William B. Baugh
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| William Bernard Baugh | |
|---|---|
| July 7, 1930 - November 28, 1950 | |
 Private First Class William Baugh |
|
| Place of birth | McKinney, Kentucky |
| Place of death | KIA near Chosin, Korea |
| Allegiance | USMC |
| Years of service | 1948-1950 |
| Rank | Private First Class |
| Unit | 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines |
| Battles/wars | Korean War Battle of Seoul Wonsan Operation Hungnam campaign Battle of Chosin Reservoir |
| Awards | Medal of Honor (1950) Purple Heart |
Private First Class William Bernard Baugh (July 7, 1930 - November 28, 1950) was a United States Marine who ,at age 20, earned the Medal of Honor in Korea for sacrificing his life to save his Marine comrades. The nation’s highest decoration for valor was awarded the young Marine for extraordinary heroism on 29 November 1950, between Koto-ri and Hagaru-ri, when he protected the members of his squadron from a grenade by smothering it with his body.
Private First Class Baugh was the 15th Marine to receive the Medal of Honor for heroism during the Korean conflict. Born 7 July 1930, in McKinney, Kentucky, William Bernard Baugh was employed by Harrison Shoe Corporation before his enlistment in the Marine Corps on 23 January 1948, at the age of 17. He attended public schools in Butler County, Ohio.
Following recruit training at Parris Island, South Carolina , PFC Baugh was stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and after being transferred to the 1st Marine Division in Korea, took part in the Inchon landing, the capture of Seoul, and the Wonsan, Hungnam, and Chosin Reservoir campaigns. His death occurred in the Chosin area.
In addition to the Medal of Honor, PFC Baugh was awarded posthumously the Purple Heart Medal. He previously held the Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Occupation Service Medal with Europe Clasp, Korean Service Medal with three bronze stars, and the United Nations Service Medal.
[edit] Medal of Honor citation
The President of the United States in the name of The Congress takes pride in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR posthumously to
PRIVATE FIRST CLASS WILLIAM B. BAUGH
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
for service as set forth in the following CITATION:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a member of an Anti-Tank Assault Squad attached to Company G, Third Battalion, First Marines, First Marine Division (Reinforced), during a nighttime enemy attack against a motorized column en route from Koto-Ri to Hagaru-ri, Korea, on 29 November 1950. Acting instantly when a hostile grenade landed in his truck as he and his squad prepared to alight and assist in the repulse of an enemy force delivering intense automatic-weapons and grenade fire from deeply entrenched and well-concealed roadside positions, Private First Class Baugh quickly shouted a warning to the other men in the vehicle and, unmindful of his own personal safety, hurled himself upon the deadly missile,thereby saving his comrades from serious injury or possible death. Sustaining severe wounds from which he died a short time afterward, Private First Class Baugh, by his superb courage and valiant spirit of self-sacrifice, upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
