James Dennis La Belle-Minneapolios, MN
Posted by: 
Don.Morfe
N 44° 52.044 W 093° 13.272
15T E 482525 N 4968244
World War II Medal of Honor Recipient for action at Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands on March 8, 1945. He was killed in action. He is buried in Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, MN in Section B1, site 422-S.
Waymark Code: WMX2NJ
Location: Minnesota, United States
Date Posted: 11/18/2017
Views: 2
He was born on November 25, 1925 in Columbia Heights, MN and died on March 8, 1945 Iwo Jima, Japan. His Medal of Honor information and citation is: *LA BELLE, JAMES DENNIS
• Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while attached to the 27th Marines, 5th 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, Pfc. LaBelle had dug into a foxhole with 2 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 deadly 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 His dauntless courage, cool decision and valiant spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of certain death reflect the highest credit upon Pfc. LaBelle and upon the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.
Armed Service: Marines
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