The President of the United States
in the name of The Congress
takes pleasure in presenting the
Medal of Honor
to
*SKINNER, SHERROD E., JR.
Rank and organization: Second Lieutenant,
U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, Battery F, 2d Battalion, 11th Marines, 1st Marine Division
(Rein.). Place and date: Korea, 26 October 1952. Entered service at:
East Lansing, Mich. Born: 29 October 1929, Hartford, Conn.
Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the
call of duty as an artillery forward observer of Battery F, in action against enemy
aggressor forces on the night of 26 October 1952. When his observation post in an
extremely critical and vital sector of the main line of resistance was subjected to a
sudden and fanatical attack by hostile forces, supported by a devastating barrage of
artillery and mortar fire which completely severed communication lines connecting the
outpost with friendly firing batteries, 2d Lt. Skinner, in a determined effort to hold his
position, immediately organized and directed the surviving personnel in the defense of the
outpost, continuing to call down fire on the enemy by means of radio alone until his
equipment became damaged beyond repair. Undaunted by the intense hostile barrage and the
rapidly-closing attackers, he twice left the protection of his bunker in order to direct
accurate machinegun fire and to replenish the depleted supply of ammunition and grenades.
Although painfully wounded on each occasion, he steadfastly refused medical aid until the
rest of the men received treatment. As the ground attack reached its climax, he gallantly
directed the final defense until the meager supply of ammunition was exhausted and the
position overrun. During the 3 hours that the outpost was occupied by the enemy, several
grenades were thrown into the bunker which served as protection for 2d Lt. Skinner and his
remaining comrades. Realizing that there was no chance for other than passive resistance,
he directed his men to feign death even though the hostile troops entered the bunker and
searched their persons. Later, when an enemy grenade was thrown between him and 2 other
survivors, he immediately threw himself on the deadly missile in an effort to protect the
others, absorbing the full force of the explosion and sacrificing his life for his
comrades. By his indomitable fighting spirit, superb leadership, and great personal valor
in the face of tremendous odds, 2d Lt. Skinner served to inspire his fellow marines in
their heroic stand against the enemy and upheld the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval
Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
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