Years of service 1949-1951 Rank Private First Class | Name Edward Gomez | |
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Born August 10, 1932
Omaha, Nebraska ( 1932-08-10 ) Died September 14, 1951(1951-09-14) (aged 19)
KIA in Korea Allegiance United States of America Service/branch United States Marine Corps Unit 2nd Battalion 1st Marines | ||
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Private First Class Edward Gómez (August 10, 1932 – September 14, 1951) was a United States Marine from Omaha, Nebraska who posthumously received the Medal of Honor — the United States' highest decoration for valor — for gallantly sacrificing his life to save the lives of four fellow-Marines on his machine gun team. PFC Gomez was the 18th Marine to receive the Medal of Honor for heroism during the Korean War.
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6.5 - Edward Gomez, Medal of Honor Recipient
Early years
Gómez attended Omaha High School before enlisting in the Marine Corps Reserve on August 11, 1949, at the age of 17. After recruit training at MCRD San Diego, California, he trained at Camp Pendleton, California, and went to Korea with the 7th Replacement Draft.
Awards and decorations
The United States' highest decoration for valor was awarded to Gómez for extraordinary heroism on September 14, 1951, at Kajon-ni, during the Battle of the Punchbowl when he smothered a hand grenade with his own body to prevent destruction of his Marine machine gun team. In addition to the Medal of Honor, PFC Gomez was awarded the Purple Heart with a Gold Star in lieu of a second award, the Korean Service Medal with bronze star, and the United Nations Service Medal.
