Charles William Turner – Sergeant, United States Army

Charles William Turner was born at Boston, Massachusetts, May 28, 1921. He earned the Medal of Honor in the Korean War while serving with the Second Reconnaissance Company, 2nd Division, near Yongsan, Korea, September 1, 1950.

He was killed-in-action on that occasion and was returned for burial in Section 12 of Arlington National Cemetery.

TURNER, CHARLES W
SFC U S A

• VETERAN SERVICE DATES: Unknown
• DATE OF BIRTH: 05/28/1921
• DATE OF DEATH: 09/02/1950
• DATE OF INTERMENT: 10/03/1951
• BURIED AT: SECTION 12  SITE 7762
  ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY

TURNER, CHARLES W.

Rank and organization: Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army, 2d Reconnaissance Company, 2d Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Yongsan, Korea, 1 September 1950. Entered service at: Massachusetts. Birth: Boston, Massachusetts. G.O. No.: 10, 16 February 1951.

Citation:

Sfc. Turner distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. A large enemy force launched a mortar and automatic weapon supported assault against his
platoon. Sfc. Turner, a section leader, quickly organized his unit for defense and then observed that the attack was directed at the tank section 100 yards away. Leaving his secured section he dashed through a hail of fire to the threatened position and, mounting a tank, manned the exposed turret machine gun. Disregarding the intense enemy fire he calmly held this position delivering deadly accurate fire and pointing out targets for the tank’s 75mm. gun. His action resulted in the destruction of 7 enemy machine gun nests. Although severely wounded he remained at the gun shouting encouragement to his comrades. During the action the tank received over 50 direct hits; the periscopes and antenna were shot away and 3 rounds hit the machine gun mount. Despite this fire he remained at his post until a burst of enemy fire cost him his life. This intrepid and heroic performance enabled the platoon to withdraw and later launch an attack which routed the enemy. Sfc. Turner’s valor and example reflect the highest credit upon himself and are in keeping with the esteemed traditions of the U.S. Army.

Charles W. Turner
Born at Boston, Massachuetts,  in 1921
Sergeant First Class, US Army
Died of Wounds September 2, 1950 in Korea

Sergeant First Class Turner was a section leader with the 2nd  Reconnaissance Company, 2nd Infantry Division. On September 1, 1950, near Yongsan, South Korea, the North Koreans launched an assault against his platoon. Noticing that the main attack was directed at the tank section, he left his protected position and raced to the tank and directed its fire from the exposed turret machine gun. His action helped destroy seven enemy machine gun positions. He was mortally wounded while manning his position. For his leadership and great valor,  Sergeant First Class Turner was awarded the Medal of Honor and the Purple Heart posthumously.

Michael Robert Patterson

Michael Robert Patterson was born in Arlington and is the son of a former officer of the US Army. So it was no wonder that sooner or later his interests drew him to American history and especially to American military history. Many of his articles can be found on renowned portals like the New York Times, Washingtonpost or Wikipedia.

Reviewed by: Michael Howard