William R. Charette

Hospital Corpsman Third Class, U.S. Navy
Attached to Company F, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines
1st Marine Division
Medal of Honor Recipient
Korean War Veteran
Hometown: Ludington, Michigan

Congressional Medal of Honor

Presentation Date & Details: January 12, 1954
The White House, presented by Pres. Dwight D. Eisenhower

Born: March 29, 1932, Ludington, Mason County, Michigan, United States
Died: March 18, 2012, Lake Wales, Florida, United States
Buried: Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, Florida, United States

Citation
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty in action against enemy aggressor forces during the early morning hours. Participating in a fierce encounter with a cleverly concealed and well-entrenched enemy force occupying positions on a vital and bitterly contested outpost far in advance of the main line of resistance, HC3c. Charette repeatedly and unhesitatingly moved about through a murderous barrage of hostile small-arms and mortar fire to render assistance to his wounded comrades. When an enemy grenade landed within a few feet of a marine he was attending, he immediately threw himself upon the stricken man and absorbed the entire concussion of the deadly missile with his body. Although sustaining painful facial wounds and undergoing shock from the intensity of the blast which ripped the helmet and medical aid kit from his person, HC3c. Charette resourcefully improvised emergency bandages by tearing off part of his clothing, and gallantly continued to administer medical aid to the wounded in his own unit and to those in adjacent platoon areas as well. Observing a seriously wounded comrade whose armored vest had been torn from his body by the blast from an exploding shell, he selflessly removed his own battle vest and placed it upon the helpless man although fully aware of the added jeopardy to himself. Moving to the side of another casualty who was suffering excruciating pain from a serious leg wound, HC3c. Charette stood upright in the trench line and exposed himself to a deadly hail of enemy fire in order to lend more effective aid to the victim and to alleviate his anguish while being removed to a position of safety. By his indomitable courage and inspiring efforts in behalf of his wounded comrades, HC3c. Charette was directly responsible for saving many lives. His great personal valor reflects the highest credit upon himself and enhances the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.

EARLY LIFE

William Richard Charette was born in Ludington, Michigan, and enlisted in the United States Navy, training as a hospital corpsman. Corpsmen served alongside Marine units, providing lifesaving medical care under battlefield conditions.

In Korea, that meant sharing every danger Marines faced.

HEROISM IN KOREA

March 27, 1953 — Near the Punchbowl, Korea

During intense enemy attacks against Marine positions, Corpsman Charette moved repeatedly through heavy enemy fire to treat wounded Marines.

Despite incoming mortar and small-arms fire, he exposed himself again and again to reach casualties.

When his medical supplies ran low, he used torn clothing as bandages and continued treatment.

Wounded himself, he refused evacuation.

He continued administering aid and evacuating wounded until the engagement ended.

For his extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, he received the Medal of Honor — one of the few living Navy corpsmen to receive the nation’s highest award.