Francis Junior Pierce-Grand Rapids, MI
Posted by: 
Don.Morfe
N 42° 59.802 W 085° 42.774
16T E 604915 N 4761252
World War II Medal of Honor Recipient for action on Iwo Jima on March 15-16, 1945. He is buried in Holy Cross Cemetery, Grand Rapids, MI in Block O, Garden of Prayer, Lot 4, Grave 4.
Waymark Code: WMX6P1
Location: Michigan, United States
Date Posted: 12/04/2017
Views: 11
He was born on December 7, 1924 in Earlville, IA and died on December 21, 1986 in Grand Rapids, MI. His Medal of Honor information and citation is: PIERCE, FRANCIS JUNIOR
• Rank and organization: Pharmacist's Mate First Class, U.S. Navy serving with 2d Battalion, 24th Marines, 4th Marine Division
• Place and date: Iwo Jima, 15 and 16 March 1945
• Entered service at Iowa
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while attached to the 2d Battalion, 24th Marines, 4th Marine Division, during the Iwo Jima campaign, 15 and 16 March 1945. Almost continuously under fire while carrying out the most dangerous volunteer assignments, Pierce gained valuable knowledge of the terrain and disposition of troops. Caught in heavy enemy rifle and machinegun fire which wounded a corpsman and 2 of the 8 stretcher bearers who were carrying 2 wounded marines to a forward aid station on 15 March, Pierce quickly took charge of the party, carried the newly wounded men to a sheltered position, and rendered first aid. After directing the evacuation of 3 of the casualties, he stood in the open to draw the enemy's fire and, with his weapon blasting, enabled the litter bearers to reach cover. Turning his attention to the other 2 casualties he was attempting to stop the profuse bleeding of 1 man when a Japanese fired from a cave less than 20 yards away and wounded his patient again. Risking his own life to save his patient, Pierce deliberately exposed himself to draw the attacker from the cave and destroyed him with the last of his ammunition Then lifting the wounded man to his back, he advanced unarmed through deadly rifle fire across 200 feet of open terrain. Despite exhaustion and in the face of warnings against such a suicidal mission, he again traversed the same fire-swept path to rescue the remaining marine. On the following morning, he led a combat patrol to the sniper nest and, while aiding a stricken marine, was seriously wounded. Refusing aid for himself, he directed treatment for the casualty, at the same time maintaining protective fire for his comrades. Completely fearless, completely devoted to the care of his patients, Pierce inspired the entire battalion. His valor in the face of extreme peril sustains and enhances the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.
Armed Service: Navy
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