The United States' highest decoration for valor was awarded to Gomez for extraordinary heroism on September 14, 1951, at Kajon-ni, during the Battle of the Punchbowl when he smothered a hand grenade with his own body to prevent destruction of his Marine machine gun team.
The highest decoration for valor in the United States was bestowed upon Gomez for extraordinary heroism on September 14, 1951, at Kajon-ni, during the Battle of the Punchbowl when he shielded a hand grenade with his own body to prevent harm to his Marine machine gun team.