Medal of Honor: Ray E. Eubanks – World War II, July 23, 1944

Charging Into Fire: The Final Stand of Sergeant Ray E. Eubanks

Name: Ray E. Eubanks
Rank and Organization: Sergeant, U.S. Army
Conflict: World War II
Unit: Company D, 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment
Date of Action: July 23, 1944
Location: Noemfoor Island, Dutch New Guinea

Summary of Action:
On July 23, 1944, during the Allied campaign to secure Noemfoor Island in Dutch New Guinea, Sergeant Ray E. Eubanks’ company encountered a fortified Japanese position bristling with rifle, machine gun, and mortar fire. Another platoon was pinned down and in dire need of relief. To break the deadlock and save their comrades, Eubanks was tasked with leading a single squad against a superior enemy force.

With fearless determination, he pushed his men to within 30 yards of the enemy line before enemy fire stalled the advance. Ordering his men to hold their fire and position, Eubanks and two scouts crept forward through a shallow depression. Just 25 yards from the enemy, he left the scouts in place and advanced alone with an automatic rifle. Crawling through the open, under withering fire, he reached within 15 yards of the Japanese line and unleashed a torrent of fire, disrupting the defenders.

The enemy quickly spotted him and concentrated their fire. Eubanks was wounded, and a bullet struck his rifle, rendering it useless. Bleeding and outgunned, he didn't retreat—he charged. With raw courage and resolve, he stormed the enemy’s position, using his broken weapon as a club to kill four enemy soldiers in brutal hand-to-hand combat before being struck down by a second wave of fire.

His sacrifice ignited his men with fury and resolve. Inspired by his valor, they surged forward, killing 45 enemy soldiers and routing the rest—relieving the beleaguered platoon and securing the objective. Sergeant Eubanks' final act was one of ferocity, leadership, and unmatched bravery. He gave his life not in retreat, but in full charge—facing the enemy to the last.

Medal of Honor Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty at Noemfoor Island, Dutch New Guinea, 23 July 1944. While moving to the relief of a platoon isolated by the enemy, his company encountered a strong enemy position supported by machinegun, rifle, and mortar fire. Sgt. Eubanks was ordered to make an attack with one squad to neutralize the enemy by fire in order to assist the advance of his company. He maneuvered his squad to within 30 yards of the enemy where heavy fire checked his advance. Directing his men to maintain their fire, he and two scouts worked their way forward up a shallow depression to within 25 yards of the enemy. Directing the scouts to remain in place, Sgt. Eubanks armed himself with an automatic rifle and worked himself forward over terrain swept by intense fire to within 15 yards of the enemy position when he opened fire with telling effect. The enemy, having located his position, concentrated their fire with the result that he was wounded and a bullet rendered his rifle useless. In spite of his painful wounds he immediately charged the enemy and, using his weapon as a club, killed four of the enemy before he was himself again hit and killed. Sgt. Eubanks’ heroic action, courage, and example in leadership so inspired his men that their advance was successful. They killed 45 of the enemy and drove the remainder from the position, thus effecting the relief of our beleaguered troops.