Master Sgt. Woodrow W. Keeble

United States Army

Medal of Honor Recipients
Korean War

*KEEBLE, WOODROW W.

Rank and Organization:Master Sergeant, U.S. Army. Place and date: Korea, 20 October 1951.
Master Sergeant Woodrow W. Keeble distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity
above and beyond the call of duty in action with an armed enemy near Sangsan-ni, Korea, on
October 20, 1951. On that day, Master Sergeant Keeble was an acting platoon leader for the
support platoon in Company G, 19th Infantry, in the attack on Hill 765, a steep and rugged position
that was well defended by the enemy. Leading the support platoon, Master Sergeant Keeble saw
that the attacking elements had become pinned down on the slope by heavy enemy fire from three
well-fortified and strategically placed enemy positions. With complete disregard for his personal
safety, Master Sergeant Keeble dashed forward and joined the pinned-down platoon. Then,
hugging the ground, Master Sergeant Keeble crawled forward alone until he was in close proximity
to one of the hostile machine-gun emplacements. Ignoring the heavy fire that the crew trained on
him, Master Sergeant Keeble activated a grenade and threw it with great accuracy, successfully
destroying the position. Continuing his one-man assault, he moved to the second enemy position
and destroyed it with another grenade. Despite the fact that the enemy troops were now directing
their firepower against him and unleashing a shower of grenades in a frantic attempt to stop his
advance, he moved forward against the third hostile emplacement, and skillfully neutralized the
remaining enemy position. As his comrades moved forward to join him, Master Sergeant Keeble
continued to direct accurate fire against nearby trenches, inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy.
Inspired by his courage, Company G successfully moved forward and seized its important
objective. The extraordinary courage, selfless service, and devotion to duty displayed that day by
Master Sergeant Keeble was an inspiration to all around him and reflected great credit upon
himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
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