LeRoy A. Mendonca
Sergeant, U.S. Army
Medal of Honor Recipient
Korean War

LeRoy A. Mendonca was born in Honolulu, HI, on 2 August 1932. He was a Filipino and Portuguese-American that was a Sergeant in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions on 4 July 1951.

Medal of Honor

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

Place and date: Near Chich-on, Korea, 4 July 1951

G.O. No.: 83, 3 September 1952

Citation:

Sgt. LeRoy A. Mendonca distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. After his platoon, in an exhaustive fight, had captured Hill 586, the newly won positions were assaulted during the night by a numerically superior enemy force. When the 1st Platoon positions were outflanked and under great pressure and the platoon was ordered to withdraw to a secondary line of defense, Sgt. Mendonca voluntarily remained in an exposed position and covered the platoon's withdrawal. Although under murderous enemy fire, he fired his weapon and hurled grenades at the onrushing enemy until his supply of ammunition was exhausted. He fought on, clubbing with his rifle and using his bayonet until he was mortally wounded. After the action it was estimated that Sgt. Mendonca had accounted for 37 enemy casualties. His daring actions stalled the crushing assault, protecting the platoon's withdrawal to secondary positions, and enabling the entire unit to repel the enemy attack and retain possession of the vital hilltop position. Sgt. Mendonca's extraordinary gallantry and exemplary valor are in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Army.

Other Medals

In addition to the Medal of Honor, Sergeant Mendonca was awarded the Purple Heart.

Honors

In 2001, the Bob Hope-class roll on roll off vehicle cargo ship USNS Mendonca was commissioned in the Military Sealift Command, and named in honor of Sergeant Mendonca.

Death and Burial

Sergeant LeRoy A. Mendonca was killed in action on 4 July 1951. He is buried at National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, Honolulu County, HI, in Section Q, Grave 1408.