James I. Poynter

A wounded Marine broke an enemy trap near Sudong

James Irsley Poynter was a Marine Reserve sergeant leading a squad in Company A, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division. During the defense of Hill 532 near Sudong, Korea, on November 4, 1950, an enemy counterattack surrounded his platoon. Despite critical wounds, he fought at close quarters and charged three approaching machine-gun positions with grenades.

His attacks disabled the weapons and helped the platoon escape, but he was mortally wounded. Born in Bloomington, Illinois, on December 1, 1916, Poynter was buried at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego. His widow received his posthumous Medal of Honor in September 1952.

Medal of Honor citation

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a squad leader in a rifle platoon of Company A, in action against enemy aggressor forces during the defense of Hill 532, south of Sudong, Korea. When a vastly outnumbering, well-concealed hostile force launched a sudden, vicious counterattack against his platoon's hasty defensive position, Sgt. Poynter displayed superb skill and courage in leading his squad and directing its fire against the onrushing enemy. With his ranks critically depleted by casualties and he himself critically wounded as the onslaught gained momentum and the hostile force surrounded his position, he seized his bayonet and engaged in bitter hand-to-hand combat as the breakthrough continued. Observing three machine guns closing in at a distance of 25 yards, he dashed from his position and, grasping hand grenades from fallen marines as he ran, charged the emplacements in rapid succession, killing the crews of two and putting the other out of action before he fell, mortally wounded. By his self-sacrificing and valiant conduct, Sgt. Poynter inspired the remaining members of his squad to heroic endeavor in bearing down upon and repelling the disorganized enemy, thereby enabling the platoon to move out of the trap to a more favorable tactical position. His indomitable fighting spirit, fortitude, and great personal valor maintained in the face of overwhelming odds sustain and enhance the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.