Korea
Charles William Sherwood
Rate / Rank
Corporal
Birthdate
October 10 1927
Date of Death
February 15 1951
Branch
US Army
Active Duty Service
March 25 1946 - February 15 1951
Conflicts & Campaigns
- Killed near Chipyong-ni, South Korea. On February 13, 1951, Chinese infiltrators penetrating A and C companies were met by machine-gunner Corporal Charles Sherwood of D Company. He was wounded and his machine gun destroyed, but other men held fast, including PFC Donald Byers, until a replacement gun could be brought up. Refusing evacuation, Sherwood said "I'm not coming out, Captain. Where would I go anyway?" At daybreak, 37 enemy dead were counted in front of Sherwood's emplacement. On February 15, Corporal Sherwood's second machine gun was destroyed and he was mortally wounded.
Significant Duty Stations
- D Company, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division
Decorations & Citations
- Company Commander requested a Medal of Honor for Sherwood and it was reduced to a Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) for gallantry in action on February 13 -15, 1951.
- Purple Heart (KIA February 15, 1951); Presidential Unit Citation; Combat Infantry Badge; Korean Service Medal; National Defense Medal; United Nations Service Medal; Republic of Korean War Medal
Notes
US Army service number 44-137-634. Son of Mrs. Velma Maxwell, Rt. 2, Cairo, Georgia. Burial; Cairo Cemetery, Cairo, Georgia.