Rufus G. Herring, Medal of Honor Recipient
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Rank and organization: Lieutenant, U.S. Naval Reserve, LCI
(G) 449.
Place and date: Iwo Jima, 17 February 1945.
Entered service at: North Carolina.
Born: 11 June 1921, Roseboro, Sampson Co., North Carolina
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life
above and beyond the call of duty as commanding officer of LCI (G) 449 operating
as a unit of LCI (G) Group 8, during the preinvasion attack on Iwo Jima on
17 February 1945. Boldly closing the strongly fortified shores under the
devastating fire of Japanese coastal defense guns, Lt. (then Lt. (j.g.)) Herring
directed shattering barrages of 40mm. and 20mm. gunfire against hostile beaches
until struck down by the enemy's savage counterfire which blasted the 449's
heavy guns and whipped her decks into sheets of flame. Regaining consciousness
despite profuse bleeding he was again critically wounded when a Japanese mortar
crashed the conning station, instantly killing or fatally wounding most of the
officers and leaving the ship wallowing without navigational control. Upon recovering
the second time, Lt. Herring resolutely climbed down to the pilothouse and,
fighting against his rapidly waning strength, took over the helm, established
communication with the engineroom, and carried on valiantly until relief could
be obtained. When no longer able to stand, he propped himself against empty
shell cases and rallied his men to the aid of the wounded; he maintained position
in the firing line with his 20mm. guns in action in the face of sustained enemy
fire, and conned his crippled ship to safety. His unwavering fortitude, aggressive
perseverance, and indomitable spirit against terrific odds reflect the highest
credit upon Lt. Herring and uphold the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval
Service.
(Died 31 Jan 1996; Place of burial Roseboro Cemetery; Roseboro, Sampson Co., North Carolina)
bjcb, 25 Jun 2011