Second Lt. Sherrod Emerson Skinner, Jr. - New Britain, CT - Specific Veteran Memorials on Waymarking.com

A monument with a bronze plaque honors forward artillery observer with the 11th Marines, 1st Marine Division, and Medal of Honor recipient Second Lt. Sherrod Emerson Skinner, Jr. The bronze plaque is set on stone base and is inscribed:

IN MEMORY OF
SECOND LT. SHERROD EMERSON SKINNER, JR.
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS RESERVE
OCTOBER 29, 1929 OCTOBER 26, 1952
KILLED IN ACTION IN KOREA AND AWARDED THE CONGRESSIONAL
MEDAL OF HONOR BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
FOR CONSPICUOUS GALLANTRY AND INTREPIDITY AT THE RISK
OF HIS LIFE ABOVE AND BEYOND THE CALL OF DUTY.

"BY HIS INDOMITABLE FIGHTING SPIRIT, SUPERB LEADERSHIP AND GREAT
PERSONAL VALOR IN THE FACE OF TREMENDOUS ODDS, SECOND LIEUTENANT
SKINNER SERVED TO INSPIRE HIS FELLOW MARINES IN THEIR HEROIC STAND
AGAINST THE ENEMY AND UPHELD THE HIGHEST TRADITIONS OF THE UNITED
STATES NAVAL SERVICE. HE GALLANTLY GAVE HIS LIFE FOR HIS COUNTRY."

ERECTED BY THE CITIZENS OF NEW BRITAIN,
CONNECTICUT, IN GRATEFUL REMEMBRANCE
OF ALL THOSE WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES IN KOREA.

His citation signed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower provides additional information:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as an Artillery Forward Observer of Battery F, Second Battalion, Eleventh Marines, First Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on the night of October 26, 1952. When his observation post in an extremely critical and vital sector of the main line of resistance was subjected to a sudden and fanatical attack by hostile forces, supported by a devastating barrage of artillery and mortar fire which completely severed communication lines connecting the outpost with friendly firing batteries, Second Lieutenant Skinner, in a determined effort to hold his position, immediately organized and directed the surviving personnel in the defense of the outpost, continuing to call down fire on the enemy by means of radio alone until this equipment became damaged beyond repair. Undaunted by the intense hostile barrage and the rapidly closing attackers, he twice left the protection of his bunker in order to direct accurate machine-gun fire and to replenish the depleted supply of ammunition and grenades. Although painfully wounded on each occasion, he steadfastly refused medical aid until the rest of the men received treatment. As the ground attack reached its climax, he gallantly directed the final defense until the meager supply of ammunition was exhausted and the position overrun. During the three hours that the outpost was occupied by the enemy, several grenades were thrown into the bunker which served as protection for Second Lieutenant Skinner and his remaining comrades. Realizing that there was no chance for other than passive resistance, he directed his men to feign death even though the hostile troops entered the bunker and searched their persons. Later, when an enemy grenade was thrown between him and two other survivors, he immediately threw himself on the deadly missile in an effort to protect the others, absorbing the full force of the explosion and sacrificing his life for his comrades. By his indomitable fighting spirit, superb leadership and great personal valor in the face of tremendous odds, Second Lieutenant Skinner served to inspire his fellow Marines in their heroic stand against the enemy and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

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