Korean Conflict

Rank and organization:

First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, Company A, 1st Battalion, 5th
Marines, 1st Marine Divsion (Rein).

Place and date:

During Inchon invasion in Korea, 15 September 1950.

Entered service at:  Tampa, Florida

Born:  23 August 1925, Tampa, Florida

Citation:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above
and beyond the call of duty as a rifle platoon commander of Company
A, in action against enemy aggressor forces.

With his platoon 1st Lt. Lopez was engaged in the reduction of
immediate enemy beach defenses after landing with the assault waves.

Exposing himself to hostile fire, he moved forward alongside a bunker
and prepared to throw a handgrenade into the next pillbox whose fire
was pinning down that sector of the beach.

Taken under fire by an enemy automatic weapon and hit in the right
shoulder and chest as he lifted his arm to throw, he fell backward and
dropped the deadly missile.

After a moment, he turned and dragged his body forward in an effort
to retrieve the grenade and throw it.

In critical condition from pain and loss of blood, and unable to grasp the
handgrenade firmly enough to hurl it, he chose to sacrifice himself
rather than endanger the lives of his men and,

with a sweeping motion of his wounded right arm, cradled the

grenade under him and absorbed the full impact of the explosion.

His exception courage, fortitude, and devotion to duty reflect the
highest credit upon 1st Lt. Lopez and the U.S. Naval Service.

He gallantly gave his life for his country.