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Korean War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient
Sgt. Ambrosio Guillen, US Marines
Staff Sergeant Ambrosio Guillen, a young Texas Marine whose personal heroism only two days before the cease-fire in Korea was responsible for turning an overwhelming enemy attack into a disorderly retreat, was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.
His Medal or Honor was presented to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Pedro H. Guillen by the Secretary of the Navy at ceremonies in his office, 18 August 1954.
Sergeant Guillen was cited for his heroic leadership of a platoon of Marines on 25 July 1953, near Songuch-on, Korea.
He was born 7 December 1929, at La Junta, Colorado, and grew up in El Paso, Texas. Enlisting in the Marine Corps at the age of l8, he completed boot training at San Diego, California, and was assigned to the 6th Marine Regiment. Later he was chosen for Sea School, and served after graduation on the USS Curtis. Following his tour or sea duty, he was appointed a drill instructor at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego.
As a drill instructor, Sergeant Guillen trained two honor platoons and was given a Letter of Appreciation by his Commanding General. In that letter, Major General John T. Walker observed that "your success in training these two platoons has demonstrated your outstanding ability as a leader."
That ability was proved in combat soon after Sergeant Guillen arrived in Korea.
After the truce, the heroic sergeant's body was escorted to the United States by his brother, Private First Class Ramon B. Guillen, who had been serving in the Far East with the Army. Sergeant Guillen was buried in Texas on 20 October 1953, at Fort Bliss National Cemetery.
Charles Thomas Presenting Mr. & Mrs. Guillen with a Medal of Honor - August 18, 1954
Navy Secretary Charles Thomas, center, presents a posthumous medal of honor, the nation's highest award, to Mr. and Mrs. Pedro H. Guillen, of El Paso, Texas, parents of marine staff sergeant Ambrosio Guillen, at a Pentagon ceremony today. The heroism of the 25 year old marine was responsible for tuning an overwhelming enemy attack into a disorderly retreat. He died only days before the cease fire in Korea.
CITATION:
Rank and organization: Staff Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, Company F, 2d Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein.). Place and date: Near Songuch-on, Korea, 25 July 1953. Entered service at: El Paso, Tex. Born: 7 December 1929, La Junta, Colo. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a platoon sergeant of Company F in action against enemy aggressor forces. Participating in the defense of an outpost forward of the main line of resistance, S/Sgt. Guillen maneuvered his platoon over unfamiliar terrain in the face of hostile fire and placed his men in fighting positions. With his unit pinned down when the outpost was attacked under cover of darkness by an estimated force of 2 enemy battalions supported by mortar and artillery fire, he deliberately exposed himself to the heavy barrage and attacks to direct his men in defending their positions and personally supervise the treatment and evacuation of the wounded. Inspired by his leadership, the platoon quickly rallied and engaged the enemy in fierce hand-to-hand combat. Although critically wounded during the course of the battle, S/Sgt. Guillen refused medical aid and continued to direct his men throughout the remainder of the engagement until the enemy was defeated and thrown into disorderly retreat. Succumbing to his wounds within a few hours, S/Sgt. Guillen, by his outstanding courage and indomitable fighting spirit, was directly responsible for the success of his platoon in repelling a numerically superior enemy force. His personal valor reflects the highest credit upon himself and enhances the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Courtesy of Find A Grave
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