PFC Eugene A. Obregon Memorial Ceremony
On September 26 of each year, we honor the actions and sacrifice of PFC. Eugene A. Obregon.
On September 26, 1950, Eugene gave his life to save a fellow Marine. During the assault on the City of Seoul, Eugene used his body to shield a fallen Marine from enemy machine gun fire. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroics. The award was presented to his parents by Secretary of the Navy Daniel A. Kimball on August 30, 1951. Eugene was also posthumously awarded the Purple Heart Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, and Korean Service Medal with three bronze stars.
Pfc. Eugene A. Obregon Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Company G, in action against enemy aggressor forces. While serving as an ammunition carrier of a machine-gun squad in a marine rifle company which was temporarily pinned down by hostile fire, Pfc. Obregon observed a fellow marine fall wounded in the line of fire. Armed only with a pistol, he unhesitating dashed from his covered position to the side of the casualty. Firing his pistol with one hand as he ran, he grasped his comrade by the arm with his other hand and, despite the great peril to himself dragged him to the side of the road. Still under enemy fire, he was bandaging the man's wounds when hostile troops of approximately platoon strength began advancing toward his position. Quickly seizing the wounded marine's 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, Pfc. 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 U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
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