This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list.
Surnames: Champagne
Classification: Military
Message Board URL:
http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/lQI.2ACEB/570
Message Board Post:
Source:
http://www.army.mil/cmh-pg/moh1.htm
CHAMPAGNE, DAVID B.
Rank and organization: Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, Company A 1st Battalion, 7th Marines,
1st Marine Division (Rein.). Place and date. Korea, 28 May 1952. Entered service at:
Wakefield R.I. Born: 11 November 1932, Waterville, Md. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry
and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as
a fire team leader of Company A, in action against enemy aggressor forces. Advancing with
his platoon in the initial assault of the company against a strongly fortified and heavily
defended hill position, Cpl. Champagne skillfully led his fire team through a veritable
hail of intense enemy machine gun, small-arms, and grenade fire, overrunning trenches and
a series of almost impregnable bunker positions before reaching the crest of the hill and
placing his men in defensive positions. Suffering a painful leg wound while assisting in
repelling the ensuing hostile counterattack, which was launched under cover of a murderous
hai!
l of mortar and artillery fire, he steadfastly refused evacuation and fearlessly
continued to control his fire team When the enemy counterattack increased in intensity,
and a hostile grenade landed in the midst of the fire team, Cpl. Champagne unhesitatingly
seized the deadly missile and hurled it in the direction of the approaching enemy. As the
grenade left his hand, it exploded blowing off his hand and throwing him out of the
trench. Mortally wounded by enemy mortar fire while in this exposed position, Cpl.
Champagne, by his valiant leadership, fortitude, and gallant spirit of self-sacrifice in
the face of almost certain death, undoubtedly saved the lives of several of his fellow
marines. His heroic actions served to inspire all who observed him and reflect the highest
credit upon himself and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his
country.
BURIAL INFORMATION
Location: Waterville, Maine
Cemetery: St. Francis de Sales Cemetery
Born: 1932 Waterville, ME
Died: 1952 Killed in Action -- Awarded Posthumously.
Additional Information and cemetery monument photo:
http://www.homeofheroes.com/gravesites/states/pages_af/champagne_david.html
Bio:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_B._Champagne
Note: This is not my ancestry. I have NO additional information. I am just passing along
information that may be useful.
* Feel free to pass this on to other appropriate resources.