Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Medal of Honor

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    1st Marines

    Division:

    1st Marine Division (Rein.)

    Action Date:

    September 14, 1951

    The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Private First Class Edward Gomez (MCSN: 1102547), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty on 14 September 1951, while serving as an ammunition bearer in Company E, Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces on Hill 749 in Korea. 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 Gomez consistently exposed himself to the withering barrage to keep his machinegun 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 body. By his stouthearted courage, incomparable valor, and decisive spirit of self-sacrifice, Private First Class Gomez 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 U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.