Robert E . Simanek Robert Ernest Simanek ( born April 26 , 1930 ) is a former United States Marine and a recipient of the U . S . military ' s highest decoration , the Medal of Honor , for his actions in the Korean War . Biography . Simanek was born on April 26 , 1930 , in Detroit , Michigan . He graduated from high school there in 1948 and worked for the Ford Motor Company and General Motors before he was inducted into the United States Marine Corps on August 13 , 1951 . Completing recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island , South Carolina , in October 1951 , he was ordered to Camp Pendleton , California , the following month . After further training at Camp Pendleton , he sailed for Korea in April 1952 , joining Company F , 2nd Battalion , 5th Marines on May 6 , 1952 . He had earned two battle star s by the time of his Medal of Honor action . Simanek was serving with Company F , 2nd Battalion , 5th Marines , 1st Marine Division , when the action occurred on August 18 , 1952 . His patrol had gone well forward of friendly lines to occupy an outpost when the Marines ran into a trap . He threw himself on an enemy grenade to save his comrades , and was severely wounded in the legs . Simanek received medical treatment aboard the hospital ship and in Japan before being returned to the United States in September 1952 . He then was hospitalized at Mare Island , California , and at Naval Station Great Lakes , Illinois , until he was placed on the temporary disability retired list , March 1 , 1953 . The Medal of Honor was presented to him by President Dwight D . Eisenhower in a White House ceremony on October 27 , 1953 . He was the 36th Marine to receive the medal in the Korean War . In addition to the Medal of Honor , he was also awarded the Purple Heart , the Korean Service Medal with two bronze service star s , the United Nations Service Medal , and the National Defense Service Medal . Awards and honors . Medal of Honor citation . Simanek ' s official Medal of Honor citation reads : For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Company F , Second Battalion , Fifth Marines , First Marine Division ( reinforced ) , in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 17 August 1952 . While accompanying a patrol en route to occupy a combat outpost forward of friendly lines , Private First Class Simanek exhibited a high degree of courage and resolute spirit of self - sacrifice in protecting the lives of his fellow Marines . With his unit ambushed by an intense concentration of enemy mortar and small - arms fire , and suffering heavy casualties he was forced to seek cover with the remaining members of the patrol in the near - by trench line . Determined to save his comrades when a hostile grenade was hurled into their midst , he unhesitatingly threw himself on the deadly missile , absorbing the shattering violence of the exploding charge in his own body and shielding his fellow Marines from serious injury or death . Gravely wounded as a result of his heroic action Private First Class Simanek , by his daring initiative and great personal valor in the face of almost certain death , served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service .