South Haven in Van Buren County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Corporal Duane E. Dewey

Photographed by Don Morfe, June 30, 2010

1. Corporal Duane E. Dewey Marker

Inscription. During the Korean War, Corporal Duane Edgar Dewey of the 2nd Battalion 5th Marines from South Haven, was the first person to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor from then President Eisenhower. He earned the nation’s highest award for heroism on April 16, 1952 when, although already wounded, he smothered an exploding enemy grenade with his own body to save the lives of his comrades.
Semper Fi

Topics and series. This memorial is listed in this topic list: War, Korean. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #34 Dwight D. Eisenhower, and the Medal of Honor Recipients series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is April 16, 1952.

Location. 42° 24.204′ N, 86° 16.325′ W. Memorial is in South Haven, Michigan, in Van Buren County. It is on Phoenix Street west of Broadway Street, on the right when traveling west. The marker is located near the entrance to City Hall. Touch for map. Memorial is at or near this postal address: 539 Phoenix Street, South Haven MI 49090, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this memorial is in Southwest Michigan

and specifically in one of the Lake Michigan Shore counties. It is also in the American Midwest

and on the Great Lakes.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: City of South Haven (a few steps from this marker); Conger House, Circa 1856 (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Scott Club (about 700 feet away); Fruit Industry (approx. 0.2 miles

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away); Michigan Central Railroad Yard (approx. 0.2 miles away); Downtown's Rich History (approx. 0.2 miles away); Wilhelm Baum (approx. ¼ mile away); Evelyn S (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in South Haven.

Photographed by Don Morfe, June 30, 2010

2. Corporal Duane E. Dewey Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on August 18, 2022. It was originally submitted on December 10, 2012, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 671 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 10, 2012, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.