Richard F. Gomes
Private First Class, U.S. Army

[Note: the American Battle Monuments Commission established his MIA date as 22 January 1942. However, the citation for his Distinguished Service Cross lists the date of action as 24 January 1942. MHOH is using the 22 January 1942 date.]

On 22 January 1942, Private First Class Richard F. Gomes was serving with Company K, 31st Infantry Regiment, Philippine Scouts.

On that day, PFC Gomes’ unit was in action against Japanese forces at Abucay Hacienda in the Philippine Islands. While covering the withdrawal of Company K with an automatic rifle, PFC Gomes was wounded. Despite his wounds he continued to man his gun to protect his comrades until he died of his wounds. PFC Gomes’ courageous actions and extraordinary heroism that day, at the cost of his life, earned him the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross.

Medals, Awards and Badges

Distinguished Service Cross
Bronze Star Medal (Merit)
Purple Heart
Army Good Conduct Medal
American Defense Service Medal
American Campaign Medal
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with Bronze Star
World War II Victory Medal
Combat Infantryman Badge

Distinguished Service Cross Citation (Synopsis)

Private First Class Richard F. Gomes (ASN: 6576621), United States Army, was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company K, 31st Infantry Regiment, Philippine Scouts, in action against enemy forces on 24 January 1942, at Abucay Hacienda in the Philippine Islands. While covering the withdrawal of his company with an automatic rifle. Private First Class Gomes was wounded. Despite his wounds he continued to man his gun to protect his comrades until he died of his wounds. Private First Class Gomes' intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

General Orders: Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the Far East, General Orders No. 27 (1942)

Memorialization

The remains of Private First Class Richard F. Gomes have never been recovered. He is memorialized by having his name inscribed on the Walls of the Missing at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial in Manila, Metro Manila, National Capital Region, Philippines.

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