Navy Federal Credit Union

Charles Monroe was just 16 in 1949 when he joined Dog Company, a Marine Corps Reserves unit based in Savannah. He was evacuated to a hospital ship after the battle, and efforts continued at stateside hospitals to save his vision, in at least one eye, through much of 1951. The damage, however, was too great, and at 19 he was medically discharged from the Marine Corps totally blind. He then began a long and distinguished career helping other blinded veterans. He served as a rehabilitation consultant with the VA and as national field service director of the Blinded Veterans Association.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    1st Marines

    Division:

    1st Marine Division (Rein.)

    Action Date:

    November 28 & 29, 1950

    Authority: Board of Awards: Serial 663 (July 14, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Private First Class Charles H. Monroe, Jr. (MCSN: 1042603), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as a Rifleman in Company H, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces near Hagaru-ri, Korea, on 28 and 29 November 1950. Severely wounded and blown from his foxhole by a hostile grenade when a numerically superior enemy force attacked and penetrated his company’s positions, Private First Class Monroe repeatedly refused evacuation and medical attention and fearlessly remained directly in the line of the hostile assault. Although his squad was pinned down by heavy enemy opposition, he continued to deliver accurate and effective fire until he lost consciousness. By his daring initiative, outstanding courage and skilled marksmanship, he personally destroyed eleven of the enemy, thereby inspiring the remaining members of his squad to more determined efforts in successfully repulsing the hostile attack. His indomitable fighting spirit and unswerving devotion to duty in the face of enemy fire reflect the highest credit upon Private First Class Monroe and the United States Naval Service.