JayH19

My profile picture depicts First Lieutenant Baldomero Lopez, scaling a seawall, leading his platoon of the 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment during the landing at Inchon (1950). 

1st Lt Lopez enlisted in the US Navy during World War II, but later earned an appointment to the US Naval Academy. He earned his commission as a Second Lieutenant in the Marine Corps shortly after the war's end, instead serving as a section commander in China. He volunteered as a platoon commander shortly after the outbreak of the Korean War, and earned his promotion to First Lieutenant.

1st Lt Lopez survived the act depicted during the landing. However, he later would give his life covering an enemy grenade at his men's position, only minutes after he scaled the wall with his platoon. These actions would earn him the Posthumous Medal of Honor, one of 28 Marines during the conflict.

"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as a Marine platoon commander of Company A, in action against enemy aggressor forces...His exceptional courage, fortitude, and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon 1st Lt. Lopez and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country."

- Medal of Honor Citation of First Lieutenant Lopez, United States Marine Corps