TFH 10/15: PFC Ralph E. Pomeroy, USA

Ralph Eugene Pomeroy was born in Quinwood, West Virginia on March 26, 1930. During the Korean War on the second day of the Battle of Triangle Hill, Pomeroy, a machine gunner with the 7th Infantry Division's 31st Infantry Regiment, stood nearly alone against a determined Chinese Communist assault. When his gun mount was destroyed, he carried the heavy weapon forward, firing it from his arms. When he ran out of ammunition, he engaged the enemy hand-to-hand until he was cut down.

Private First Class Pomeroy posthumously received the Medal of Honor for his amazing courage on October 15, 1952 - exactly sixty years ago today.


From Medal of Honor Citations for the Korean War:


*POMEROY, RALPH E.

Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Company E, 31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Kumhwa, Korea, 15 October 1952. Entered service at: Quinwood, W. Va. Born: 26 March 1930, Quinwood, W. Va. G.O. No.: 97, 30 December 1953. Citation: Pfc. Pomeroy, a machine gunner with Company E, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and indomitable courage above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. While his comrades were consolidating on a key terrain feature, he manned a machine gun at the end of a communication trench on the forward slope to protect the platoon flank and prevent a surprise attack. When the enemy attacked through a ravine leading directly to his firing position, he immediately opened fire on the advancing troops inflicting a heavy toll in casualties and blunting the assault. At this juncture the enemy directed intense concentrations of artillery and mortar fire on his position in an attempt to neutralize his gun. Despite withering fire and bursting shells, he maintained his heroic stand and poured crippling fire into the ranks of the hostile force until a mortar burst severely wounded him and rendered the gun mount inoperable. Quickly removing the hot, heavy weapon, he cradled it in his arms and, moving forward with grim determination, raked the attacking forces with a hail of fire. Although wounded a second time he pursued his relentless course until his ammunition was expended within 10 feet of the foe and then, using the machine gun as a club, he courageously closed with the enemy in hand-to-hand combat until mortally wounded. Pfc. Pomeroy's consummate valor, inspirational actions and supreme sacrifice enabled the platoon to contain the attack and maintain the integrity of the perimeter, reflecting lasting glory upon himself and upholding the noble traditions of the military service.

PFC Pomeroy rests in peace in Clintonville, West Virginia's At the End of the Trail Cemetery.