Francis C. Hammond
Francis C. Hammond | |
---|---|
1st Marine Division | |
Battles/wars | Korean War |
Awards | Purple Heart Medal |
Francis Colton Hammond (November 9, 1931 – March 26, 1953) was a
Biography
Born and raised mostly in Alexandria, Virginia, Hammond graduated from Alexandria's George Washington High School in January 1951.[1][2][3][4]
He joined the U.S. Navy from Alexandria on March 20, 1951.
Hammond, age 21, was buried on June 10, 1953, at Arlington National Cemetery.[5][6]
Hammond who had been married on June 19, 1952,
Military awards
Hammond's military awards and decorations include:
Medal of Honor | Purple Heart Medal w/ one 5⁄16" Gold Star
|
Navy Combat Action Ribbon |
Navy Presidential Unit Citation | National Defense Service Medal | Korean Service Medal w/ FMF Combat Operation Insignia and one 3⁄16" bronze star |
Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation
|
United Nations Service Medal
|
Republic of Korea War Service Medal |
Medal of Honor citation
Hammond's official Medal of Honor citation reads:
The President of the United States in the name of the Congress takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor posthumously to
UNITED STATES NAVY
for service as set forth in the following
CITATION:[8]
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as a[n] HC serving with the 1st Marine Division in action against enemy aggressor forces on the night of 26–27 March 1953. After reaching an intermediate objective during a counterattack against a heavily entrenched and numerically superior hostile force occupying ground on a bitterly contested outpost far in advance of the main line of resistance, HC Hammond's platoon was subjected to a murderous barrage of hostile mortar and artillery fire, followed by a vicious assault by onrushing enemy troops. Resolutely advancing through the veritable curtain of fire to aid his stricken comrades, HC Hammond moved among the stalwart garrison of marines and, although critically wounded himself, valiantly continued to administer aid to the other wounded throughout an exhausting 4-hour period. When the unit was ordered to withdraw, he skillfully directed the evacuation of casualties and remained in the fire-swept area to assist the corpsmen of the relieving unit until he was struck by a round of enemy mortar fire and fell, mortally wounded. By his exceptional fortitude, inspiring initiative and self-sacrificing efforts, HC Hammond undoubtedly saved the lives of many marines. His great personal valor in the face of overwhelming odds enhances and sustains the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
— Harry S. Truman[2]
Honors
A
The frigate USS Francis Hammond (FF-1067) was named in his honor and commissioned on July 25, 1970.
See also
References
- This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Army Center of Military History.
- ^ a b Cressey, Pamela (May 1997). "Alexandrians remember Hammond". City of Alexandria. Historic Alexandria. Archived from the original on December 20, 2016. Retrieved April 6, 2014.
- ^ a b c "Medal of Honor recipients – Korean War". United States Army Center of Military History. August 3, 2009. Archived from the original on 2009-03-10. Retrieved 2009-09-10.
- ^ a b Danforth, Austin (September 10, 2009). "Alumni Stress Over Future of Schools' Identity". Alexandria Times. Retrieved 2009-09-10.
- ^ a b c d USS Francis Hammond
- ^ Burial Detail: Hammond, Francis C (Section 33, Grave 9011) – ANC Explorer
- ^ "Remembering". Wilmington (NC) Star-News. Associated Press. December 16, 2007. p. 2A.
- ^ "Hero's son gets his medal". Spartanburg (SC) Herald-Journal. AP photo. January 1, 1954. p. 9.
- ^ "CPL Charles G. Abrell", Marines Awarded the Medal of Honor
- ^ "Alexandria school plan to be offered". Free-Lance Star. Fredericksburg, VA. Associated Press. May 1, 1971. p. 10.
- ^ The consolidation of the three high schools created the dynamic for the movie Remember the Titans.
External links
- Francis Colton Hammond at ArlingtonCemetery.net, an unofficial website
- Alexandria City Public Schools – Francis Hammond
- "Francis C. Hammond High School Alumni Association". Retrieved September 29, 2010.