Edward Gómez


Edward Gómez was a United States Marine from Omaha, Nebraska, who posthumously received the Medal of Honor — the United States' highest decoration for valor — for gallantly sacrificing his life to save the lives of four fellow Marines on his machine gun team during the Battle of the Punchbowl. Gomez was the 18th Marine to receive the Medal of Honor for heroism during the Korean War.

Early years

Gomez, a Mexican-American, attended Omaha [South High School|Omaha High School] before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps Reserve on August 11, 1949, at the age of 17. After recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, he trained at Marine Corps [Base Camp Pendleton|Camp Pendleton], California, and went to Korea with the 7th Replacement Draft.

Medal of Honor citation

Awards and decorations

The United States' highest decoration for valor was awarded to Gomez for extraordinary heroism on September 14, 1951, at Kajon-ni, during the Battle of the Punchbowl when he smothered a hand grenade with his own body to prevent destruction of his Marine machine gun team. In addition to the Medal of Honor, PFC Gomez was awarded the Purple Heart with a Gold Star in lieu of a second award, the Korean Service Medal with bronze star, and the United Nations Service Medal.
Medal of HonorPurple Heart-
Combat Action RibbonNational Defense Service MedalKorean Service Medal
with 2 bronze stars
Republic of [Korea Presidential Unit Citation]United Nations Service MedalKorean War Service Medal

Recognitions

Ed "Babe" Gomez Elementary School was named in his honor. It is located at 5101 S 17th St, Omaha, NE 68107. He also has an Avenue named after him on which several businesses are located and Metropolitan Community College South Campus.