Hospital Apprentice Fred H. Mcguire

Hospital Apprentice Fred H. McGuire

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while attached to the USS PAMPANG. Hospital Apprentice McGuire was one of the shore party moving in to capture Mundang, on the Island of Basilan, Philippine Islands, on the morning of 24 September 1911. Ordered to take station within 100 yards of a group of nipa huts close to a trail, he advanced and stood guard as the leader and his scout party first searched the surrounding deep grasses, then moved into the open area before the huts. Instantly enemy Moros opened point-blank fire on the exposed men and approximately 20 Moros charged the small group from inside the huts and from other concealed positions. Hospital Apprentice McGuire, responding to the calls for help, was one of the first on the scene. After emptying his rifle into the attackers, he closed in with rifle, using it as a club to wage fierce battle until his comrades arrived on the field, when he rallied to the aid of his dying leader and other wounded. Although himself wounded, Hospital Apprentice McGuire ministered tirelessly and efficiently to those who had been struck down, thereby saving the lives of two who otherwise might have succumbed to enemy-inflicted wounds. By his inspiring valor, steadfast initiative, and total dedication to duty, Hospital Apprentice McGuire reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.