![]() Francis Colton Hammond Hospitalman, United States Navy |
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Born
on November 9, 1931, he enlisted in the Navy as a Seaman Recruit in 1951.
He was trained as a Hospitalman and then sent to the United States Marine
Corps Barracks at Camp Pendleton, California for assignment. In February
1953 he left for Korea and was attached to the Fifth Marines. A little
more than a month later he was killed-in-action near Sanae-dong and was
awarded theMedal of Honor for his actions there.
His platoon experienced heavy fire and he administered first aid to the wounded even though critically wounded himself. He remained behind to direct the evacuation of the wounded and the area was again swept by enemy mortar fire and he was again painfully wounded, this time fatally. His citation, in part, reads, "By exceptional fortitude, inspiring initiative and self-sacrificing efforts, he oudoubtedly saved the lives of many Marines." He was subsequently returned to the United States and was buried in Section 33 of Arlington National Cemetery. ![]() United States Navy Photo
Rank and organization: Hospital Corpsman, U.S. Navy, attached as a medical corpsman to 1st Marine Division. Place and date: Korea, 26-27 March 1953. Entered service at: Alexandria, Va. Birth: Alexandria, Virginia. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at
the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as a HC serving
with the 1st Marine Division in action against enemy aggressor forces on
the night of 26-27 March 1953. After reaching an intermediate objective
during a counterattack against a heavily entrenched and numerically superior
hostile force occupying ground on a bitterly contested outpost far in advance
of the main line of resistance. HC Hammond's platoon was subjected to a
murderous barrage of hostile mortar and artillery fire, followed by a vicious
assault by onrushing enemy troops. Resolutely advancing through the veritable
curtain of fire to aid his stricken comrades, HC Hammond moved among the
stalwart garrison of marines and, although critically wounded himself,
valiantly continued to administer aid to the other wounded throughout an
exhausting 4-hour period. When the unit was ordered to withdraw, he skillfully
directed the evacuation of casualties and remained in the fire-swept area
to assist the corpsmen of the relieving unit until he was struck by a round
of enemy mortar fire and fell, mortally wounded. By his exceptional fortitude,
inspiring initiative and self-sacrificing efforts, HC Hammond undoubtedly
saved the lives of many marines. His great personal valor in the face of
overwhelming odds enhances and sustains the finest traditions of the U.S.
Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
![]() Photo courtesy of Raymond L. Collins, 1990 COURTESY OF THE AMERICAN BATTLE MONUMENTS COMMISSION Francis Colton Hammond Born at Alexandria, Virginia, November 9, 1931.
![]() Photo Courtesy of the United States Navy
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Updated: 29 September 2000 Page Updated: 30 April 2001 Updated: 28 January 2003 Updated: 15 March 2003 Updated: 18 September 2004 Updated: 22 February 2006 Updated: 7 April 2006 |
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