Medal of Honor: Rufus G. Herring – U.S. Naval Reserve – World War II

Name: Rufus G. Herring
Rank: Lieutenant (then Lieutenant, Junior Grade)
Branch: U.S. Naval Reserve
Unit: LCI (G) 449, LCI (G) Group 8
Place: Iwo Jima
Entered Service At: North Carolina
Born: 11 June 1921, Roseboro, North Carolina

Summary of Action

On 17 February 1945, during the preinvasion bombardment of Iwo Jima, Lt. Rufus G. Herring commanded LCI (G) 449 as it closed the heavily fortified shoreline.

Under devastating fire from Japanese coastal defense guns, he directed intense barrages from his 40mm and 20mm weapons against enemy positions. The return fire was savage. Shells struck the 449, blasting her heavy guns and turning her decks into sheets of flame.

Lt. Herring was struck down — severely wounded.

Regaining consciousness despite heavy bleeding, he resumed command. Moments later, a Japanese mortar shell slammed into the conning station, killing or fatally wounding most of the officers and leaving the ship without navigational control. Herring was critically wounded again.

Once more he recovered.

Fighting through pain and blood loss, he climbed down to the pilothouse, took the helm, reestablished communication with the engine room, and continued directing the battle. When too weak to stand, he propped himself against empty shell casings and continued to rally his men, keeping the ship in the firing line with her guns still in action.

He remained at his post until he had successfully conned his crippled vessel to safety.

Medal of Honor Citation

HERRING, RUFUS G.

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.