Louis J. Sebille

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Louis J. Sebille
November 21, 1915(1915-11-21) – August 5, 1950 (aged 34)
Medal of Honor recipient Louis Sebille
Place of birth	Harbor Beach, Michigan
Place of death	Near Hanchang, Korea
Allegiance	United States of America
Service/branch	United States Air Force
Rank	Major
Unit	E Flight, 67th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 18th Fighter-Bomber Group, 5th Air Force
Battles/wars	Korean War
Awards	Medal of Honor Purple Heart

Louis Joseph Sebille (November 21, 1915 – August 5, 1950) was a fighter pilot in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions on August 5, 1950.

1 Medal of Honor citation
2 See also
3 Notes
4 References

[edit] Medal of Honor citation

Rank and organization: Major, U.S. Air Force, 67th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 18th Fighter-Bomber Group, 5th Air Force. Place and date: Near Hanchang, Korea, 5 August 1950. Entered service at: Chicago, Ill. Born: 21 November 1915, Harbor Beach. Mich.

Citation:

Maj. Sebille, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. During an attack on a camouflaged area containing a concentration of enemy troops, artillery, and armored vehicles, Maj. Sebille's F-51 aircraft was severely damaged by antiaircraft fire. Although fully cognizant of the short period he could remain airborne, he deliberately ignored the possibility of survival by abandoning the aircraft or by crash landing, and continued his attack against the enemy forces threatening the security of friendly ground troops. In his determination to inflict maximum damage upon the enemy, Maj. Sebille again exposed himself to the intense fire of enemy gun batteries and dived on the target to his death. The superior leadership, daring, and selfless devotion to duty which he displayed in the execution of an extremely dangerous mission were an inspiration to both his subordinates and superiors and reflect the highest credit upon himself, the U.S. Air Force, and the armed forces of the United Nations.^[1]

Unfortunately there appears to be some confusion as to the location of Major Sebille's Medal of Honor action. Although the Citation states Hanchang, it is more likely that the location was Hamchang, South Korea. There was significant ground fighting around Hamchang at the time of Major Sebille's action, and it seems probable that this was the location.

He was buried at Forest Home Cemetery,^[2] in Forest Park, Chicago.