On this date, July 25, 1953, Staff Sergeant Ambrosio Guillen sacrificed his life while def

On this date, July 25, 1953, Staff Sergeant Ambrosio Guillen sacrificed his life while defending a forward outpost near Songuch, Korea, just two days prior to the armistice that concluded the Korean War. Born in La Junta, Colorado, and raised in El Paso, Texas, Guillen joined the Marine Corps at the age of 18. He went on to serve as a drill instructor in San Diego before being deployed to Korea with Company F, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines.

As the platoon sergeant, Guillen led his men into their fighting positions at the outpost. That night, around two enemy battalions launched an attack under intense mortar and artillery fire. Guillen bravely positioned himself amidst the chaos to guide his men and oversee the care of the wounded. His platoon engaged in fierce hand-to-hand combat. Severely wounded, Guillen declined assistance and continued to direct his men until the enemy was forced to retreat. He succumbed to his injuries within hours.

He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, which was presented to his parents in 1954. Later, he was laid to rest at Fort Bliss National Cemetery in El Paso. Just two days before the fighting ceased, he stood resolutely between his men and their adversaries. Today, we pay tribute to Staff Sergeant Ambrosio Guillen.