HERRING, RUFUS G. - Medal of Honor Recipient
Rank and organization: Lieutenant, U.S. Naval Reserve, LCI (G) 449.
Place and date: Iwo Jima, 17 February 1945. Entered service at: North Carolina.
Birth: 11 June 1921, Roseboro, N.C. 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.
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