MEADE, JOHN F.

Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to John F. Meade (1095193), Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as a Platoon Runner in the First Platoon of Company F, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces west of Yudam-ni, Korea, on 27 November 1950. During a fierce small-arms, machine-gun, grenade and mortar fire attack by a numerically superior hostile force which broke through the defensive perimeter, threatening to overrun the platoon and company sectors, Private First Class Meade quickly assembled several Marines, placed them in tactical positions to defend the gap in the lines and directed accurate and effective fire, thereby contributing materially to the successful repulse of the hostile attack. Although wounded by an enemy grenade while carrying vitally needed ammunition over the hazardous icy terrain to front line units, he fearlessly returned to the supply dump on three different occasions, repeatedly braving intense and accurate hostile small-arms and grenade fire. Skillfully manning his weapon after each trip, he personally killed fifteen and wounded an unknown number of the enemy during vigorous fire fights, courageously remaining at his post until he was wounded a second time and evacuated to the rear. His courageous initiative, quick-wittedness and indomitable fighting spirit reflect the highest credit upon Private First Class Meade and the United States Naval Service.
Authority: Board Serial 660 (July 14, 1951)
Born: at Hudson Falls, New York
Home Town: Hudson Falls, New York
 

Below is a snap-shot of one of many awards presented to John Meade following the war.