TFH 2/12: Sergeant Charles R. Long, USA

Charles Richard Long was born on December 10, 1923 in Kansas City, MO and grew up in Independence, MO. After graduating from high school in 1941, he joined the United States Army. He served during World War II in the European Theater, including service during the Battle of the Bulge. After the war, he remained serving in the Army Reserve.

Called back to active duty for the Korean War, he served with the 38th Infantry Regiment as part of the 2nd Infantry Division. On this day in 1951, while acting as a forward observer for mortar fire, his gallantry and sacrifice was deemed worthy of our Nation's highest honor.


From Medal of Honor Citations for the Korean War:

*LONG, CHARLES R.

Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company M, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Hoengsong, Korea, 12 February 1951. Entered service at: Kansas City, Mo. Born: 10 December 1923, Kansas City, Mo. G.O. No.: 18, 1 February 1952. Citation: Sgt. Long, a member of Company M, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action against an armed enemy of the United Nations. When Company M, in a defensive perimeter on Hill 300, was viciously attacked by a numerically superior hostile force at approximately 0300 hours and ordered to withdraw, Sgt. Long, a forward observer for the mortar platoon, voluntarily remained at his post to provide cover by directing mortar fire on the enemy. Maintaining radio contact with his platoon, Sgt. Long coolly directed accurate mortar fire on the advancing foe. He continued firing his carbine and throwing handgrenades until his position was surrounded and he was mortally wounded. Sgt. Long's inspirational, valorous action halted the onslaught, exacted a heavy toll of enemy casualties, and enabled his company to withdraw, reorganize, counterattack, and regain the hill strongpoint. His unflinching courage and noble self-sacrifice reflect the highest credit on himself and are in keeping with the honored traditions of the military service.

His family received his Medal of Honor from President Truman on February 1, 1952. He was laid to rest in Mount Washington Forever Cemetery in his hometown.