Jerry Kirt Crump
Corporal, U.S. Army
Medal of Honor Recipient
Korean War

Jerry Kirt Crump was born on 18 February 1933 in Charlotte, NC, and was a Corporal in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He received the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions on 6-7 September 1951.

Medal of Honor

Rank and organization: Corporal, U.S. Army, Company L, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division

Place and date: Near Chorwon, Korea, on 6-7 September 1951

Entered service at: Forest City, NC

G.O. No.: 68, 11 July 1952

Citation:

Cpl. Crump, a member of Company L, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and outstanding courage above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. During the night a numerically superior hostile force launched an assault against his platoon on Hill 284, overrunning friendly positions and swarming into the sector. Cpl. Crump repeatedly exposed himself to deliver effective fire into the ranks of the assailants, inflicting numerous casualties. Observing 2 enemy soldiers endeavoring to capture a friendly machine gun, he charged and killed both with his bayonet, regaining control of the weapon. Returning to his position, now occupied by 4 of his wounded comrades, he continued his accurate fire into enemy troops surrounding his emplacement. When a hostile soldier hurled a grenade into the position, Cpl. Crump immediately flung himself over the missile, absorbing the blast with his body and saving his comrades from death or serious injury. His aggressive actions had so inspired his comrades that a spirited counterattack drove the enemy from the perimeter. Cpl. Crump's heroic devotion to duty, indomitable fighting spirit, and willingness to sacrifice himself to save his comrades reflect the highest credit upon himself, the infantry and the U.S. Army.

Other Medals

Purple Heart

Death and Burial

Jerry K. Crump died on 10 January 1977 and is buried in the Mount Zion United Methodist Church Cemetery in Cornelius, NC.