NEW, JOHN DURY - Medal of Honor Recipient
Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps. Birth:
12 August 1924, Mobile, Ala. Accredited to: Alabama. Citation: For conspicuous
gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the
call of duty while serving with the 2d Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine
Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu Island, Palau
Group, 25 September 1944. When a Japanese soldier emerged from a cave in
a cliff directly below an observation post and suddenly hurled a grenade
into the position from which 2 of our men were directing mortar fire against
enemy emplacements, Pfc. New instantly perceived the dire peril to the
other marines and, with utter disregard for his own safety, unhesitatingly
flung himself upon the grenade and absorbed the full impact of the explosion,
thus saving the lives of the 2 observers. Pfc. New's great personal valor
and selfless conduct in the face of almost certain death reflect the highest
credit upon himself and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life
for his country.
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