Tampa in Hillsborough County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

First Lt. Baldomero Lopez

Tampa Native

— Awarded Congressional Medal Of Honor —

First Lt. Baldomero Lopez Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Tim Fillmon, September 14, 2022

1. First Lt. Baldomero Lopez Marker

After restoration

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

During the Inchon invasion in Korea, September 15, 1950, Marine 1st Lieutenant Lopez's platoon was engaging the enemy. Exposing himself to hostile fire he attempted to hurl a grenade into the pillbox whose fire was pinning them down. Wounded, he fell and dropped the grenade. Dragging his body forward, critically wounded and unable to grasp the grenade, he sacrificed himself rather than endanger the lives of his men. With his wounded right arm, he cradled the grenade under him absorbing the full impact of the explosion. With courage and devotion to duty, he gallantly gave his life for his men and his country.

Erected 1981 by Citizens of Tampa, The Tampa Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Hispanic Americans • Patriots & Patriotism • War, Korean. In addition, it is included in the Medal of Honor Recipients series list. A significant historical date for this entry is September 15, 1930.

Location. 27° 56.938′ N, 82° 27.402′ W. Marker is in Tampa, Florida, in Hillsborough County. Marker is at the intersection

Photographed By Mike Stroud, January 9, 2010

2. First Lt. Baldomero Lopez Marker

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of Madison Street and North Marion Street, on the right when traveling east on Madison Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Tampa FL 33602, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. St. Andrew's Episcopal Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Sacred Heart Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Hillsborough Lodge (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Federal Building (about 400 feet away); Operation Iraqi Freedom Memorial II (about 400 feet away); 1851 † 1891 (about 500 feet away); Operation Iraqi Freedom Memorial I (about 500 feet away); Courthouse Square (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tampa.

Photographed By Tim Fillmon, September 14, 2022

3. First Lt. Baldomero Lopez Marker

New location

First Lt. Baldomero Lopez Marker, looking east along Madison Street image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mike Stroud, January 9, 2010

4. First Lt. Baldomero Lopez Marker, looking east along Madison Street

First Lt. Baldomero Lopez Marker, looking west image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mike Stroud, January 9, 2010

5. First Lt. Baldomero Lopez Marker, looking west

First Lt. Baldomero Lopez image. Click for full size.

United States Marine Corps and Wikipedia

6. First Lt. Baldomero Lopez

Baldomero Lopez Funerary Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By AGS Media, July 1, 2010

7. Baldomero Lopez Funerary Marker

Burial site at Centro Asturiano Memorial Park Cemetery
(in Hillsborough County, just outside Tampa)

Baldomero Lopez Gravesite image. Click for full size.

Photographed By AGS Media, July 1, 2010

8. Baldomero Lopez Gravesite

The war hero is buried between two family members (presumably his parents).

Baldomero Lopez Memorial at Centro Asturiano Memorial Park image. Click for full size.

Photographed By AGS Media, July 1, 2010

9. Baldomero Lopez Memorial at Centro Asturiano Memorial Park

The memorial, at the base of the cemetery's flagpole reads: (Left panel)
Centro Asturiano Memorial Park
(Right panel)
1996
In Memory of
Baldomero Lopez
Medal of Honor
1st Lt
US Marine Corps
Korea
1925 - 1950

Credits. This page was last revised on September 18, 2022. It was originally submitted on February 18, 2010, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 2,193 times since then and 36 times this year. Last updated on June 9, 2010, by Glenn Sheffield of Tampa, Florida. Photos: 1. submitted on September 18, 2022, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. 2. submitted on February 18, 2010, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 3. submitted on September 18, 2022, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. 4, 5, 6. submitted on February 18, 2010, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 7, 8, 9. submitted on July 2, 2010, by Glenn Sheffield of Tampa, Florida. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.