Ambrosio Guillen | |
|---|---|
 Medal of Honor recipient | |
| Born | (1929-12-07)December 7, 1929 |
| Died | July 25, 1953(1953-07-25) (aged 23) |
| Place of burial | |
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Branch |  United States Marine Corps |
| Years of service | c. 1947–1953 |
| Rank |  Staff Sergeant |
| Unit | Company F,2nd Battalion, 7th Marines,1st Marine Division |
| Battles / wars | Korean War |
| Awards | Medal of Honor Purple Heart Medal Combat Action Ribbon |
Staff SergeantAmbrosio Guillen (December 7, 1929 – July 25, 1953) was aUnited States Marine who wasposthumously awarded theMedal of Honor—theUnited States' highest military award for valor—for his heroic actions and sacrifice of life on July 25, 1953, two days before theceasefire, during theKorean War. He was responsible for hisinfantry platoon's turning an overwhelming enemy attack into a defeat and disorderly retreat.
Ambrosio Guillen was born on December 7, 1929, inLa Junta, Colorado. He came from aMexican-American family and grew up inEl Paso, Texas, where he attendedBowie High School.[1]
Guillen enlisted in theUnited States Marine Corps at the age of 18. He completedrecruit training atSan Diego, California, and was assigned to the7th Marine Regiment. Later he was chosen for Sea School, and after graduation, served on theUSS Curtiss. Following his tour of sea duty, he was appointed adrill instructor atMarine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego.
He trained two recruit honor platoons and was given a Letter of Appreciation by his Commanding General. In that letter, MajGen John T. Walker stated, "your success in training these two platoons has demonstrated your outstanding ability as a leader." That ability was proven in combat soon after SSgt. Guillen arrived inKorea.
On July 25, 1953, whiledefending a forward outpost against a large enemy attack, near Songuch-on, Korea, SSgt. Guillen and his platoon were able to defeat the enemy and put them in retreat. After the fighting, he died from being wounded during the battle. For his heroic leadership and sacrifice of life, he was awarded the Medal of Honor. The Medal or Honor awarded to SSgt. Guillen was presented to his parents on his behalf by theSecretary of the NavyCharles S. Thomas, during a special ceremony in his office on August 18, 1954.
SSgt. Guillen's Medal of Honor citation reads:
ThePresident of the United States in the name ofThe Congress takes pride in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR posthumously to
STAFF SERGEANT AMBROSIO GUILLEN
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPSfor service as set forth in the following
CITATION: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 aggressor forces in Korea on July 25, 1953. 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 an 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 the 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.
After the Korean War truce, his body was escorted to the United States by his brother, who had been serving in the Far East with theUnited States Army. SSgt. Guillen was buried inFort Bliss National Cemetery on October 20, 1953, inEl Paso, Texas.
This article incorporatespublic domain material from websites or documents of theUnited States Marine Corps.