"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of
duty in action with the enemy near Finschafen, New Guinea, on October
17, 1943. When wounded late in September, Pvt. Van Noy declined
evacuation and continued on duty. On October 17, 1943 he was gunner in
charge of a machinegun post only 5 yards from the water's edge when the
alarm was given that 3 enemy barges loaded with troops were approaching
the beach in the early morning darkness. One landing barge was sunk by
Allied fire, but the other 2 beached 10 yards from Pvt. Van Noy's
emplacement. Despite his exposed position, he poured a withering hail of
fire into the debarking enemy troops. His loader was wounded by a
grenade and evacuated. Pvt. Van Noy, also grievously wounded, remained
at his post, ignoring calls of nearby soldiers urging him to withdraw,
and continued to fire with deadly accuracy. He expended every round and
was found, covered with wounds dead beside his gun. In this action Pvt.
Van Noy killed at least half of the 39 enemy taking part in the landing. His heroic tenacity at the price of his life not only saved the lives
of many of his comrades, but enabled them to annihilate the attacking
detachment."
From Pvt. Noy's Medal of Honor citation, awarded on February 26, 1944.
May you be at peace,
Brian
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