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Hispanic-American Medal of Honor Recipients GOMEZ, EDWARD Rank and organization: Private
First Class, U.S. Marine Corps, Reserve, Company E, 2d Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st
Marine Division (Rein.).
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Hispanic-American Medal of Honor Recipients GOMEZ, EDWARD Rank and organization: Private
First Class, U.S. Marine Corps, Reserve, Company E, 2d Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st
Marine Division (Rein.).
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Citation: For conspicuous gallantry
and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving
as an ammunition bearer in Company E, in action against enemy aggressor forces. Bolding
advancing with his squad in support of a group of riflemen assaulting a series of
strongly fortified and bitterly defended hostile positions on Hill 749, Pfc. Gomez
consistently exposed himself to the withering barrage to keep his machinegun supplied
with ammunition during the drive forward to seize the objective. As his squad deployed
to meet an imminent counterattack, he voluntarily moved down an abandoned trench to
search for a new location for the gun and, when a hostile grenade landed between himself
and his weapon, shouted a warning to those around him as he grasped the activated
charge in his hand. Determined to save his comrades, he unhesitatingly chose to sacrifice
himself and, diving into the ditch with the deadly missile, absorbed the shattering
violence of the explosion in his body. By his stouthearted courage, incomparable valor,
and decisive spirit of self-sacrifice, Pfc. Gomez inspired the others to heroic efforts
in subsequently repelling the outnumbering foe, and his valiant conduct throughout
sustained and enhanced the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly
gave his life for his country.