Introduction
Charles Frank Pendleton (September 26, 1931 - July 17, 1953) was a soldier in the United States Army during the Korean War. He posthumously received the Medal of Honor for his actions on 16-17 July 1953 during the Battle of Kumsong.
Pendleton joined the Army from Fort Worth, Texas in 1951.
He is buried at Laurel Land Memorial Park in Fort Worth. His grave can be found in Section C, Lot 31, Space 11. The GPS location of his grave is (lat/lon): 32.38753, -97.20918.
Medal of Honor citation
Rank and organization: Corporal, U.S. Army, Company D, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division
Place and date: Near Choo Gung-Dong, Korea, 16 and July 17, 1953
Entered service at: Fort Worth, Texas Born: September 26, 1931, Camden, Tennessee
Citation:
Cpl. Pendleton, a machine gunner with Company D, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and indomitable courage above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. After consolidating and establishing a defensive perimeter on a key terrain feature, friendly elements were attacked by a large hostile force. Cpl. Pendleton delivered deadly accurate fire into the approaching troops, killing approximately 15 and disorganizing the remainder with grenades. Unable to protect the flanks because of the narrow confines of the trench, he removed the machine gun from the tripod and, exposed to enemy observation, positioned it on his knee to improve his firing vantage. Observing a hostile infantryman jumping into the position, intent on throwing a grenade at his comrades, he whirled about and killed the attacker, then inflicted such heavy casualties on the enemy force that they retreated to regroup. After reorganizing, a second wave of hostile soldiers moved forward in an attempt to overrun the position and, later, when a hostile grenade landed nearby, Cpl. Pendleton quickly retrieved and hurled it back at the foe. Although he was burned by the hot shells ejecting from his weapon, and he was wounded by a grenade, he refused evacuation and continued to fire on the assaulting force. As enemy action increased in tempo, his machine gun was destroyed by a grenade but, undaunted, he grabbed a carbine and continued his heroic defense until mortally wounded by a mortar burst. Cpl. Pendleton's unflinching courage, gallant self-sacrifice, and consummate devotion to duty reflect lasting glory upon himself and uphold the finest traditions of the military service.