Excerpts from ‘146 Heroes’: William R. Charette

OPINION:

The book “146 Heroes,” highlights the valor and sacrifice of the Congressional Medal of Honor Recipients of the Korean War.

William R. Charette

Born: March 29, 1932

Rank and organization: Hospital Corpsman Third Class, U.S. Navy, Attached to Company F, 2D Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division

Conflict/Era: Korean War

Place and date: Panmunjom Corridor (DMZ), Korea, March 27, 1953

Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty in action against enemy aggressor forces during the early morning hours. Participating in a fierce encounter with a cleverly concealed and well-entrenched enemy force occupying positions on a vital and bitterly contested outpost far in advance of the main line of resistance, HC3c. Charette repeatedly and unhesitatingly moved about through a murderous barrage of hostile small-arms and mortar fire to render assistance to his wounded comrades.

When an enemy grenade landed within a few feet of a marine he was attending, he immediately threw himself upon the stricken man and absorbed the entire concussion of the deadly missile with his body. Although sustaining painful facial wounds and undergoing shock from the intensity of the blast which ripped the helmet and medical aid kit from his person, HC3c. Charette resourcefully improvised emergency bandages by tearing off part of his clothing, and gallantly continued to administer medical aid to the wounded in his own unit and to those in adjacent platoon areas as well. Observing a seriously wounded comrade whose armored vest had been torn from his body by the blast from an exploding shell, he selflessly removed his own battle vest and placed it upon the helpless man although fully aware of the added jeopardy to himself.

Moving to the side of another casualty who was suffering excruciating pain from a serious leg wound, HC3c. Charette stood upright in the trench line and exposed himself to a deadly hail of enemy fire in order to lend more effective aid to the victim and to alleviate his anguish while being removed to a position of safety. By his indomitable courage and inspiring efforts on behalf of his wounded comrades, HC3c. Charette was directly responsible for saving many lives. His great personal valor reflects the highest credit upon himself and enhances the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.

Credit: Congressional Medal of Honor Society, Mount Pleasant, SC

• The Korea-U.S. Alliance Foundation sponsored by the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs and Korea Defense Veterans Association published the Korean Medal of Honor Full-text Citation in foreign language for the first time in history.