Hospitalman
United States Navy
Francis Hammond
Hospitalman Francis C. Hammond
U. S. Navy
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the
risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as a Hospital Corpsman
serving with the 1st Marine Division in action against enemy aggressor
forces on the night of 26 to 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 advanced of the main line of resistance. Hospitalman Hammond's platoon
was subjected to 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, he
moved among the stalwart garrison of Marines and, although critically wounded
himself, valiantly continued to administer aid to the other wounded throughout
an exhausting four 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 corpsman of the relieving unit until he was
struck by a round of enemy mortar and fell, mortally wounded. By his exceptional
fortitude, inspiring initiative, self -sacrificing efforts, and loyal devotion
to duty, Hospitalman Hammond undoubtedly saved the lives of many Marines;
thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest
traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life
for his country.
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