Sherrod E. Skinner Jr.

He covered a grenade with his body to save his brave Marines

Sherrod Emerson Skinner Jr. was born in Hartford, Connecticut, on 29 October 1929 and grew up in East Lansing, Michigan. He graduated from Milton Academy and entered Harvard, joining the Marine Corps Reserve's Platoon Leaders program with his twin brother. Commissioned a second lieutenant in 1951, he completed officer and artillery training before reaching Korea in September 1952.

On 26 October 1952 he served as a forward observer with Battery F,2nd Battalion,11th Marines,1st Marine Division, at an outpost on the Hook. An intense bombardment severed communications, but Skinner organized the survivors and continued directing artillery by radio until the equipment failed.

He repeatedly exposed himself to obtain ammunition and help the wounded. When the position was overrun and its defenders had no ammunition, he ordered the men to feign death. An enemy grenade landed among them. Skinner covered it with his body and was killed, protecting his companions.

His Medal of Honor was awarded posthumously. At twenty-two he had no later career. His remains returned to Arlington National Cemetery in January 1953.

Official Medal of Honor citation

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as an artillery forward observer of Battery F, in action against enemy aggressor forces on the night of 26 October 1952.

When his observation post in an extremely critical and vital sector of the main line of resistance was subjected to a sudden and fanatical attack by hostile forces, supported by a devastating barrage of artillery and mortar fire which completely severed communication lines connecting the outpost with friendly firing batteries, 2d Lt.

Skinner, in a determined effort to hold his position, immediately organized and directed the surviving personnel in the defense of the outpost, continuing to call down fire on the enemy by means of radio alone until his equipment became damaged beyond repair. Undaunted by the intense hostile barrage and the rapidly-closing attackers, he twice left the protection of his bunker in order to direct accurate machine-gun fire and to replenish the depleted supply of ammunition and grenades.

Although painfully wounded on each occasion, he steadfastly refused medical aid until the rest of the men received treatment. As the ground attack reached its climax, he gallantly directed the final defense until the meager supply of ammunition was exhausted and the position overrun. During the three hours that the outpost was occupied by the enemy, several grenades were thrown into the bunker which served as protection for 2d Lt. Skinner and his remaining comrades.

Realizing that there was no chance for other than passive resistance, he directed his men to feign death even though the hostile troops entered the bunker and searched their persons. Later, when an enemy grenade was thrown between him and two other survivors, he immediately threw himself on the deadly missile in an effort to protect the others, absorbing the full force of the explosion and sacrificing his life for his comrades.

By his indomitable fighting spirit, superb leadership, and great personal valor in the face of tremendous odds, 2d Lt. Skinner served to inspire his fellow marines in their heroic stand against the enemy and upheld the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Congressional Medal of Honor Society transcription: https://www.cmohs.org/recipients/sherrod-e-skinner