Ray E. Duke
United States Army Medal of Honor recipient From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
United States Army Medal of Honor recipient From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Ray Eugene Duke (May 9, 1923 – November 11, 1951) was a soldier in the United States Army during the Korean War. He posthumously received the Medal of Honor for his actions on July 22, 1950. He was captured by the enemy, and died as a prisoner of war later that year.[1]
Ray E. Duke | |
|---|---|
Medal of Honor recipient | |
| Born | May 9, 1923 Whitwell, Tennessee |
| Died | November 11, 1951 (aged 28) Korea |
| Place of burial | Chattanooga National Cemetery, Chattanooga, Tennessee |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ | United States Army |
| Years of service | - 1951 |
| Rank | Master Sergeant (posthumous) |
| Unit | Company C, 24th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division |
| Battles/wars | Korean War (WIA) (POW) (DOW) |
| Awards | Medal of Honor Purple Heart (2) |
Sfc. Duke, a member of Company C, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and outstanding courage above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. Upon learning that several of his men were isolated and heavily engaged in an area yielded by his platoon when ordered to withdraw, he led a small force in a daring assault which recovered the position and the beleaguered men. Another enemy attack in strength resulted in numerous casualties but Sfc. Duke, although wounded by mortar fragments, calmly moved along his platoon line to coordinate fields of fire and to urge his men to hold firm in the bitter encounter. Wounded a second time he received first aid and returned to his position. When the enemy again attacked shortly after dawn, despite his wounds, Sfc. Duke repeatedly braved withering fire to insure maximum defense of each position. Threatened with annihilation and with mounting casualties, the platoon was again ordered to withdraw when Sfc. Duke was wounded a third time in both legs and was unable to walk. Realizing that he was impeding the progress of 2 comrades who were carrying him from the hill, he urged them to leave him and seek safety. He was last seen pouring devastating fire into the ranks of the onrushing assailants. The consummate courage, superb leadership, and heroic actions of Sfc. Duke, displayed during intensive action against overwhelming odds, reflect the highest credit upon himself, the infantry, and the U.S. Army.[2]
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