Serving as a soldier in the U.S. Army, Private First Class Ernest Edison West received the Medal of Honor for his actions on October 12, 1952 near Sataeri, Korea during the Korean War. At the time he was serving with 2d Squad, 3d Platoon, Company L, 3d Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. West was 21 years old.
The medal was presented on January 12, 1954 — the White House, presented by Pres. Dwight D. Eisenhower.
West was born on September 2, 1931 in Russell, Greenup County, Kentucky. His Medal of Honor is credited to Wurtland, Greenup County, Kentucky. West died on May 1, 2021 in Huntington, West Virginia, US, at the age of 89. He is buried at Kentucky Veterans Cemetery in Grayson, Kentucky.
West is one of 153 Medal of Honor recipients from the Korean War and one of 44 credited to Kentucky.
Official Medal of Honor citation
Pfc. West distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. He voluntarily accompanied a contingent to locate and destroy a reported enemy outpost. Nearing the objective, the patrol was ambushed and suffered numerous casualties. Observing his wounded leader lying in an exposed position, Pfc. West ordered the troops to withdraw, then braved intense fire to reach and assist him. While attempting evacuation, he was attacked by three hostile soldiers employing grenades and small-arms fire. Quickly shifting his body to shelter the officer, he killed the assailants with his rifle, then carried the helpless man to safety. He was critically wounded and lost an eye in this action, but courageously returned through withering fire and bursting shells to assist the wounded. While evacuating two comrades, he closed with and killed three more of the foe. Pfc. West's indomitable spirit, consummate valor, and intrepid actions inspired all who observed him, reflect the highest credit on himself, and uphold the honored traditions of the military service.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Wounds and injuries
What the citation records about his wounds:
He was critically wounded and lost an eye in this action, but courageously returned through withering fire and bursting shells to assist the wounded.
- Age at death: 89
- Resting place: Kentucky Veterans Cemetery
Other decorations and honors
Besides the Medal of Honor, Ernest Edison West received:
Source: Wikidata. Gold chips link to our guide to that decoration.
Battles and campaigns
Also served in: Korean War.
Places
Veteran resources, cemeteries and meeting places in Kentucky →
Timeline
- September 2, 1931Born in Russell, Greenup County, Kentucky
- October 12, 1952Act of valor — near Sataeri, KoreaAge 21. 2d Squad, 3d Platoon, Company L, 3d Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division
- January 12, 1954Medal of Honor presentedThe White House, presented by Pres. Dwight D. Eisenhower
- May 1, 2021Died in Huntington, West Virginia, USAge 89.
- Resting placeKentucky Veterans CemeteryGrayson, Kentucky
Biography
Ernest Edison West (September 2, 1931 – May 1, 2021) was a United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor, for his actions during the Korean War.
From the Wikipedia article “Ernest E. West”, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read the full article →
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Further reading
- Funeral services held for Ernie Westwsaz.com · 2021
- Ernest West, Medal of Honor recipient who saved three in Korea, dies at 89washingtonpost.com · 2021
- War hero and Medal of Honor recipient Ernie West dies at 89kentuckytoday.com · 2021
