Richard K. Sorenson
US Marine Corps Medal of Honor recipient
Died when: 80 years 42 days (961 months)Star Sign: Virgo
Richard Keith Sorenson (August 28, 1924 – October 9, 2004) was a United States Marine who, as a private, received the Medal of Honor during World War II for his heroism during the Marine landing on Kwajalein Atoll on the night of February 1–2, 1944.
He threw himself on an exploding Japanese grenade that was part of US munitions captured during the Battle of Bataan, to save the lives of five fellow Marines.
Although fragments of the grenade ripped through his thighs, hips, right arm and right leg, he survived the action.Of the 27 Marines who similarly threw themselves on grenades to save the lives of their fellow Marines during World War II, Sorenson was one of only four who lived.
Fellow Medal of Honor recipients Richard E.Bush, Jacklyn H.Lucas and Carlton R.Rouh were the other three survivors.
After recovering from the wounds, Sorenson continued to serve in the Marine Corps until he was discharged in 1946 at the rank of sergeant.
He enlisted in the Reserves in 1947.He reached the rank of master sergeant, received a commission as a Marine Corps officer in 1953 and remained in the Corps until 1955.
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