Charles Lynn Lundquist
Corporal, U.S. Army

Charles Lynn Lundquist was born on 5 April 1926 in El Campo, TX, the son of Oscar C. and Clara Mae Wilson Lundquist.

In March 1953, Corporal Charles Lynn Lundquist was serving with Company L, 3rd Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, in Korea.

On 24 March, CPL Lundquist's unit was engaged with enemy forces Chorwon, North Korea. CPL Lundquist's platoon was committed to reinforce and assist an outpost of the 3rd Battalion which was heavily engaged with the enemy. As the platoon neared the objective, hostile troops were trying to break off the engagement. The platoon quickly integrated into the friendly forces. While pursuing the enemy and screening the area for casualties, CPL Lundquist spotted an enemy soldier lying in a shallow hole near the trail. After calling for assistance, he and an Aidman moved to the position. As they attempted to lift the wounded man to administer medical treatment, the soldier pulled a grenade from his clothing, released the pin, and extended the deadly missile before him, endangering the lives of the platoon members. CPL Lundquist unhesitatingly wrested the grenade from the enemy in an attempt to avoid injury to himself and his comrades. The grenade exploded and he was mortally wounded. CPL Lundquist's heroism and self-sacrifice saved several comrades from death or serious injury and earned him the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross.

Medals, Awards and Badges

Distinguished Service Cross
Purple Heart
Army Good Conduct Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Korean Service Medal
United Nations Service Medal
Republic of Korea War Service Medal
Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation
Combat Infantryman Badge

Distinguished Service Cross Citation

The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Corporal Charles L. Lundquist (ASN: RA-17228261), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company L, 3d Battalion, 32d Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. Corporal Lundquist distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces at Chorwon, Korea, on 24 March 1953. On that date, Corporal Lundquist was a member of a platoon committed to reinforce and assist an outpost of the battalion which was heavily engaged with the enemy. As the valiant group neared the objective, hostile troops were endeavoring to break off the engagement. The platoon quickly integrated into the friendly forces. While pursuing the foe and screening the area for casualties, Corporal Lundquist spotted an enemy soldier lying in a shallow hole near the trail. After calling for assistance, he and an Aidman moved to the position. As they attempted to lift the wounded man to administer medical treatment, the soldier pulled a grenade from his clothing, released the pin, and extended the deadly missile before him, which endangered the lives of members of the platoon. Fully realizing the danger involved, Corporal Lundquist unhesitatingly wrested the grenade from the enemy, attempting to prevent injury to himself and his comrades. As a result of the ensuing explosion, he was mortally wounded. Corporal Lundquist's inspirational actions and supreme sacrifice saved several comrades from death or serious injury, reflecting lasting glory on himself, and upholding the noble traditions of the military service.

General Orders: Department of the Army, General Orders No. 72 (September 23, 1953)

Burial

Corporal Charles Lynn Lundquist is buried at Austin Memorial Park Cemetery in Austin, Travis County, TX, in Plot: 7-99-8.