Corpsman Up!

In your typical fragmentation grenade, it's not the explosion that kills you - it's the flying fragments of the grenade casing that are propelled outwards by the explosion. I would figure that if you're sitting on top of a grenade, most of the casing would probably stay intact because you're applying pressure onto it. Of course, this would only make the explosion stronger in the directions where your body is not directly on top of the grenade, but that still means that the bulk of the force would go sideways, not upwards where you are. So, all in all, the grenade would deal less damage than if it exploded a metre or two away from you. But that's just what my very limited knowledge of granades and physics suggests - I'm sure one of the people with actual military service (we seem to have a few here) would be able to better explain it.
 
PFC Lucas' experience is extremely rare in that he survived 2 grenade blasts. Offhand I can only think of one other who survived, and he only did one. In all other cases I know of, they all died. So you can count on one hand those who threw themselves on grenades, the grenade exploded and they lived.

Quarto is generally correct, d3r3k, except hardly anyone survives. And if you read Medal of Honor citations from WWII, Korea, and Vietnam, way more Marines and soldiers did it than you might think.
 
Hospital Apprentice First Class​

Robert E. Bush​


Congressional Medal of Honor​


Citation:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as Medical Corpsman with a rifle company, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa Shima, Ryukyu Islands on 2 May 1945. Fearlessly braving the fury of artillery, mortar, and machinegun fire from strongly entrenched hostile positions, Petty Officer Bush constantly and unhesitatingly moved from one casualty to another to attend the wounded falling under the enemy's murderous barrages. As the attack passed over a ridge top, he was advancing to administer blood plasma to a Marine officer lying wounded on the skyline when the Japanese launched a savage counterattack. In this perilously exposed position, he resolutely maintained the flow of life-giving plasma. With the bottle held high in one hand, Petty Officer Bush drew his pistol with the other and fired into the enemy's ranks until his ammunition was expended. Quickly seizing a discarded carbine, he trained his fire on the Japanese charging pointblank over the hill, accounting for six of the enemy despite his own serious wounds and the loss of one eye suffered during his desperate battle in defense of the helpless man. With the hostile force finally routed, he calmly disregarded his own critical condition to complete his mission, valiantly refusing medical treatment for himself until his officer patient had been evacuated, and collapsing only after attempting to walk to the battle aid station. Petty Officer Bush's daring initiative, great personal valor, and inspiring devotin to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
 
Hospital Corpsman Third Class​

Wayne M. Caron​


Congressional Medal of Honor​


Citation:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as platoon Corpsman with Company K, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division, during combat operations against enemy forces in Quang Nam Province, Republic of Vietnam on 28 July 1968. While on a sweep through an open rice field Petty Officer Caron's unit started receiving enemy small arms fire. Upon seeing 2 Marine casualties fall, he immediately ran forward to render first aid, but found that they were dead. At this time, the platoon was taken under intense small-arms and automatic weapons fire, sustaining additional casualties. As he moved to the aid of his wounded comrades, Petty Officer Caron was hit in the arm by enemy fire. Although knocked to the ground, he regained his feet and continued to the injured Marines. He rendered medical assistance to the first Marine he reached, who was grievously wounded, and undoubtedly was instrumental in saving the man's life. Petty Officer Caron then ran toward the second wounded Marine, but was again hit by enemy fire, this time in the leg. Nonetheless, he crawled the remaining distance and provided medical aid for this severely wounded man. Petty Officer Caron started to make his way to yet another injured comrade, when he was again struck by enemy small-arms fire. Corageously and with unbelievable determination, Petty Officer Caron continued his attempt to reach the the third Marine until he was killed by an enemy rocket round. By his inspiring valor, steadfast determination, and selfless dedication in the face of extreme danger, Petty Officer Caron reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awarded posthumously.
 
Hospital Corpsman Third Class​


William R. Charette​



Congressional Medal of Honor​



Citation:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty in action while serving as U. S. Navy Medical Corpsman with a Marine rifle company in Korea against enemy agressor forces during the early morning hours on 27 March 1953. Participating in a fierce encounter with a cleverly concealed and well-entrenched enemy force occupying positions on a vital and bitterly contested outpost far in advance of the main line of resistance, Petty Officer Charette repeatedly and unhesitatingly moved about through a murderous barrage of hostile small-arms and mortar fire to render assistance to his wounded comrades. When an enemy grenade landed within a few feet of a Marine he was attending, he immediately threw himself upon the stricken man and absorbed the entire concussion of the deadly missile with his body. Although sustaining painful facial wounds, and undergoing shock from the intensity of the blast which ripped the helmet and medical kit from his person, Petty Officer Charette resourcefully improvised emergency bandages by tearing off part of his clothing, and gallantly continued to administer medical aid to the wounded in his own unit and to those in adjacent platoon areas as well. Observing a seriously wounded comrade whose armored vest had been torn from his body by the blast from an exploding shell, he selflessly removed his own battle vest and placed it upon the helpless man although fully aware of the added jeopardy to himself. Moving to the side of another casualty who was suffering excruciating pain from a serious leg wound, Petty Officer Charette stood upright in the trench line and exposed himself to a deadly hail of enemy fire in order to lend more effective aid to the victim and to alleviate his anguish while being removed to a position of safety. Through his indomitable courage and inspiring efforts in behalf of his wounded comrades, he was directly responsible for saving many lives. By his great personal valor, steadfast perseverance, and loyal devotion to duty, Petty Officer Charette reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
 
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