Hospital Corpsman Francis C. Hammond

Francis C. Hammond was born on 9 November 1931 in Alexandria, VA. At the time of action he was a Hospitalman, USN. His citation reads, “For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as a Hospital Corpsman serving with the 1st Marine Division in action against enemy aggressor forces on the night of 26 to 27 March 1953. After reaching an intermediate objective during a counterattack against a heavily entrenched
and numerically superior hostile force occupying ground on a bitterly contested outpost far in advanced of the main line of resistance. Hospitalman Hammond's platoon was subjected to murderous barrage of hostile mortar and artillery fire, followed by a vicious assault by onrushing enemy troops. Resolutely advancing through the veritable curtain of fire to aid his stricken comrades, he moved among the stalwart garrison of Marines and, although critically wounded himself, valiantly continued to administer aid to the other wounded throughout an exhausting four hour period. When the unit was ordered to withdraw, he skillfully directed the evacuation of casualties and remained in the fire-swept area to assist the corpsman of the relieving unit until he was struck by a round of enemy mortar and fell, mortally wounded. By his exceptional
fortitude, inspiring initiative, self sacrificing efforts, and loyal devotion to duty, Hospitalman Hammond undoubtedly saved the lives of many Marines, thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the United States naval service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.”

Francis Hammond is buried in Arlington National Cemetery (Section 33, Lot 9011).

The Francis C. Hammond Middle School in Alexandria, VA, and the USS Hammond (DE-1067) were named in his honor.