Frederick Funston Henry

Stayed behind alone to cover his platoon's withdrawal

Frederick Funston Henry was born in Vian, Oklahoma, on 23 September 1919. He served as a U.S. Army first lieutenant in the 2nd Infantry Division during the Korean War.

Near Am-Dong on 1 September 1950, a superior enemy force attacked his platoon's ridge position. Henry moved along the line to rally his soldiers, who reformed their defense. With communications disabled and despite a severe wound, he ordered casualties evacuated and had their weapons and ammunition brought to him.

Henry then ordered the platoon to withdraw and remained alone to cover it. His position was eventually overrun, but his stand enabled the platoon's escape and delayed the enemy advance.

President Harry S. Truman presented his posthumous Medal of Honor to his widow on 9 January 1951. Henry is commemorated on the Wall of the Missing at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu. His citation honors the protection he gave his withdrawing soldiers.

Medal of Honor citation

1st Lt. Henry, Company F, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action. His platoon was holding a strategic ridge near the town when they were attacked by a superior enemy force, supported by heavy mortar and artillery fire. Seeing his platoon disorganized by this fanatical assault, he left his foxhole and moving along the line ordered his men to stay in place and keep firing. Encouraged by this heroic action, the platoon reformed a defensive line and rained devastating fire on the enemy, checking its advance. Enemy fire had knocked out all communications and 1st Lt. Henry was unable to determine whether or not the main line of resistance was altered to this heavy attack. On his own initiative, although severely wounded, he decided to hold his position as long as possible and ordered the wounded evacuated and their weapons and ammunition brought to him. Establishing a one-man defensive position, he ordered the platoon's withdrawal and despite his wound and with complete disregard for himself remained behind to cover the movement. When last seen he was singlehandedly firing all available weapons so effectively that he caused an estimated 50 enemy casualties. His ammunition was soon expended and his position overrun, but this intrepid action saved the platoon and halted the enemy's advance until the main line of resistance was prepared to throw back the attack. 1st Lt. Henry's outstanding gallantry and noble self-sacrifice above and beyond the call of duty reflect the highest honor on him and are in keeping with the esteemed traditions of the U.S. Army.