TFH 7/4: Sergeant Leroy A. Medonca, USA

When the United States Army's 3rd Infantry Division deployed from Fort Stewart, Georgia to Kuwait in 2002-2003 for Operation Iraqi Freedom, a portion of the division's gear was carried by the Bob Hope-class Large Medium-Speed Roll-on/off ship (LMSR) USNS Mendonca (T-AKR-303), placed in service with the Military Sealift Command in January 2001.

It's fitting that the Mendonca carried the 3rd Infantry Division to war. The ship's namesake, Sergeant Leroy A. Mendonca, was born on August 2, 1932 in Honolulu, Hawai'i. He was an infantryman with the 3rd Division's 7th Infantry Regiment during the Korean War.

On July 4, 1951, he single-handedly repulsed an enemy attack, including continuing to fight hand-to-hand when he exhausted his ammunition, and allowed the rest of his platoon to withdraw to secondary defensive positions. His stand cost him his life, and we gained one of our Nation's undoubted greatest heroes.


From Medal of Honor Citations for the Korean War:


*MENDONCA, LEROY A.


Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company B, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Chich-on, Korea, 4 July 1951. Entered service at: Honolulu, T.H. Birth: Honolulu, T.H. G.O. No.: 83, 3 September 1952. Citation: Sgt. LeRoy A. Mendonca, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. After his platoon, in an exhaustive fight, had captured Hill 586, the newly won positions were assaulted during the night by a numerically superior enemy force. When the 1st Platoon positions were outflanked and under great pressure and the platoon was ordered to withdraw to a secondary line of defense, Sgt. Mendonca voluntarily remained in an exposed position and covered the platoon's withdrawal. Although under murderous enemy fire, he fired his weapon and hurled grenades at the onrushing enemy until his supply of ammunition was exhausted. He fought on, clubbing with his rifle and using his bayonet until he was mortally wounded. After the action it was estimated that Sgt. Mendonca had accounted for 37 enemy casualties. His daring actions stalled the crushing assault, protecting the platoon's withdrawal to secondary positions, and enabling the entire unit to repel the enemy attack and retain possession of the vital hilltop position. Sgt. Mendonca's extraordinary gallantry and exemplary valor are in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Army.

Sergeant Mendonca, one month short of his 19th birthday at his death, rests in peace at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu.