Editing James D LaBelle

{{Vet
| name = James D. LaBelle
| birth_date = November 22, 1925
| birth_place = Columbia Heights, Minnesota
| death_date = March 8, 1945
| death_place = Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands
| status = KIA
| allegiance = United States
| branch = United States Marine Corps Reserve
| serviceyears = 1943–1945
| rank = Private First Class
| unit = Weapons Company, 27th Marines, 5th Marine Division
| battles = Battle of Iwo Jima
| awards = Medal of Honor, Purple Heart
}}

'''James Dennis LaBelle''' (November 22, 1925 – March 8, 1945) was a United States Marine who was posthumously awarded the '''[[Medal of Honor]]''', the United States' highest decoration for valor, for his actions during the [[Battle of Iwo Jima]].

Born in Columbia Heights, Minnesota, LaBelle enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve at age 17 with his parents' permission and deployed to the Pacific in 1944. He served with Weapons Company, 27th Marines, 5th Marine Division.

== Medal of Honor ==
On March 8, 1945, sharing a foxhole with two other Marines, LaBelle threw himself on a Japanese grenade to shield his comrades and was killed by the blast. His Medal of Honor was posthumously presented to his mother in July 1946, and he is buried at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minnesota.

=== Citation ===
<blockquote>
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the Weapons Company, twenty-seventh Marines, Fifth Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the seizure of Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands, 8 March 1945. Filling a gap in the front lines during a critical phase of the battle, Private First Class LaBelle had dug into a foxhole with two other Marines and grimly aware of the enemy's persistent attempts to blast a way through our lines with hand grenades, applied himself with steady concentration to maintaining a sharply vigilant watch during the hazardous night hours. Suddenly a hostile grenade landed beyond reach in his foxhole. Quickly estimating the situation, he determined to save the others if possible, shouted a warning and instantly dived on the missile, absorbing the exploding charge in his own body and thereby protecting his comrades from serious injury. Stouthearted and indomitable, he had unhesitatingly relinquished his own chance of survival that his fellow Marines might carry on the relentless fight against a fanatic enemy and, his dauntless courage, cool decision and valiant spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of certain death reflect the highest credit upon Private First Class LaBelle and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.
</blockquote>

[[Category:Medal of Honor recipients]]
[[Category:Battle of Iwo Jima]]