Charles J Berry: Difference between revisions
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{{Vet | {{Vet | ||
| name = Charles J Berry | | name = Charles J. Berry | ||
| | | birth_date = July 10, 1923 | ||
| birth_place = Lorain, Ohio | |||
| death_date = March 3, 1945 | |||
| death_place = Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands | |||
| status = KIA | | status = KIA | ||
| allegiance = United States | |||
| branch = United States Marine Corps | | branch = United States Marine Corps | ||
| unit = 26th Marines | | serviceyears = 1941–1945 | ||
| rank = Corporal | |||
| unit = 1st Battalion, 26th Marines, 5th Marine Division | |||
| battles = Battle of Iwo Jima | |||
| awards = Medal of Honor, Purple Heart | |||
}} | }} | ||
'''Charles Joseph Berry''' (July 10, 1923 – March 3, 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 Lorain, Ohio, Berry enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1941 and first served as a paratrooper in the 1st Parachute Battalion before joining the 5th Marine Division. At Iwo Jima he served as a machine gunner with the 1st Battalion, 26th Marines. | |||
== Medal of Honor == | |||
Shortly after midnight on March 3, 1945, infiltrating Japanese soldiers attacked Berry's position. During a fierce hand-grenade duel, an enemy grenade landed in his foxhole; Berry threw himself upon it, absorbing the blast with his own body to save the other members of his gun crew. He was killed instantly. | |||
=== Citation === | |||
<blockquote> | |||
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as a member of a Machine-gun Crew, serving with the First Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, Fifth Marine Division, in action enemy Japanese forces during the seizure of Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands, on 3 March 1945. Stationed in the front lines, Corporal Berry manned his weapon with alert readiness as he maintained a constant vigil with other members of his gun crew during the hazardous night hours. When infiltrating Japanese soldiers launched a surprise attack shortly after midnight in an attempt to overrun his position, he engaged in a pitched hand grenade duel, returning the dangerous weapons with prompt and deadly accuracy until an enemy grenade landed in the foxhole. Determined to save his comrades, he unhesitatingly chose to sacrifice himself and immediately dived on the deadly missile, absorbing the shattering violence of the exploding charge in his own body and protecting the others from serious injury. Stouthearted and indomitable, Corporal Berry fearlessly yielded his own life that his fellow Marines might carry on the relentless battle against a ruthless enemy and his superb valor and unfaltering devotion to duty in the face of certain death reflect the highest credit upon himself and upon the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country. | |||
</blockquote> | |||
[[Category:Medal of Honor recipients]] | |||
[[Category:Battle of Iwo Jima]] | |||
Latest revision as of 12:35, 20 July 2026
| Charles J. Berry | |
|---|---|
| Born | July 10, 1923 Lorain, Ohio |
| Died | March 3, 1945 Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands |
| Status | KIA |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch | United States Marine Corps |
| Years of service | 1941–1945 |
| Rank | Corporal |
| Service number | |
| Unit | 1st Battalion, 26th Marines, 5th Marine Division |
| Commands held | |
| Battles / wars | Battle of Iwo Jima |
| Awards | Medal of Honor, Purple Heart |
| Relations | |
| Later work | |
Charles Joseph Berry (July 10, 1923 – March 3, 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 Lorain, Ohio, Berry enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1941 and first served as a paratrooper in the 1st Parachute Battalion before joining the 5th Marine Division. At Iwo Jima he served as a machine gunner with the 1st Battalion, 26th Marines.
Medal of Honor
[edit]Shortly after midnight on March 3, 1945, infiltrating Japanese soldiers attacked Berry's position. During a fierce hand-grenade duel, an enemy grenade landed in his foxhole; Berry threw himself upon it, absorbing the blast with his own body to save the other members of his gun crew. He was killed instantly.
Citation
[edit]For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as a member of a Machine-gun Crew, serving with the First Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, Fifth Marine Division, in action enemy Japanese forces during the seizure of Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands, on 3 March 1945. Stationed in the front lines, Corporal Berry manned his weapon with alert readiness as he maintained a constant vigil with other members of his gun crew during the hazardous night hours. When infiltrating Japanese soldiers launched a surprise attack shortly after midnight in an attempt to overrun his position, he engaged in a pitched hand grenade duel, returning the dangerous weapons with prompt and deadly accuracy until an enemy grenade landed in the foxhole. Determined to save his comrades, he unhesitatingly chose to sacrifice himself and immediately dived on the deadly missile, absorbing the shattering violence of the exploding charge in his own body and protecting the others from serious injury. Stouthearted and indomitable, Corporal Berry fearlessly yielded his own life that his fellow Marines might carry on the relentless battle against a ruthless enemy and his superb valor and unfaltering devotion to duty in the face of certain death reflect the highest credit upon himself and upon the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.