Years of service 1948-1950 Unit 3rd Battalion 1st Marines | Rank Private first class Name William Baugh | |
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Born July 7, 1930
McKinney, Kentucky ( 1930-07-07 ) Battles/wars Korean War
Battle of Seoul
Wonsan Operation
Hungnam campaign
Battle of Chosin Reservoir Awards Medal of Honor (1950)
Purple Heart Died November 29, 1950, Changjin County, North Korea Service/branch United States Marine Corps Similar People Howard W Gil, Michael J Estocin, Bruce McCandless, Clyde Everett Lassen, Herbert A Littleton | ||
Allegiance United States of America | ||
Private First Class William Bernard Baugh (July 7, 1930 – November 29, 1950) was a United States Marine who, at age 20, received the Medal of Honor in Korea for sacrificing his life to save his Marine comrades. The nation’s highest decoration for valor was presented to the young Marine for extraordinary heroism on November 29, 1950, between Koto-ri and Hagaru-ri, when he protected the members of his squadron from a grenade by smothering it with his body.
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Biography
Private First Class Baugh was the 15th Marine to receive the Medal of Honor for heroism during the Korean War. Born July 7, 1930, in McKinney, Kentucky, William Bernard Baugh was employed by Harrison Shoe Corporation before his enlistment in the Marine Corps on January 23, 1948, at the age of 17. He attended public schools in Butler County, Ohio.
Following recruit training at Parris Island, South Carolina, PFC Baugh was stationed at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and after being transferred to the 1st Marine Division in Korea, took part in the Inchon landing, the capture of Seoul, and the Wonsan, Hungnam, and Chosin Reservoir campaigns. His death occurred in the Chosin area.
In addition to the Medal of Honor, PFC Baugh posthumously received the Purple Heart Medal. He previously held the Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Occupation Service Medal with Europe Clasp, Korean Service Medal with three bronze stars, and the United Nations Service Medal.
Awards and decorations
PFC Baugh's awards include: