Congressional Medal of Honor Society

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World War II - U.S. Army

Ray E Eubanks

Details
  • Rank: Sergeant
  • Conflict/Era: World War II
  • Unit/Command:
    Company D,
    503d Parachute Infantry
  • Military Service Branch: U.S. Army
  • Medal of Honor Action Date: July 23, 1944
  • Medal of Honor Action Place: Noemfoor Island, Dutch New Guinea
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 machine-gun, 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.

Medal of Honor Recipient Ray E. Eubanks
Medal of Honor Recipient Ray E. Eubanks
Additional Details
  • Accredited to: LaGrange, Lenoir County, North Carolina
  • Awarded Posthumously: Yes
  • Presentation Date & Details: April 7, 1948

    Ft. Bragg, North Carolina, presented by Gen. Dorad C. Cubbison to his family

  • Born: February 6, 1922, Snow Hill, Greene County, NC, United States
  • Died: July 23, 1944, Noemfoor Island, Dutch New Guinea
  • Buried: West View Cemetery (MH) (H-136), Kinston, NC, United States
 

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