Daniel P . Matthews Daniel Paul Matthews ( December 31 , 1931 – March 28 , 1953 ) was a United States Marine Corps sergeant who was posthumous ly awarded the Nation ’ s highest decoration for his single - handed attack on an enemy machine gun nest which had prevented the evacuation of a wounded comrade . He was the 41st Marine to receive the Medal of Honor for heroism in Korea . Biography . Daniel Paul Matthews and his twin brother were born in Van Nuys , California , on December 31 , 1931 . He was a member of the high school track and football teams before he left school in 1948 to work as a concrete - mixer operator for C . W . Organ , a Los Angeles contractor . He enlisted in the Marine Corps on February 21 , 1951 , and after completing recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego that April , was promoted to private first class and assigned to Camp Pendleton . While serving there with the 6th Infantry Training Battalion and the 1st Battalion 3rd Marines , 3rd Marine Division , he was promoted to Corporal in March 1952 and to sergeant in July 1952 . He sailed for Korea in January 1953 , joining Company F , 2nd Battalion 7th Marines , 1st Marine Division , the following month . One month later , on March 28 , 1953 , Matthews was killed in action while single - handedly attacking an enemy machine gun nest . After his death , his body was escorted to the United States in May 1953 , by his brother , who had enlisted in the United States Navy . Sgt Matthews was buried in Glen Haven Cemetery , San Fernando , California . The Medal of Honor was presented to his parents on March 29 , 1954 by Secretary of the Navy Robert B . Anderson . The Pentagon ceremony also included presentation of posthumous Medals of Honor to the families of Sgt James E . Johnson and Cpl Lee H . Phillips . Awards and decorations . Sgt Matthews ' decorations include : Medal of Honor citation . The President of the United States in the name of The Congress takes pride in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR posthumously to SERGEANT DANIEL P . MATTHEWS 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 while serving as a Squad Leader of Company F , Second Battalion , Seventh Marines , First Marine Division ( Reinforced ) , in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on March 28 , 1953 . Participating in a counterattack against a firmly entrenched and well - concealed hostile force which had repelled six previous assaults on a vital enemy - held outpost far forward of the main line of resistance , Sergeant Matthews fearlessly advanced in the attack until his squad was pinned down by a murderous sweep of fire from an enemy machine gun located on the peak of the outpost . Observing that the deadly fire prevented a corpsman from removing a wounded man lying in an open area fully exposed to the brunt of the devastating gunfire , he worked his way to the base of the hostile machine - gun emplacement , leaped onto the rock fortification surrounding the gun and , taking the enemy by complete surprise , single - handedly charged the hostile emplacement with his rifle . Although severely wounded when the enemy brought a withering hail of fire to bear upon him , he gallantly continued his valiant one - man assault and , firing his rifle with deadly effectiveness , succeeded in killing two of the enemy , routing a third and completely silencing the enemy weapon , thereby enabling his comrades to evacuate the stricken Marine to a safe position . Succumbing to his wounds before aid could reach him , Sergeant Matthews , by his indomitable fighting spirit , courageous initiative and resolute determination in the face of almost certain death , served to inspire all who observed him and was directly instrumental in saving the life of his wounded comrade . His great personal valor reflects the highest credit upon himself and enhances the finest traditions of the United States Naval Service . He gallantly gave his life for his country . / S / DWIGHT D . EISENHOWER