b. 10/08/1932 Omaha, Nebraska. d. 14/09/1951 Hill 749, Korea.
DATE OF MOH ACTION: 14/09/1951 Hill 749, Korea.
Edward Gomez MOH
Korean War Medal of Honor Recipient. Served during the Korean War in the United States Marine Corps Reserve as a Private First Class in Company E, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division(Rein.). He was awarded the CMOH for his bravery in Korea on Hill 749 on September 14, 1951. His posthumous Medal of Honor was presented to his parents, Mr and Mrs Modesto Gomez on July 6, 1952 at the Church of our Lady of Guadalupe, Omaha, Nebraska by Brigadier General Verne J. McCaul.
MOH 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, Second Battalion, First Marines, First Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on September 14, 1951. Boldly 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, Private First Class Gómez consistently exposed himself to the withering barrage to keep his machine gun 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 own body. By his stouthearted courage, incomparable valor and decisive spirit of self-sacrifice, Private First Class Gómez 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 United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
BURIAL LOCATION: ST MARY CEMETERY, OMAHA, NEBRASKA.
Plot: 100 YARDS EAST OF WEST TERRACE.
LOCATION OF MEDAL: DURHAM MUSEUM, OMAHA, NEBRASKA.
