William R. Charette
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| William Richard Charette | |
|---|---|
 Medal of Honor recipient William Charette |
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| Place of birth | Ludington, Michigan |
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service/branch |  United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1951-1977 |
| Rank | Master Chief |
| Unit | 2nd Battalion 7th Marines |
| Battles/wars | Korean War |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
William Richard Charette is a Medal of Honor recipient for his actions during the Korean War.
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[edit] Biography
Born in Ludington, Michigan, Charette became a Hospital Corpsman Third Class, United States Navy. As a medical corpsman serving with Company F, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines 1st Marine Division, he received this honor for his actions in Korea on 27 March 1953. He retired in 1977 after serving in the Navy for 26 years.
In 1958, as the U.S. Navy's only active-duty Medal of Honor recipient Hospital corpsman Charetta had the honor of selecting the Unknown Soldier of World War II. Two unknowns from World War II, one from the European Theater and one from the Pacific Theater, were placed in identical caskets and taken aboard the USS Canberra, a guided-missile cruiser resting off the Virginia capes. After Hospital Corpsman Charette made his selection, the remaining casket received a solemn burial at sea.
[edit] Awards and decorations
Charette's awards include:
[edit] Medal of Honor citation
- For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty in action against enemy aggressor forces during the early morning hours. Participating in a fierce encounter with a cleverly concealed and well-entrenched enemy force occupying positions on a vital and bitterly contested outpost far in advance of the main line of resistance, HC3c. Charette repeatedly and unhesitatingly moved about through a murderous barrage of hostile small-arms and mortar fire to render assistance to his wounded comrades. When an enemy grenade landed within a few feet of a marine he was attending, he immediately threw himself upon the stricken man and absorbed the entire concussion of the deadly missile with his body. Although sustaining painful facial wounds, and undergoing shock from the intensity of the blast which ripped the helmet and medical aid kit from his person, HC3c. Charette resourcefully improvised emergency bandages by tearing off part of his clothing, and gallantly continued to administer medical aid to the wounded in his own unit and to those in adjacent platoon areas as well. Observing a seriously wounded comrade whose armored vest had been torn from his body by the blast from an exploding shell, he selflessly removed his own battle vest and placed it upon the helpless man although fully aware of the added jeopardy to himself. Moving to the side of another casualty who was suffering excruciating pain from a serious leg wound, HC3c. Charette stood upright in the trench line and exposed himself to a deadly hail of enemy fire in order to lend more effective aid to the victim and to alleviate his anguish while being removed to a position of safety. By his indomitable courage and inspiring efforts in behalf of his wounded comrades, HC3c. Charette was directly responsible for saving many lives. His great personal valor reflects the highest credit upon himself and enhances the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.
