The President of the United States in the name of The Congress
takes pride in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR posthumously to

HOSPITALMAN
FRANCIS C. HAMMOND
UNITED STATES NAVY

for 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 as a Medical Corpsman serving with the 1st Marine Division in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on the night of 26 March 1953 and 27 March 1953. After reaching an intermediate objective during a counterattack against a heavily entrenched and numerically superior hostile force occupying ground on a bitterly contested outpost far in advance of the main line of resistance, Hospitalman Hammond's platoon was subjected to a murderous barrage of hostile mortar and artillery fire, followed by a vicious assault by onrushing enemy troops. Resolutely advancing through the veritable curtain of fire to aid his stricken comrades, Hospitalman Hammond moved along the stalwart garrison of Marines and, although critically wounded himself, valiantly continued to administer aid to the other wounded throughout an exhausting four-hour period. When the unit was ordered to withdraw, he skillfully directed the evacuation of casualties and remained in the fire-swept area to assist the corpsman of the relieving unit until he was struck by a round of enemy mortar fire and fell, mortally wounded. By his exceptional fortitude, inspiring initiative, and self-sacrificing efforts, Hospitalman Hammond undoubtedly saved the lives of many Marines. His great personal valor in the face of overwhelming odds enhanced and sustains the finest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.