Medal of Honor: James Dennis La Belle – U.S. Marine Corps – World War II

Name: James Dennis La Belle
Rank: Private First Class
Branch: U.S. Marine Corps Reserve
Unit: Attached to the 27th Marines, 5th Marine Division
Place: Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands
Born: 22 November 1925, Columbia Heights, Minnesota
Accredited To: Minnesota

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Summary of Action

During the brutal fighting for Iwo Jima, Private First Class James Dennis La Belle helped fill a critical gap in the Marine lines during a dangerous phase of the battle.

Sharing a foxhole with two fellow Marines, he maintained a vigilant watch through the night, fully aware that Japanese soldiers were attempting to break through the lines using hand grenades.

Suddenly, a grenade landed inside their foxhole.

There was no time to throw it back.

Quickly recognizing the danger to his companions, La Belle shouted a warning.

In the next instant, he threw himself directly onto the grenade.

When the explosion erupted, he absorbed the full force of the blast with his own body.

His selfless action shielded the two Marines beside him from serious injury.

Private First Class James Dennis La Belle gave his life so his comrades could continue the fight.

His courage, calm judgment, and extraordinary sacrifice reflect the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and the Naval Service.

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Medal of Honor Citation

LA BELLE, JAMES DENNIS

Born: 22 November 1925, Columbia Heights, Minn.

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while attached to the 27th Marines, 5th Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the seizure of Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands, 8 March 1945. Filling a gap in the front lines during a critical phase of the battle, Pfc. LaBelle had dug into a foxhole with 2 other marines and, grimly aware of the enemy’s persistent attempts to blast a way through our lines with hand grenades, applied himself with steady concentration to maintaining a sharply vigilant watch during the hazardous night hours. Suddenly a hostile grenade landed beyond reach in his foxhole. Quickly estimating the situation, he determined to save the others if possible, shouted a warning, and instantly dived on the deadly missile, absorbing the exploding charge in his own body and thereby protecting his comrades from serious injury. Stouthearted and indomitable, he had unhesitatingly relinquished his own chance of survival that his fellow marines might carry on the relentless fight against a fanatic enemy. His dauntless courage, cool decision and valiant spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of certain death reflect the highest credit upon Pfc. LaBelle and upon the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.