Rufus G Herring
| Rufus G. Herring | |
|---|---|
| Born | June 11, 1921 Roseboro, North Carolina |
| Died | January 31, 1996 Roseboro, North Carolina |
| Status | Survived |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch | United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1942–1947 |
| Rank | Lieutenant, Junior Grade |
| Service number | |
| Unit | USS LCI(G)-449, LCI(G) Group Eight |
| Commands held | |
| Battles / wars | Battle of Iwo Jima |
| Awards | Medal of Honor, Purple Heart |
| Relations | |
| Later work | Businessman in Roseboro, North Carolina; retired from the Navy as Lieutenant Commander |
Rufus Geddie Herring (June 11, 1921 – January 31, 1996) was an officer in the United States Navy who received the Medal of Honor, the United States' highest decoration for valor, for his actions during the Battle of Iwo Jima. He was the only naval officer to receive the medal for Iwo Jima.
Born in Roseboro, North Carolina, Herring graduated from Davidson College in 1942 and was commissioned an ensign in the Naval Reserve. He commanded the infantry landing craft (gunboat) USS LCI(G)-449 and took part in the Kwajalein, Saipan, Tinian, and Guam campaigns.
Medal of Honor
[edit]On February 17, 1945, during the pre-invasion bombardment of Iwo Jima, Herring's ship was struck by heavy Japanese counterfire that killed or wounded most of the officers. Though critically wounded twice, he took the helm and conned the crippled vessel to safety. He was promoted to lieutenant commander and retired in 1947, returning to North Carolina for a business career.
Citation
[edit]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 EIGHT, 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, Lieutenant (then Lieutenant, Junior Grade,) Herring directed shattering barrages of 40-mm. and 20-mm. 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, Lieutenant Herring resolutely climbed down to the pilot house and, fighting against his rapidly waning strength, took over the helm, established communication with the engine room 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 20-mm 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 Lieutenant Herring and uphold the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.