Leroy A. Mendonca

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Leroy A. Mendonca
- July 4, 1951
Medal of Honor recipient
Place of birth	Honolulu, Hawaii
Place of death	Near Chich-on, Korea
Allegiance	United States Army
Rank	Sergeant
Unit	Company B, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division

Leroy A. Mendonca was a soldier in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions on July 4, 1951.

[edit] Medal of Honor Citation

Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company B, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division

Place and date: Near Chich-on, Korea, 4 July 1951

Entered service at: Honolulu, T.H. Birth: Honolulu, T.H.

G.O. No.: 83, 3 September 1952

Citation: ^[1]

Sgt. LeRoy A. Mendonca, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. After his platoon, in an exhaustive fight, had captured Hill 586, the newly won positions were assaulted during the night by a numerically superior enemy force. When the 1st Platoon positions were outflanked and under great pressure and the platoon was ordered to withdraw to a secondary line of defense, Sgt. Mendonca voluntarily remained in an exposed position and covered the platoon's withdrawal. Although under murderous enemy fire, he fired his weapon and hurled grenades at the onrushing enemy until his supply of ammunition was exhausted. He fought on, clubbing with his rifle and using his bayonet until he was mortally wounded. After the action it was estimated that Sgt. Mendonca had accounted for 37 enemy casualties. His daring actions stalled the crushing assault, protecting the platoon's withdrawal to secondary positions, and enabling the entire unit to repel the enemy attack and retain possession of the vital hilltop position. Sgt. Mendonca's extraordinary gallantry and exemplary valor are in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Army.