"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 EIGHT, during the pre-invasion
attack on Iwo Jima on 17 February 1945. Boldly closing the strongly
fortified shores under the devastating fire of Japanese coastal defense
guns, Lieutenant (then Lieutenant, Junior Grade,) Herring directed
shattering barrages of 40-mm. and 20-mm. gunfire against hostile beaches
until struck down by the enemy's savage counter fire 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,
Lieutenant Herring resolutely climbed down to the pilot house and,
fighting against his rapidly waning strength, took over the helm,
established communication with the engine room 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 20-mm 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
Lieutenant Herring and uphold the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."
From Lieutenant, Junior Grade Herring's Medal of Honor citation, awarded in 1946.
May you be at peace,
Brian
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