Francis C. Hammond

Infobox Military Person
name= Francis C. Hammond
born= birth date|1931|11|31
died= death date|1953|3|27
placeofbirth= Alexandria, Virginia
placeofdeath= Korea
placeofburial=


caption= Medal of Honor recipient Francis Hammond
nickname=
allegiance=flag|United States of America
branch=
serviceyears= -1953
rank= Hospital Corpsman
unit=U.S. Navy, attached as a medical corpsman to 1st Marine Division
battles= Korean War
awards= Medal of Honor Purple Heart

Francis C. Hammond was a sailor in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions on March 26, and March 27, 1953.

Medal of Honor citation

Rank and organization: Hospital Corpsman, U.S. Navy, attached as a medical corpsman to 1st Marine Division

Place and date: Korea, 26-March 27, 1953

Entered service at: Alexandria, Va. Birth: Alexandria, Va.

Citation:

:For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as an HC serving with the 1st Marine Division in action against enemy aggressor forces on the night of 26-27 March 1953. After reaching an intermediate objective during a counterattack against a heavily entrenched and numerically superior hostile force occupying ground on a bitterly contested outpost far in advance of the main line of resistance. HC Hammond's platoon was subjected to a murderous barrage of hostile mortar and artillery fire, followed by a vicious assault by onrushing enemy troops. Resolutely advancing through the veritable curtain of fire to aid his stricken comrades, HC Hammond moved among the stalwart garrison of marines and, although critically wounded himself, valiantly continued to administer aid to the other wounded throughout an exhausting 4-hour period. When the unit was ordered to withdraw, he skillfully directed the evacuation of casualties and remained in the fire-swept area to assist the corpsmen of the relieving unit until he was struck by a round of enemy mortar fire and fell, mortally wounded. By his exceptional fortitude, inspiring initiative and self-sacrificing efforts, HC Hammond undoubtedly saved the lives of many marines. His great personal valor in the face of overwhelming odds enhances and sustains the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Honors

Francis C. Hammond Middle School (née High School) in Alexandria, VA was named in his honor in 1956.

The frigate "USS Francis Hammond (FF-1067) was named in his honor and commissioned on July 25, 1970.

ee also

* [http://www.hammondhighschool.com/ Francis C. Hammond High School Alumni Association]
*List of Medal of Honor recipients
*List of Korean War Medal of Honor recipients

Notes

# [http://www.army.mil/cmh-pg/mohkor2.htm U.S. Army Center for Military History]

Persondata
NAME= Hammond, Francis C.
ALTERNATIVE NAMES=
SHORT DESCRIPTION= United States Navy Medal of Honor recipient
DATE OF BIRTH=
PLACE OF BIRTH=
DATE OF DEATH=
PLACE OF DEATH=