Ambrosio Guillen (1929 - 1953)

Biography

Staff Sergeant Ambrosio Guillen

Medal of Honor Recipient Staff Sergeant Ambrosio Guillen was born on December 7, 1929, in La Junta, Colorado and grew up in El Paso, Texas. He joined the Marine Corps in 1947 and trained at San Diego, California.

Guillen was deployed to Korea as a Staff Sergeant with Company F, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division.

Staff Sergeant Guillen's body was escorted to El Paso by his brother, United States Army Private Ramon Guillen Senior after the July 27, 1953 cease fire agreement. He was buried at Fort Bliss National Cemetery on October 20, 1953.

Mr. and Mrs. Guillen received their son's Medal of Honor on August 18, 1954, by Secretary of the Navy Charles S. Thomas in his office.

Staff Sergeant Guillen's Medal of Honor went missing a few years later, but was recovered by Ramon Guillen Senior, who built a display case for Guillen Junior High School in El Paso, Texas (named in honor of his brother).^[1][2]

Medal of Honor Citation

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a platoon Sergeant of Company F, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on July 25, 1953. Participating in the defense of an outpost forward of the main line of resistance, Staff Sergeant Guillen maneuvered his platoon over unfamiliar terrain in the face of hostile fire and placed his men in fighting positions. With his unit pinned down when the outpost was attacked under cover of darkness by an estimated force of two enemy battalions supported by mortar and artillery fire, he deliberately exposed himself to the heavy barrage and attacks to direct his men in defending their positions and personally supervise the treatment and evacuation of the wounded. Inspired by his leadership, the platoon quickly rallied and engaged the enemy force in fierce hand-to-hand combat. Although critically wounded during the course of the battle, Staff Sergeant Guillen refused medical aid and continued to direct his men throughout the remainder of the engagement until the enemy was defeated and thrown into disorderly retreat. Succumbing to his wounds within a few hours, Staff Sergeant Guillen, by his outstanding courage and indomitable fighting spirit, was directly responsible for the success of his platoon in repelling a numerically superior enemy force. His 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.^[3]

Sources

1. ↑ step=1&pers_id=11260 Staff Sergeant Ambrosio Guillen bio on Texas State Cemetery website
2. ↑ U.S. Army Center for Military History website
3. ↑ Staff Sergeant Ambrosio Guillen's Medal of Honor Citation on military.com

See also:

step=1&pers_id=11260 Staff Sergeant Ambrosio Guillen bio on Texas State Cemetery website

Texas State Cemetery website MOH listing

U.S. Army Center for Military History website