Lee R. Hartell, Danbury, CT
Posted by: 
Don.Morfe
N 41° 23.106 W 073° 29.556
18T E 626035 N 4582604
Korean War Medal of Honor Recipient for action near Kobangsan-ni, Korea on August 27, 1951. He was killed in action. He is buried in New Saint Peter Cemetery, Danbury, CT in Section 20, Lot 197.
Waymark Code: WMXE4N
Location: Connecticut, United States
Date Posted: 01/01/2018
Views: 0
He was born on August 23, 1923 in Philadelphia, PA and died on August 27, 1951 in South Korea. His Medal of Honor information and citation is: *HARTELL, LEE R.
• Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, Battery A, 15th Field Artillery Battalion, 2d Infantry Division.
• Place and date: Near Kobangsan-ni, Korea, 27 August 1951.
• Entered service at: Danbury, Conn.
• G.O. No.: 16, 1 February 1952.
Citation: 1st. Lt. Hartell, a member of Battery A, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty in action against an armed enemy of the United Nations. During the darkness of early morning, the enemy launched a ruthless attack against friendly positions on a rugged mountainous ridge. 1st Lt. Hartell, attached to Company B, 9th Infantry Regiment, as forward observer, quickly moved his radio to an exposed vantage on the ridge line to adjust defensive fires. Realizing the tactical advantage of illuminating the area of approach, he called for flares and then directed crippling fire into the onrushing assailants. At this juncture a large force of hostile troops swarmed up the slope in banzai charge and came within 10 yards of 1st Lt. Hartell's position. 1st Lt. Hartell sustained a severe hand wound in the ensuing encounter but grasped the microphone with his other hand and maintained his magnificent stand until the front and left flank of the company were protected by a close-in wall of withering fire, causing the fanatical foe to disperse and fall back momentarily. After the numerically superior enemy overran an outpost and was closing on his position, 1st Lt. Hartell, in a final radio call, urged the friendly elements to fire both batteries continuously. Although mortally wounded, 1st Lt. Hartell's intrepid actions contributed significantly to stemming the onslaught and enabled his company to maintain the strategic strongpoint. His consummate valor and unwavering devotion to duty reflect lasting glory on himself and uphold the noble traditions of the military service.
Armed Service: Army
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