HomeOfHeroes.com
Is Available thanks to a small but dedicated group of Contributors
Meet the Supporters Who Help us Pay the Bills

Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery
  O-729  

Born:  December 01, 1916 at Bloomington, IL

Entered Service in the US Marine Corps from Downey, CA

Earned The Medal of Honor During the Korean War For heroism November 04, 1950 at Sudong, Korea

When a vastly outnumbering, well-concealed hostile force launched a sudden, vicious counterattack against his platoon's hasty defensive position on Hill 532 south of Sudong, Korea, Sergeant Poynter displayed superb skill and courage in leading his squad and directing its fire against the onrushing enemy. With his ranks critically depleted by casualties and he himself critically wounded as the onslaught gained momentum and the hostile force surrounded his position, he seized his bayonet and engaged in bitter hand-to-hand combat as the breakthrough continued. Observing three machineguns closing in at a distance of 25 yards, he dashed from his position and, grasping hand grenades from fallen marines as he ran, charged the emplacements in rapid succession, killing the crews of two and putting the other out of action before he fell, mortally wounded. By his self-sacrificing and valiant conduct, Sergeant Poynter inspired the remaining members of his squad to heroic endeavor in bearing down upon and repelling the disorganized enemy, thereby enabling the platoon to move out of the trap to a more favorable tactical position.