Emory L . Bennett Emory Lawrence Bennett ( December 20 , 1929 – June 24 , 1951 ) was a United States Army soldier in the Korean War who received the U . S . military ' s highest decoration , the Medal of Honor . Biography . Bennett was born in New Smyrna Beach , Florida on December 20 , 1929 . His family moved to Indianola on Merritt Island when he was six and to Cocoa in 1937 . His parents ran " Bennett Fish Market " , and he helped catch fish in the nearby Indian River to sell . The family supplemented their diet by duck hunting , and Emory proved a crack shot . He had three older brothers : Gary , Marvin and John . Bennett graduated from Cocoa High School in 1948 and enlisted in the Army on July 25 , 1950 . Bennett served in Korea as a private first class with Company B of the 1st Battalion , 15th Infantry Regiment , 3rd Infantry Division . In the early morning hours of June 24 , 1951 , two enemy battalion s launched a human wave attack against his company ' s defensive position near Sobangsan . Bennett left his foxhole and stood exposed to hostile fire in order to attack with his automatic rifle . Although wounded , he maintained this position long enough to momentarily halt the enemy advance and allow Company B to regroup . The assault resumed , however , and the company was forced to pull back . Bennett voluntarily stayed behind to provide covering fire while the rest of the unit withdrew , during which time he was mortally wounded . For these actions , he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor six months later , on February 1 , 1952 . His body arrived home on November 23 , 1951 . Medal of Honor citation . Bennett ' s official Medal of Honor citation reads : PFC Bennett a member of Company B , distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty in action against an armed enemy of the United Nations . At approximately 0200 hours , 2 enemy battalions swarmed up the ridge line in a ferocious banzai charge in an attempt to dislodge PFC Bennett ' s company from its defensive positions . Meeting the challenge , the gallant defenders delivered destructive retaliation , but the enemy pressed the assault with fanatical determination and the integrity of the perimeter was imperiled . Fully aware of the odds against him , PFC Bennett unhesitatingly left his foxhole , moved through withering fire , stood within full view of the enemy , and , employing his automatic rifle , poured crippling fire into the ranks of the onrushing assailants , inflicting numerous casualties . Although wounded , PFC Bennett gallantly maintained his l - man defense and the attack was momentarily halted . During this lull in battle , the company regrouped for counterattack , but the numerically superior foe soon infiltrated into the position . Upon orders to move back , PFC Bennett voluntarily remained to provide covering fire for the withdrawing elements , and , defying the enemy , continued to sweep the charging foe with devastating fire until mortally wounded . His willing self - sacrifice and intrepid actions saved the position from being overrun and enabled the company to effect an orderly withdrawal . PFC Bennett ' s unflinching courage and consummate devotion to duty reflect lasting glory on himself and the military service .