Congressional Medal of Honor Society
Stories of Sacrifice
World War II - U.S. Marine Corps
John Dury New
Details
- Rank: Private First Class
- Conflict/Era: World War II
- Unit/Command:
2d Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment,
1st Marine Division - Military Service Branch: U.S. Marine Corps
- Medal of Honor Action Date: September 25, 1944
- Medal of Honor Action Place: Peleliu Island, Palau Islands
Citation
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 2d Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu Island, Palau Group, 25 September 1944. When a Japanese soldier emerged from a cave in a cliff directly below an observation post and suddenly hurled a grenade into the position from which two of our men were directing mortar fire against enemy emplacements, Pfc. New instantly perceived the dire peril to the other marines and, with utter disregard for his own safety, unhesitatingly flung himself upon the grenade and absorbed the full impact of the explosion, thus saving the lives of the two observers. Pfc. New's great personal valor and selfless conduct in the face of almost certain death reflect the highest credit upon himself and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Additional Details
- Accredited to: Alabama
- Awarded Posthumously: Yes
- Presentation Date & Details: June 23, 1945
Naval Air Station, Pensocola, Florida, presented by Rear Adm. C.A. Pownall to his Father - Born: August 12, 1924, Mobile, Mobile County, AL, United States
- Died: September 25, 1944, Peleliu Island, Palau Islands
- Buried: Mobile National Cemetery (MH) (7-2147), Mobile, AL, United States