Ambrosio Guillen

Staff Sergeant Ambrosio Guillen

 

Organization: U.S. Marine Corps, Company F, 2d Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Reinforced)

Place and date: Near Songuch-on, Korea, July 25, 1953

Entered service at: El Paso, TX

Place of Birth: La Junta, CO

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a Platoon Sergeant of Company F, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy forces in Korea on 25 July 1953.Staff Sergeant Guillen's War Department Citation reads as follows:

Participating in the defense of an outpost forward of the main line of resistance, Staff Sergeant Guillen maneuvered his platoon over unfamiliar terrain in the face of hostile fire and placed his men in fighting positions.

With his unit pinned down when the outpost was attacked under cover of darkness by and estimated force of two enemy battalions supported by mortar and artillery fire, he deliberately exposed himself to the heavy barrage and attacks to direct his men in defending their positions and personally supervise the treatment and evacuation of the wounded.

Inspired by his leadership, the platoon quickly rallied and engaged the enemy force in fierce hand-to-hand combat. Although critically wounded during the course of battle, Staff Sergeant Guillen refused medical aid and continued to direct his men throughout the remainder of the engagement until the enemy was defeated and thrown into disorderly retreat.

Succumbing to his wounds within a few hours, Staff Sergeant Guillen, by his outstanding courage and indomitable fighting spirit, was directly responsible for the success of his platoon in repelling a numerically superior enemy force.

His personal valor reflects the highest credit upon himself and enhances the finest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Information on Staff Sergeant Guillen and text of citation were obtained from official records made available by the United States Department of Defense.