TFH 1/8: 2nd Lieutenant Douglas F. Lambert, USMCR and Sergeant Thomas P. McGuire, USMC

In January 1953, the Korean War was entering its last six months of the bloody, back-and-forth stalemate between the United Nations' forces defending South Korea and the aggressor Communist Chinese. Sixty years ago today - January 8, 1953 - Company I of the United States Marine Corps' 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division launched an attack against a fortified hilltop.

One platoon leader, a 23-year old Marine Reservist, was struck down leading his Marines' charge and continued to direct their attack while refusing evacuation until the rest of his wounded comrades were cared for. Elsewhere, a 22-year old Sergeant squad leader single handedly cleared an enemy trench hand-to-hand and took command of forces on the flank of the attack whose leaders had become casualties.

Both of these Marines received the second-highest award for valor: the Navy Cross.

Citation for Second Lieutenant Donald Francis Lambert, USMCR

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant Donald Francis Lambert (MCSN: 0-54701), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as a Platoon Commander of Company I, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea on 8 January 1953. When elements of his platoon were assigned the mission of raiding a heavily fortified and strongly defended enemy-held hill far forward of the main line of resistance, Second Lieutenant Lambert skillfully directed his men during the initial phase of the assault to gain full advantage of supporting arms and, fearlessly leading his unit through a hail of hostile small-arms and grenade fire, succeeded in reaching enemy trenches near the top of the hill. Realizing the need for a vantage point where he could direct his men in wiping out enemy troops concealed in the trench line, he again exposed himself to intense enemy fire to advance to a position on the crest of the hill and dauntlessly commanded the activities of his men in the enemy trenches. Struck down by a burst of hostile machine-gun fire and unable to rise, he continued to direct and encourage his men, urging them on to the successful completion of their mission. When members of his unit attempted to move him to a sheltered position, he steadfastly refused evacuation or medical assistance until all other wounded had been removed to safety. Succumbing to his wounds while being carried to the main line of resistance, Second Lieutenant Lambert, by his inspiring leadership, indomitable courage and great personal valor, contributed materially to the success of the mission and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

I could not determine where Lieutenant Lambert's remains rest.


Citation for Sergeant Thomas P. McGuire, USMC

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Sergeant Thomas P. McGuire (MCSN: 1187571), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as a Squad Leader of Company I, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea on 8 January 1953. Leading his group in the assault against the right flank of a numerically superior enemy force occupying strongly entrenched positions on the crest of Hill 134, Sergeant McGuire exhibited exceptional leadership and repeatedly exposed himself to intense hostile small-arms, grenade and automatic-weapons fire to rally and encourage his battered unit in the advance up the slope to reach the objective. With enemy resistance becoming increasingly severe as he approached his destination, he personally leaped into the trenches and fought at extremely close quarters, accounting for several enemy dead and silencing a concealed gun position which was halting the advance of his unit. Upon learning that the platoon commander on the left flank was severely wounded, Sergeant McGuire quickly reorganized his own squad and led his men to the opposite side of the hill where he assumed command of the remainder of the force. In the face of fierce hostile fire, he commenced his withdrawal and supervised the orderly evacuation of the dead and the wounded, assuring himself that all his men had withdrawn before ha rejoined them and returned to friendly lines. By his daring initiative, great personal bravery and inspiring leadership, Sergeant McGuire contributed in large measure to the success of the assaulting group in destroying and demoralizing the enemy and in obtaining invaluable intelligence. His heroic actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

I could not conclusively determine if Sergeant McGuire is still living. If so, he celebrated his 82nd birthday just a few weeks ago on December 19, 2012.


3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment is still part of the modern 1st Marine Division. Their home station is the Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California.