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Hispanic-American Medal of Honor Recipients OBREGON, EUGENE ARNOLD Rank and organization: Private
First Class, U.S. Marine Corps, Company G, 3d Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division
(Rein.).
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Hispanic-American Medal of Honor Recipients OBREGON, EUGENE ARNOLD Rank and organization: Private
First Class, U.S. Marine Corps, Company G, 3d Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division
(Rein.).
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Citation: For conspicuous gallantry
and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving
with Company G, in action against enemy aggressor forces. While serving as an ammunition
carrier of a machinegun squad in a marine rifle company which was temporarily pinned
down by hostile fire, Pfc. Obregon observed a fellow marine fall wounded in the line
of fire. Armed only with a pistol, he unhesitating dashed from his covered position
to the side of the casualty. Firing his pistol with 1 hand as he ran, he grasped his
comrade by the arm with his other hand and, despite the great peril to himself dragged
him to the side of the road. Still under enemy fire, he was bandaging the man's wounds
when hostile troops of approximately platoon strength began advancing toward his position.
Quickly seizing the wounded marine's carbine, he placed his own body as a shield in
front of him and lay there firing accurately and effectively into the hostile group
until he himself was fatally wounded by enemy machinegun fire. By his courageous fighting
spirit, fortitude, and loyal devotion to duty, Pfc. Obregon enabled his fellow marines
to rescue the wounded man and aided essentially in repelling the attack, thereby sustaining
and enhancing the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave
his life for his country.