TFH 5/28: Corporal David B. Champagne, USMC

David Bernard Champagne was born on November 13, 1932 in Waterville, Maryland and grew up in Wakefield, Maine. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on March 7, 1951 and just over a year later was fighting in the Korean War with the 1st Battalion ("The First Team"), 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division.

Sixty years ago to the day, while leading his fire team against a strongly defended hilltop, repeatedly disregarded his own wounds and safety to lead his Marines forward, including grabbing an incoming grenade to try and hurl it back at the enemy. On this Memorial Day, we remember and honor the memory of this fallen Marine, and salute his courage by reading the citation for the posthumous award of the Medal of Honor which he most certainly deserved.


From Medal of Honor Citations for the Korean War:


*CHAMPAGNE, DAVID B.


Rank and organization: Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, Company A 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein.). Place and date. Korea, 28 May 1952. Entered service at: Wakefield R.I. Born: 11 November 1932, Waterville, Md. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a fire team leader of Company A, in action against enemy aggressor forces. Advancing with his platoon in the initial assault of the company against a strongly fortified and heavily defended hill position, Cpl. Champagne skillfully led his fire team through a veritable hail of intense enemy machine gun, small-arms, and grenade fire, overrunning trenches and a series of almost impregnable bunker positions before reaching the crest of the hill and placing his men in defensive positions. Suffering a painful leg wound while assisting in repelling the ensuing hostile counterattack, which was launched under cover of a murderous hail of mortar and artillery fire, he steadfastly refused evacuation and fearlessly continued to control his fire team When the enemy counterattack increased in intensity, and a hostile grenade landed in the midst of the fire team, Cpl. Champagne unhesitatingly seized the deadly missile and hurled it in the direction of the approaching enemy. As the grenade left his hand, it exploded blowing off his hand and throwing him out of the trench. Mortally wounded by enemy mortar fire while in this exposed position, Cpl. Champagne, by his valiant leadership, fortitude, and gallant spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of almost certain death, undoubtedly saved the lives of several of his fellow marines. His heroic actions served to inspire all who observed him and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

David Champagne rests in peace at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery in Waterville, Maine. 1st Battalion, 7th Marines today defends liberty from their home station of the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California. They are still part of the 1st Marine Division.