Robert S . Kennemore Robert Sidney Kennemore ( June 21 , 1920 – April 26 , 1989 ) , of Greenville , South Carolina , earned the Medal of Honor during the bitter Chosin Reservoir campaign of November 1950 , when he deliberately covered an enemy grenade with his foot to keep his men from being wounded or killed . SSgt Kennemore , who lost both of his legs through his unselfish sacrifice , was the 23rd Marine to receive his nation ’ s highest award for heroism in Korea . The medal was presented to him by President Harry S . Truman during ceremonies at the White House on November 24 , 1952 . Biography . Kennemore was born on June 21 , 1920 , in Greenville , South Carolina . He attended high school in Simpsonville , South Carolina , until 1935 , and was employed by the Montgomery Ward Company , in Chicago , Illinois , before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps on June 20 , 1940 . Completing his recruit training in Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego , California , in August 1940 , he was stationed there until July 1942 , when he sailed for the Pacific theater with the 1st Marine Division . After serving with the division in the Guadalcanal - Tulagi campaign , he returned to the United States in June 1943 for duty at Camp Lejeune , North Carolina . In February 1944 , he was ordered to Camp Pendleton , California , where he served until that September . He was then stationed at the Marine Barracks , Klamath Falls , Oregon , until February 1945 , when he was assigned to the Marine Barracks , at the Naval Air Station , Boca Chica , Florida . In July 1945 , after brief service at Camp Lejeune , he embarked for Japan to serve on occupation duty with the 2nd Marine Division . He returned to the States in April 1946 , and served briefly at San Diego and the Marine Barracks , New Orleans , Louisiana , until September 1946 , when he began a year of duty at the Marine Barracks , Naval Mine Depot , Yorktown , Virginia . In September 1947 , he was ordered to New York City , where he served for two years at Headquarters of the 3rd Marine Corps Reserve District . Staff Sergeant Kennemore joined the 2nd Battalion , 6th Marine Regiment , 2nd Marine Division , at Camp Lejeune , in October 1949 , and with the outbreak of the Korean fighting , moved with the battalion to the west coast in July 1950 . The 2nd Battalion was made part of the 7th Marines , 1st Marine Division in August 1950 , and the following month , SSgt Kennemore embarked for Korea , where he served with the 2nd Battalion in the Seoul and Chosin Reservoir campaigns . It was at the Chosin Reservoir that he lost both of his legs . Kennemore was fighting in a slit trench alongside two other Marines when a grenade landed beside him . Without regard to his safety he grabbed it threw it back . Immediately after , another grenade landed in the trench , and he used his foot to push it into the earth . At this point he notice yet another grenade lying close by . Without hesitation he kneeled down on the third grenade and effectively absorbed the blast of the two grenades through his legs . Due to his actions , Kennemore saved the lives of two fellow Marines . Kennemore returned to the United States in December 1950 for treatment at the U . S . Naval Hospital , Oakland , California . He remained there for almost a year , until his retirement on October 31 , 1951 . Staff Sergeant Kennemore died on April 26 , 1989 . He was buried in the San Francisco National Cemetery , San Francisco , California . Decorations . In addition to the Medal of Honor and the Purple Heart he received for his wounds , SSgt Kennemore ’ s medals and decorations include the Presidential Unit Citation with two bronze stars ; the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal with two bronze stars in lieu of second and third awards ; the American Defense Service Medal ; the American Theater Campaign Medal ; the Asiatic - Pacific Theater Campaign Medal with two bronze stars ; the World War II Victory Medal ; the Navy Occupation Service Medal with Asia Clasp ; the Korean Service Medal with two bronze stars ; and the United Nations Service Medal . Medal of Honor citation . The President of the United States in the name of The Congress pleasure in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR to STAFF SERGEANT ROBERT S . KENNEMORE UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS 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 Leader of a Machine - Gun Section in Company E , Second Battalion , Seventh Marines , First Marine Division ( Reinforced ) , in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 27 and November 28 , 1950 . With the company ' s defensive perimeter overrun by a numerically superior hostile force during a savage night attack north of Yudam - ni and his platoon commander seriously wounded , Staff Sergeant Kennemore unhesitatingly assumed command , quickly reorganized the unit and directed the men in consolidating the position . When an enemy grenade landed in the midst of a machine - gun squad , he bravely placed his foot on the missile and , in the face of almost certain death , personally absorbed the full force of the explosion to prevent injury to his fellow Marines . By his indomitable courage , outstanding leadership and selfless efforts in behalf of his comrades , Staff Sergeant Kennemore was greatly instrumental in driving the enemy from the area and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service . / S / HARRY S . TRUMAN Namesakes . The Marine Corps League Detachment # 1105 in Greenville , South Carolina , the Owens / Kennemore Detachment , is named for the two Greenville Medal of Honor recipients — Robert Kennemore and World War II recipient Robert A . Owens .