Jan/Feb 2006 - Korean War Veterans Association

Return to Tampa
The Baldomero Lopez Story
RIGHT: 1st Lt. Baldomero Lopez
BELOW: Lopez’ grave marker
On January 1, 2006—New Year’s
Day—a military cargo ship, primarily
a service vessel for the Marine
Corps named the 1st Lt Baldomero Lopez,
docked in the Tampa Bay Harbor for a 30-
day refurbishing and outfitting stay. This was
a very special event for the citizens of Tampa
Bay, Florida; the family of Lt. Lopez; members
of the Korean War Veterans Association,
and Korean veterans everywhere.
Lopez was born and raised in Tampa Bay,
where he became a terrific basketball player
while in high school. In 1943 he enlisted in
the U.S. Navy, serving through the end of
1944. He then entered the U.S. Naval
Academy. In 1947 he was commissioned as
a Second Lieutenant in the Marine Corps. He
went through Platoon Leader’s Training,
after which he was shipped to duty in China.
Later, he returned to the States. He was based
in Oceanside CA when the Korean War
broke out, whereupon he volunteered for
service as an infantry officer. Unfortunately,
Lt Lopez died during the Inchon invasion.
He was awarded d the Medal of Honor for
his actions there.
ABOVE: Lopez’ cousin Jack,
his wife, and Murdock Ford watch the
Lopez arrive
LEFT: Murdock Ford and Lt. Lopez’
brother Jo
Reading from the official citation:
During the Inchon Invasion, - - with
his platoon, Lopez was engaged in the
reduction of enemy forces after landing
with the assault waves. Exposing himself
to enemy fire, he moved alongside
an enemy bunker and prepared to throw
a hand grenade at an enemy pillbox which
had pinned down that section of the
beach. Taken under fire by an enemy
automatic weapon, as he was about
to throw, he was hit in the shoulder
and chest. As he fell backward, he
dropped the deadly grenade. He
pulled his body forward in an effort to
retrieve the grenade, but in bad condition
from pain and loss of blood he
was unable to throw it. He chose to
sacrifice himself rather than endanger
the lives of his men. With a sweeping
motion of his wounded right arm, he
cradled the grenade beneath himself,
and absorbed the full impact of the
explosion.
For the exceptional courage, fortitude,
and devotion to duty, Lt Lopez is
awarded the Congressional Medal of
Honor. He gallantly gave his life for his
country (and his men!).
1st Lt. Lopez leads his men over the
Inchon seawall on September 15, 1950
In honor of this man, an elementary
school and a nursing home in Tampa have
been named after him. In addition, a Korean
War Veterans Association Chapter in the
Tampa area was chartered and named after
this inspirational hero.
Now, back to the ship. The Lopez was
also named in honor of Lt Lopez, in 1985.
But, because of the problem bringing the
vessel under the bridge system in place at the
time, it was unable to enter the Port of
Tampa. The ship then became involved primarily
in supplying Marine combat forces in
Africa, the Far East, and in Desert Storm.
Contiued on page 64
51
The Graybeards
January - February F
2006