Advertisement

Lester Hammond Jr.

Advertisement

Lester Hammond Jr. Famous memorial Veteran

Birth
Wayland, Clark County, Missouri, USA
Death
14 Aug 1952 (aged 21)
South Korea
Burial
Quincy, Adams County, Illinois, USA GPS-Latitude: 39.9597, Longitude: -91.4052
Memorial ID
View Source
Korean War Medal of Honor Recipient. Hammond served as a Corporal, United States Army, Company A, 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team. He was awarded his medal posthumously for service Near Kumwha, Korea, on August 14, 1952. His citation reads-Cpl. Hammond, a radio operator with Company A, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and outstanding courage above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. Cpl. Hammond was a member of a 6 man reconnaissance patrol which had penetrated approximately 3,500 yards into enemy-held territory. Ambushed and partially surrounded by a large hostile force, the small group opened fire, then quickly withdrew up a narrow ravine in search of protective cover. Despite a wound sustained in the initial exchange of fire and imminent danger of being overrun by the numerically superior foe, he refused to seek shelter and, remaining in an exposed place, called for artillery fire to support a defensive action. Constantly vulnerable to enemy observation and action, he coordinated and directed crippling fire on the assailants, inflicting heavy casualties and repulsing several attempts to overrun friendly positions. Although wounded a second time, he remained steadfast and maintained his stand until mortally wounded. His indomitable fighting spirit set an inspiring example of valor to his comrades and, through his actions, the onslaught was stemmed, enabling a friendly platoon to reach the beleaguered patrol, evacuate the wounded, and effect a safe withdrawal to friendly lines. Cpl. Hammond's unflinching courage and consummate devotion to duty reflect lasting glory on himself and uphold the finest traditions of the military service .
Korean War Medal of Honor Recipient. Hammond served as a Corporal, United States Army, Company A, 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team. He was awarded his medal posthumously for service Near Kumwha, Korea, on August 14, 1952. His citation reads-Cpl. Hammond, a radio operator with Company A, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and outstanding courage above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. Cpl. Hammond was a member of a 6 man reconnaissance patrol which had penetrated approximately 3,500 yards into enemy-held territory. Ambushed and partially surrounded by a large hostile force, the small group opened fire, then quickly withdrew up a narrow ravine in search of protective cover. Despite a wound sustained in the initial exchange of fire and imminent danger of being overrun by the numerically superior foe, he refused to seek shelter and, remaining in an exposed place, called for artillery fire to support a defensive action. Constantly vulnerable to enemy observation and action, he coordinated and directed crippling fire on the assailants, inflicting heavy casualties and repulsing several attempts to overrun friendly positions. Although wounded a second time, he remained steadfast and maintained his stand until mortally wounded. His indomitable fighting spirit set an inspiring example of valor to his comrades and, through his actions, the onslaught was stemmed, enabling a friendly platoon to reach the beleaguered patrol, evacuate the wounded, and effect a safe withdrawal to friendly lines. Cpl. Hammond's unflinching courage and consummate devotion to duty reflect lasting glory on himself and uphold the finest traditions of the military service .

Bio by: The Silent Forgotten



Advertisement

Advertisement

How famous was Lester Hammond Jr.?

Current rating: 4.22222 out of 5 stars

54 votes

Sign-in to cast your vote.

  • Maintained by: Find a Grave
  • Added: Sep 10, 2003
  • Find a Grave Memorial ID:
  • Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/7856970/lester-hammond: accessed ), memorial page for Lester Hammond Jr. (25 Mar 1931–14 Aug 1952), Find a Grave Memorial ID 7856970, citing Sunset Cemetery, Quincy, Adams County, Illinois, USA; Maintained by Find a Grave.