Ernest E. West

Rescued wounded comrades despite losing an eye

Ernest Edison West was born in Russell, Kentucky, on 2 September 1931. He served as a private first class in Company L, 14th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division during the Korean War.

Near Sataeri on 12 October 1952, his patrol was ambushed while approaching an enemy outpost. West ordered a withdrawal and went through heavy fire to rescue his wounded leader. He shielded the officer from attackers and carried him to safety. Critically wounded and having lost an eye, West returned to evacuate two more comrades.

President Dwight D. Eisenhower presented his Medal of Honor at the White House on 12 January 1954. West died in Huntington, West Virginia, on 1 May 2021 and is buried in Kentucky Veterans Cemetery Northeast in Grayson. His citation honors his repeated rescues under fire.

Medal of Honor citation

Pfc. West distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. He voluntarily accompanied a contingent to locate and destroy a reported enemy outpost. Nearing the objective, the patrol was ambushed and suffered numerous casualties. Observing his wounded leader lying in an exposed position, Pfc. West ordered the troops to withdraw, then braved intense fire to reach and assist him. While attempting evacuation, he was attacked by three hostile soldiers employing grenades and small-arms fire. Quickly shifting his body to shelter the officer, he killed the assailants with his rifle, then carried the helpless man to safety. He was critically wounded and lost an eye in this action, but courageously returned through withering fire and bursting shells to assist the wounded. While evacuating two comrades, he closed with and killed three more of the foe. Pfc. West's indomitable spirit, consummate valor, and intrepid actions inspired all who observed him, reflect the highest credit on himself, and uphold the honored traditions of the military service.