Edward (Babe) G

My Uncle Babe, Medal of Honor recipient.
Awarded posthumously for actions during the Korean War.
The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Private First Class Edward Gomez (MCSN: 1102547), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty on 14 September 1951, while serving as an ammunition bearer in Company E, Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces on Hill 749 in Korea. Boldly advancing with his squad in support of a group of riflemen assaulting a series of strongly fortified and bitterly defended hostile positions on Hill 749, Private First Class Gomez consistently exposed himself to the withering barrage to keep his machine gun supplied with ammunition during the drive forward to seize the objective. As his squad deployed to meet an imminent counterattack, he voluntarily moved down an abandoned trench to search for a new location for the gun and, when a hostile grenade landed between himself and his weapon, shouted a warning to those around him as he grasped the activated charge in his hand. Determined to save his comrades, he unhesitatingly chose to sacrifice himself and, diving into the ditch with the deadly missile, absorbed the shattering violence of the explosion in his body. By his stouthearted courage, incomparable valor, and decisive spirit of self-sacrifice, Private First Class Gomez inspired the others to heroic efforts in subsequently repelling the outnumbering foe, and his valiant conduct throughout sustained and enhanced the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Action Date: 14-Sep-51
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: Private First Class
Company: Company E
Battalion: 2d Battalion
Regiment: 1st Marines
Division: 1st Marine Division (Rein.)
Prior to giving his life defending his fellow marines and our country, Babe wrote a letter to my Grandparents saying he was probably going to die in the next assault, but not to be sad because he was the man they wanted him to be. That he believed in what he was doing and in the sacrifice he ultimately would pay for his family and country. He stated that he wanted them to remind his brothers and sister of him. So, I want to share his story with you so he will never be forgotten. For someone that was so young, his wisdom was well beyond his years.
That is why My Uncle Babe will forever be My Hero.

Submitted by Anonymous

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