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Born:
December 20, 1929
(New Smyrna Beach, Fla.)
Entered Service:
Cocoa , Fla.
Branch: U.S.
Army
Duty: Korean War
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Medal
of Honor:
Portraits of Valor
Beyond the Call to Duty |
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[Purchase
Medal of Honor: Portraits of Valor Beyond
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Since the Civil War, more than 39 million
men and women have answered the call to serve.
Of those, 3,440 served with such uncommon
valor and extraordinary courage that they
were presented with the Medal of Honor, the
nation's highest military award. In this collection,
more than one hundred of America's living
Medal of Honor recipients are honored. Their
tales of bravery are recounted by best-selling
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Near Sobangsan, Korea, 24 June 1951
Photo
Courtesy of HomeOfHeroes.com
Emory L. Bennett
Private First Class, U.S. Army
Company B, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division |
Article Courtesy of DefenseWatch
Citation: Pfc. Bennett a member of Company B, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty in action against an armed enemy of the United Nations. At approximately 0200 hours, two enemy battalions swarmed up the ridge line in a ferocious banzai charge in an attempt to dislodge Pfc. Bennett's company from its defensive positions.
Meeting the challenge, the gallant defenders delivered destructive retaliation, but the enemy pressed the assault with fanatical determination and the integrity of the perimeter was imperiled. Fully aware of the odds against him, Pfc. Bennett unhesitatingly left his foxhole, moved through withering fire, stood within full view of the enemy, and, employing his automatic rifle, poured crippling fire into the ranks of the onrushing assailants, inflicting numerous casualties.
Although wounded, Pfc. Bennett gallantly maintained his one-man defense and the attack was momentarily halted. During this lull in battle, the company regrouped for counterattack, but the numerically superior foe soon infiltrated into the position. Upon orders to move back, Pfc. Bennett voluntarily remained to provide covering fire for the withdrawing elements, and, defying the enemy, continued to sweep the charging foe with devastating fire until mortally wounded.
His willing self-sacrifice and intrepid actions saved the position from being overrun and enabled the company to effect an orderly withdrawal. Pfc. Bennett's unflinching courage and consummate devotion to duty reflect lasting glory on himself and the military service.
© 2005 DefenseWatch.
All opinions expressed in this article are the author's and do not
necessarily reflect those of Military.com.
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