Career
He posthumously received the Medal of Honor for his actions on April 25, 1951. Essebagger joined the Army from his birthplace in 1950. He is buried in Pilgrim Home Cemetery, Holland, Michigan.
Committed to effect a delaying action to cover the 3d Battalion"s withdrawal through Company A, Badly shaken, the grossly outnumbered detachment started to fall back and Gallantly maintaining a l-man stand, Scorning the withering fire and bursting shells.