Ernest E. West facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ernest E. West
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| Born | September 2, 1931 Russell, Kentucky, U.S. |
| Died | May 1, 2021 (aged 89) Huntington, West Virginia, U.S. |
| Buried |
Kentucky Veterans Cemetery Northeast
Greenup County, Kentucky |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Years of service | 1950–1953 |
| Rank | Private first class |
| Unit | 3rd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | Korean War |
| Awards | Medal of Honor Purple Heart |
Ernest Edison West was a brave soldier in the United States Army. He lived from September 2, 1931, to May 1, 2021. He received the Medal of Honor, which is the highest award a soldier can get in the U.S. military. He earned this special award for his amazing courage during the Korean War.
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Ernest West's Early Life
Ernest West was born in Russell, Kentucky, on September 2, 1931. He spent part of his childhood at the Methodist Children's Home, which was an orphanage in Versailles, Kentucky. Later, he lived in Wurtland. Before joining the army, he worked for the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway, which is now called CSX Transportation.
Serving in the Korean War
Ernest West was called to join the United States Army in 1950. This was during the Korean War. By October 12, 1952, he was a Private First Class in Company L. His unit was the 14th Infantry Regiment, part of the 25th Infantry Division.
On that day, his unit was attacked near a place called Sataeri. Private First Class West showed incredible bravery. He ran through heavy enemy fire to save his wounded commander, Captain George Gividen.
As he was pulling his commander to safety, three enemy soldiers attacked them. Private First Class West quickly reacted. He used his own body to shield his commander from harm. Then, he used his rifle to fight off and defeat the attackers. During this brave act, he was wounded and lost an eye.
Even with such a serious injury, he did not leave the battlefield. He stayed to help other wounded soldiers get to safety. At one point, he fought off and defeated three more enemy soldiers.
Receiving the Medal of Honor
For his heroic actions, Ernest West was given the Medal of Honor. He received this award on January 29, 1954. He was a bit unsure about getting the medal. He felt that if one person got a medal, everyone who served should get one too.
Ernest West was the second person from Greenup County, Kentucky to receive the Medal of Honor. The first was John W. Collier. Ernest West was also the first person from that county to receive the medal while still alive.
Life After the War
After his time in the military, Ernest West returned home to Wurtland. He wanted to go back to his old job at the C&O Railway. At first, the company was hesitant to re-hire him because of his injury. However, after a phone call with the Veterans Administration, they agreed to hire him back.
Ernest West passed away on May 1, 2021. He was 89 years old. He died at St. Mary's Medical Center in Huntington, West Virginia. He was buried in the Kentucky Veterans Cemetery Northeast, which is in his home county.
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See also
In Spanish: Ernest E. West para niños
