Rank: Corporal
Conflict/Era: Korean War
Unit/Command: Company E, 2d Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein)
Military Service Branch: U.S. Marine Corps
Medal of Honor Action Date: June 10, 1951
Medal of Honor Action Place: Hangnyong, Korea
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 in Company E, in action against enemy aggressor forces. While advancing with his platoon in an attack against well-concealed and heavily fortified enemy hill positions, Cpl. Abrell voluntarily rushed forward through the assaulting squad which was pinned down by a hail of intense and accurate automatic-weapons fire from a hostile bunker situated on commanding ground. Although previously wounded by enemy hand-grenade fragments, he proceeded to carry out a bold, singlehanded attack against the bunker, exhorting his comrades to follow him. Sustaining two additional wounds as he stormed toward the emplacement, he resolutely pulled the pin from a grenade clutched in his hand and hurled himself bodily into the bunker with the live missile still in his grasp. Fatally wounded in the resulting explosion which killed the entire enemy gun crew within the stronghold, Cpl. Abrell, by his valiant spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of certain death, served to inspire all his comrades and contributed directly to the success of his platoon in attaining its objective. His superb courage and heroic initiative sustain and enhance the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Accredited to: Terre Haute, Vigo County, Indiana
Awarded Posthumously: Yes
Presentation Date & Details: September 4, 1952, The Pentagon, presented by Sec. of the Navy Dan A. Kimball to his Mother
Born: August 12, 1931, Terre Haute, Vigo County, IN, United States
Died: June 10, 1951, near Hwachon, North Korea
Buried: Westlawn Cemetery (MH), Farmersburg, IN, United States
READ MORE AT www.CMOHS.org
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