in part "Suffering a painful leg wound while assisting in repelling the ensuing hostile counterattack, which was launched under cover of a murderous hail of mortar and artillery fire, he steadfastly refused evacuation and fearlessly continued to control his fire team. When the enemy counter-attack increased in intensity, and a hostile grenade landed in the midst of the fire team, Cpl. Champagne unhesitatingly seized the deadly missile and hurled it in the direction of the approaching enemy. As the grenade left his hand, it exploded, blowing off his hand and throwing him out of the trench. Mortally wounded by enemy mortar fire while in this exposed position, Cpl. Champagne, by his valiant leadership, fortitude, and gallant spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of almost certain death, undoubtedly saved the lives of several of his fellow marines."
Korean War Medal of Honor Recipient. He served as a Corporal in the United States Marine Corps in Company A, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein). He was awarded the Medal of Honor for action on May 28, 1952 in Korea. He was killed in action. His citation reads in part "Suffering a painful leg wound while assisting in repelling the ensuing hostile counterattack, which was launched under cover of a murderous hail of mortar and artillery fire, he steadfastly refused evacuation and fearlessly continued to control his fire team. When the enemy counter-attack increased in intensity, and a hostile grenade landed in the midst of the fire team, Cpl. Champagne unhesitatingly seized the deadly missile and hurled it in the direction of the approaching enemy. As the grenade left his hand, it exploded, blowing off his hand and throwing him out of the trench. Mortally wounded by enemy mortar fire while in this exposed position, Cpl. Champagne, by his valiant leadership, fortitude, and gallant spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of almost certain death, undoubtedly saved the lives of several of his fellow marines."
Bio by: Don Morfe
Inscription
Medal of Honor
CPL US Marine Corps
Korea
Family Members
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