Rufus Geddie Herring-Roseboro, NC
Posted by: 
Don.Morfe
N 34° 57.888 W 078° 30.714
17S E 727165 N 3871967
World War II Medal of Honor Recipient for action on Iwo Jima, Japan on February 17, 1945. He is buried in Roseboro Cemetery, Roseboro, NC in Lot 279 at the large flag pole.
Waymark Code: WMX0YB
Location: North Carolina, United States
Date Posted: 11/10/2017
Views: 2
He was born on June 11, 1921 in Roseboro, NC and died on January 31, 1996 in Roseboro, NC. He attained the rank of Lieutenant Commander in the US Navy. His Medal of Honor information and citation is: HERRING, RUFUS G.
• Rank and organization: Lieutenant, U.S. Naval Reserve, LCI (G) 449
• Place and date: Iwo Jima, 17 February 1945
• Entered service at: 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.
Armed Service: Navy
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