25 July

SSG AMBROSIO GUILLEN
Co F, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines
Near Songuch-on, Korea
25 July 1953

On the night of 25 July SSG. Guillen found himself, along with his platoon, pinned down by enemy machinegun fire from a multiple battalion sized attacking force.

Guillen deliberately exposed himself to the enemy gunners in order to direct his men in defending their positions and personally supervise the treatment and evacuation of the wounded.

The battle degraded to a vicious hand to hand engagement between the Marines and a numerically superior force of North Koreans.

Inspired by Guillen’s courage and leadership, his platoon rallied and persevered.

In spite of grave wounds, SSG Guillen refused medivac and remained in the fight until the enemy was defeated and in disorderly retreat – He succumbed to his wounds shortly after battle’s end.

The last lines of SSG Guillen’s Medal of Honor Citation read as follows:

“… 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 U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.”