Francis C. Hammond
Who Was Francis C. Hammond?
Francis C. Hammond attended school in Alexandria and graduated from George Washington High School in 1949. Alexandria honored its Medal of Honor recipient by naming a school building after him.
The United States Navy commissioned a fast frigate named the USS Francis C. Hammond (FF-1067) which was decommissioned in 1992. His letter of commendation, Medal of Honor and other memorabilia are on display in the front hall of Francis C. Hammond Middle School.
"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as a Medical Corpsman, serving with the FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on the night of 26-27 March 1953. After reaching an intermediate objective during a counterattack against a heavily entrenched and numerically superior hostile force occupying commanding ground on a bitterly contested outpost far in advance of the main line of resistance, Hammond's platoon was subjected to a murderous barrage of hostile mortar and artillery fire, followed by a vicious assault by onrushing enemy troops. Resolutely advancing throughout the veritable curtain of fire to aid his stricken comrades, Hammond moved among the stalwart garrison of Marines and, although critically wounded himself, valiantly continued to administer aid to the other wounded throughout an exhausting four-hour period. When the unit was ordered to withdraw, he skillfully directed the evacuation of casualties and remained in the fire-swept area to assist the corpsmen of the relieving unit until he was struck by a round of enemy mortar fire and fell, mortally wounded. By his exceptional fortitude, inspiring initiative and self-sacrificing efforts, Hammond undoubtedly saved the lives of many Marines. His great personal valor in the face of overwhelming odds enhances and sustains the finest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country."
Dwight D. Eisenhower
November 12, 1953