Bryant Homer Womack
Private First Class, U.S. Army
Medal of Honor Recipient
Korean War

Bryant Homer Womack was born on 12 May 1931 at Mill Spring, Polk County, NC. He was the son of George and Julie Womack and had three brothers and one sister. He grew up working as a farm laborer and picked peaches during the summer. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and riding bicycles.

Womack was drafted into the U.S. Army and sent to Korea as a Private First Class with the Medical Company of the 14th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. During a firefight on 12 March 1952, near Sokso-ri, his unit began taking heavy casualties. Womack exposed himself to enemy fire in order to treat wounded soldiers. When he was himself wounded, he refused medical treatment and continued to give aid to others. He was the last soldier to withdraw from the engagement and died of his injuries soon after.

For his heroic actions on 12 March 1952, 20-year old Bryant Womack was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.

Medal of Honor

Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Medical Company, 14th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division

Place and date: Near Sokso-ri, Korea, 12 March 1952

Entered service at: Mill Spring, NC

G.O. No.: 5, 12 January 1953

Citation:

Pfc. Womack distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. Pfc. Womack was the only medical aid man attached to a night combat patrol when sudden contact with a numerically superior enemy produced numerous casualties. Pfc. Womack went immediately to their aid, although this necessitated exposing himself to a devastating hail of enemy fire, during which he was seriously wounded. Refusing medical aid for himself, he continued moving among his comrades to administer aid. While he was aiding one man, he was again struck by enemy mortar fire, this time suffering the loss of his right arm. Although he knew the consequences should immediate aid not be administered, he still refused aid and insisted that all efforts be made for the benefit of others that were wounded. Although unable to perform the task himself, he remained on the scene and directed others in first aid techniques. The last man to withdraw, he walked until he collapsed from loss of blood, and died a few minutes later while being carried by his comrades. The extraordinary heroism, outstanding courage, and unswerving devotion to his duties displayed by Pfc. Womack reflect the utmost distinction upon himself and uphold the esteemed traditions of the U.S. Army.

Medals, Awards & Badges

Medal of Honor
Purple Heart
National Defense Service Medal
Korean Service Medal
United Nations Service Medal
Republic of Korea War Service Medal
Korean Presidential Unit Citation
Combat Medical Badge

Honors

Womack Army Medical Center at Fort Bragg, NC, is named for him.

Death and Burial

Private First Class Bryant Homer Womack was killed in action on 12 March 1952. He was buried at Lebanon Methodist Church Cemetery in his hometown of Mill Spring, NC.