Clair Goodblood

When his company faced overwhelming enemy attacks during the Korean War, Corporal Clair Goodblood refused to retreat. Wounded and vastly outnumbered, he remained behind at his machine gun to cover the withdrawal of his fellow soldiers. Fighting alone until his final moments, he sacrificed his life so that others could escape, earning the Medal of Honor for one of the most heroic last stands of the Korean War.

Clair Goodblood was born on 31 March 1929 in Wauneta, Nebraska. A member of the Delaware Tribe of Indians, he later moved with his family to Oklahoma before enlisting in the United States Army in 1947. Assigned to Company D, 1st Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, Goodblood became known as a dependable infantryman during a period when American forces were heavily engaged on the Korean Peninsula.

His defining act of bravery occurred on 24 and 25 April 1951 near Popsu-dong, Korea, during the Chinese Spring Offensive. As large enemy forces launched repeated assaults against his company's defensive positions, Goodblood volunteered to remain behind with his machine gun to cover the withdrawal of his comrades. Despite being wounded during the intense fighting, he continued firing with devastating accuracy, repeatedly stopping enemy attacks and allowing many members of his unit to reach safety. Refusing to abandon his position, he fought until he was killed by overwhelming enemy forces. When friendly troops later recovered the position, they found approximately one hundred enemy soldiers in front of his machine gun, a testament to the determination with which he defended his comrades.

For his extraordinary heroism and self-sacrifice, Clair Goodblood was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, the United States' highest military decoration for valor. His mother received the Medal of Honor on his behalf during a White House ceremony on 16 January 1952. His official citation praised his conspicuous gallantry, indomitable fighting spirit, and complete devotion to duty in the face of certain death.

In addition to the Medal of Honor, Goodblood received the Purple Heart for the wounds that claimed his life, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal with three bronze service stars, the United Nations Service Medal, and the Republic of Korea War Service Medal. His battalion was also awarded the Presidential Unit Citation and the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation for its distinguished service during the Korean War.

Corporal Clair Goodblood was only 22 years old when he gave his life in defense of his fellow soldiers. Today, he is remembered as one of the Korean War's greatest heroes and one of the most distinguished Native American recipients of the Medal of Honor. His unwavering courage, selfless sacrifice, and steadfast commitment to protecting others continue to inspire generations of soldiers and serve as a lasting example of the highest traditions of the United States Army.