b. 02/08/1932 Honolulu, Hawaii. d. 04/07/1951 near Chich-on, Korea.
DATE OF MOH ACTION: 04/07/1951 near Chich-on, Korea.
Leroy A Mendonca MOH
Korean War Medal of Honor recipient. Served as a Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company B, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division. Near Chinchon, Korea, on July 4, 1951, his platoon was ordered to withdraw when their position was outflanked by a superior enemy force. He voluntarily remained and covered the platoon’s retreat. He fired his weapon and hurled grenades at the onrushing enemy until his ammunition was exhausted. He fought on, clubbing with his rifle and using his bayonet until he was mortally wounded. After the action, it was estimated that he had accounted for 37 enemy casualties. His posthumous Medal of Honor was presented to his father Joseph, on August 14, 1952 at The Pentagon from General Omar N. Bradley.
MOH CITATION:
Sgt. LeRoy A. Mendonca, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. After his platoon, in an exhaustive fight, had captured Hill 586, the newly won positions were assaulted during the night by a numerically superior enemy force. When the 1st Platoon positions were outflanked and under great pressure and the platoon was ordered to withdraw to a secondary line of defense, Sgt. Mendonca voluntarily remained in an exposed position and covered the platoon’s withdrawal. Although under murderous enemy fire, he fired his weapon and hurled grenades at the onrushing enemy until his supply of ammunition was exhausted. He fought on, clubbing with his rifle and using his bayonet until he was mortally wounded. After the action it was estimated that Sgt. Mendonca had accounted for 37 enemy casualties. His daring actions stalled the crushing assault, protecting the platoon’s withdrawal to secondary positions, and enabling the entire unit to repel the enemy attack and retain possession of the vital hilltop position. Sgt. Mendonca’s extraordinary gallantry and exemplary valor are in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Army.
BURIAL LOCATION: NATIONAL MEMORIAL CEMETERY OF THE PACIFIC, HONOLULU, HAWAII.
SECTION Q, GRAVE 1408.
LOCATION OF MEDAL: FAMILY.
