Joseph R. Ouellette-East Chelmsford, MA
Posted by: 
Don.Morfe
N 42° 36.246 W 071° 18.918
19T E 310072 N 4719450
Korean War Medal of Honor Recipient for action near Yongsan, Korea from August 31, to September 3, 1950. He was killed in action. He is buried in Saint Joseph Cemetery, East Chelmsford, MA in Section R, Lot 766.
Waymark Code: WMXFVM
Location: Massachusetts, United States
Date Posted: 01/07/2018
Views: 0
He was born on May 9. 1930 in Lowell, MA and died on September 3 1950 in South Korea. His Medal of Honor information and citation is: *OUELLETTE, JOSEPH R.
• Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Company H, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division.
• Place and date: Near Yongsan, Korea, from 31 August to 3 September 1950.
• Entered service at: Lowell, Mass.
• G.O. No.: 25, 25 April 1951.
Citation: Pfc. Ouellette distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy in the Makioug-Chang River salient. When an enemy assault cut off and surrounded his unit he voluntarily made a reconnaissance of a nearby hill under intense enemy fire to locate friendly troop positions and obtain information of the enemy's strength and location. Finding that friendly troops were not on the hill, he worked his way back to his unit under heavy fire. Later, when an airdrop of water was made outside the perimeter, he again braved enemy fire in an attempt to retrieve water for his unit. Finding the dropped cans broken and devoid of water, he returned to his unit. His heroic attempt greatly increased his comrades' morale. When ammunition and grenades ran low, Pfc. Ouellette again slipped out of the perimeter to collect these from the enemy dead. After collecting grenades he was attacked by an enemy soldier. He killed this enemy in hand-to-hand combat, gathered up the ammunition, and returned to his unit. When the enemy attacked on 3 September, they assaulted his position with grenades. On 6 occasions Pfc. Ouellette leaped from his foxhole to escape exploding grenades. In doing so, he had to face enemy small-arms fire. He continued his resistance, despite a severe wound, until he lost his life. The extraordinary heroism and intrepidity displayed by Pfc. Ouellette reflect the highest credit on himself and are in keeping with the esteemed traditions of the military service.
Armed Service: Army
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