Walter C. Monegan, Jr.-Arlington, VA
Posted by: Groundspeak Regular Member Don.Morfe
N 38° 52.422 W 077° 04.116
18S E 320549 N 4304794
Korean War Medal of Honor Recipient for action near Sosa-ri, Korea on September 17 and 20, 1950. He was killed in action. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery in Section 34, Site 4513.
Waymark Code: WMXFGD
Location: Virginia, United States
Date Posted: 01/06/2018
Published By:Groundspeak Premium Member wayfrog
Views: 0

He was born on December 25, 1930 in Melrose, MA and died on September 20, 1950 in Seoul, South Korea. His Medal of Honor information and citation is: *MONEGAN, WALTER C., JR.
• Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps, Company F, 2d Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein.).
• Place and date: Near Sosa-ri, Korea, 17 and 20 September 1950.
• Entered service at: Seattle, Wash.
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a rocket gunner attached to Company F, and in action against enemy aggressor forces. Dug in on a hill overlooking the main Seoul highway when 6 enemy tanks threatened to break through the battalion position during a predawn attack on 17 September, Pfc. Monegan promptly moved forward with his bazooka, under heavy hostile automatic weapons fre and engaged the lead tank at a range of less than 50 yards. After scoring a direct hit and killing the sole surviving tankman with his carbine as he came through the escape hatch, he boldly fired 2 more rounds of ammunition at the oncoming tanks, disorganizing the attack and enabling our tank crews to continue blasting with their 90-mm guns. With his own and an adjacent company's position threatened by annihilation when an overwhelming enemy tank-infantry force bypassed the area and proceeded toward the battalion command post during the early morning of September 20, he seized his rocket launcher and, in total darkness, charged down the slope of the hill where the tanks had broken through. Quick to act when an illuminating shell lit the area, he scored a direct hit on one of the tanks as hostile rifle and automatic-weapons fire raked the area at close range. Again exposing himself, he fired another round to destroy a second tank and, as the rear tank turned to retreat, stood upright to fire and was fatally struck down by hostile machine gun fire when another illuminating shell silhouetted him against the sky. Pfc. Monegan's daring initiative, gallant fighting spirit and courageous devotion to duty were contributing factors in the success of his company in repelling the enemy, and his self-sacrificing efforts throughout sustain and enhance the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country .
Armed Service: Marines

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Don.Morfe visited Walter C. Monegan, Jr.-Arlington, VA 12/17/2021 Don.Morfe visited it