![[Portrait: PFC Eugene A. Obregon, USMC]](/graphics/p_obrego.jpg)
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The President of
the United States takes pride in presenting the MEDAL
OF HONOR posthumously to
PRIVATE
FIRST CLASS EUGENE A. OBREGON UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
For service as
set forth in the following
CITATION:
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For conspicuous
gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and
beyond the call of duty while serving with Company G, Third
Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Division (Reinforced),
in action against enemy aggressor forces at Seoul, Korea, on
26 September 1950. While serving as an ammunition carrier of
a machine-gun squad in a Marine Rifle Company which was
temporarily pinned down by hostile fire, Private First Class
Obregon observed a fellow Marine fall wounded in the line of
fire. Armed with only a pistol, he unhesitatingly dashed from
his covered position to the side of the casualty. Firing his
pistol with one hand and, despite the great peril to himself,
dragged him to the side of the road. Still under enemy fire,
he was bandaging the mans wounds when hostile troops of
approximately platoon strength began advancing toward his
position. Quickly seizing the wounded Marines carbine,
he placed his own body as a shield in front of him and lay
there firing accurately and effectively into the hostile
group until he himself was fatally wounded by enemy
machine-gun fire. By his courageous fighting spirit,
fortitude and loyal devotion to duty, Private First Class
Obregon enabled his fellow Marines to rescue the wounded man
and aided essentially in repelling the attack, thereby
sustaining and enhancing the highest traditions of the United
States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his
country.
(signed)
HARRY S. TRUMAN
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