Medal of Honor - 1953

2d Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Divison

Panmunjom, Korea


Born: Ludington, Michigan.
Entered service at: Ludington, Michigan.



The President of the United States,
in the name of The Congress takes pride in presenting
the MEDAL OF HONOR to:

HOSPITAL CORPSMAN THIRD CLASS
WILLIAM R. CHARETTE
UNITED STATES NAVY

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:


For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty in action against enemy 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 he main line of resistrance, 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 sticken man and absorbed the entire concussion of the deadly missle with his body. Although sustaining painful facial wounds, and undgoing shock from the the intensity of the blast which ripped the helmet and medical kit from his person. HC3c Charette resourcefully improvised emergency bandages by tearing off a 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 who's armored vest had been torn from his body by the blast of an exploding shell, he selflessly removed his own battle vest and placed it upon the helpless man although fully aware of he 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 in 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.

/S/DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER





Hospital Corpsman Third Class, U.S. Navy was assigned to Company F, 2d Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division. His heoric actions took place at Out Post Vegas near Panmunjom Korea.




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