
The President of the United States
in the name of The Congress
takes pleasure in presenting the
Medal of Honor
to
*OBREGON, EUGENE ARNOLD
Rank and organization: Private First
Class, U.S. Marine Corps, Company G, 3d Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division
(Rein.). Place and date: Seoul, Korea, 26 September 1950. Entered service at:
Los Angeles, Calif. Born: 12 November 1930, Los Angeles, Calif.
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 machinegun 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 1 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 machinegun 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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