"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above
and beyond the call of duty while serving with the Weapons Company, 27th Marines, Fifth 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, Private First Class LaBelle had dug into a foxhole with two 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 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 and, his dauntless courage,
cool decision and valiant spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of
certain death reflect the highest credit upon Private First Class
LaBelle and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country."
From PFC La Belle's Medal of Honor citation, awarded on July 21, 1946.
May you be at peace,
Brian
Memorial in Columbia Heights, MN
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