Robert M. McGovern

He led his platoon despite wounds on a Korean hillside

Robert Milton McGovern grew up in Washington, D.C., and graduated from St. John’s College High School in 1946. He enlisted in the U.S. Army that year and earned his commission through Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning. While stationed at Camp Crawford, Japan, in 1949, he helped raise supplies for children at a local orphanage. He went to Korea in 1950 and later joined the 5th Cavalry Regiment.

McGovern received a posthumous Medal of Honor for an action near Kamyangjan-ni, Korea, on 30 January 1951. A first lieutenant with Company A, 5th Cavalry Regiment, he led his platoon uphill against connected enemy bunkers and trenches. Wounded early in the advance, he continued forward and threw back enemy grenades. As casualties mounted, he charged a machine-gun emplacement. Enemy fire knocked his carbine away, but he pressed on with his pistol and grenades, silencing the position before being mortally wounded. His platoon renewed its attack and captured the hill.

He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

Medal of Honor citation

1st Lt. McGovern, a member of Company A, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty in action against an armed enemy of the United Nations. As 1st Lt. McGovern led his platoon up a slope to engage hostile troops emplaced in bunker-type pillbox with connecting trenches, the unit came under heavy machine-gun and rifle fire from the crest of the hill, approximately 75 yards distant. Despite a wound sustained in this initial burst of withering fire, 1st Lt. McGovern, assured the men of his ability to continue on and urged them forward. Forging up the rocky incline, he fearlessly led the platoon to within several yards of its objective when the ruthless foe threw and rolled a vicious barrage of hand grenades on the group and halted the advance. Enemy fire increased in volume and intensity, and 1st Lt. McGovern, realizing that casualties were rapidly increasing and the morale of his men badly shaken, hurled back several grenades before they exploded. Then, disregarding his painful wound and weakened condition, he charged a machine-gun emplacement which was raking his position with flanking fire. When he was within 10 yards of the position a burst of fire ripped the carbine from his hands, but, undaunted, he continued his one-man assault and, firing his pistol and throwing grenades, killed seven hostile soldiers before falling mortally wounded in front of the gun he had silenced. 1st Lt. McGovern's incredible display of valor imbued his men with indomitable resolution to avenge his death. Fixing bayonets and throwing grenades, they charged with such ferocity that hostile positions were overrun and the enemy routed from the hill. The inspirational leadership, unflinching courage, and intrepid actions of 1st Lt. McGovern reflected utmost glory on himself and the honored tradition of the military services.