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Rank and organization: Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps. Birth: 10 July 1923,
Lorain, Ohio. Accredited to: Ohio. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry
and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty
as member of a machinegun crew, serving with the 1st Battalion, 26th Marines,
5th Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the
seizure of Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands, on 3 March 1945. Stationed
in the front lines, Cpl. Berry manned his weapon with alert readiness as
he maintained a constant vigil with other members of his guncrew during
the hazardous night hours. When infiltrating Japanese soldiers launched
a surprise attack shortly after midnight in an attempt to overrun his position,
he engaged in a pitched hand grenade duel, returning the dangerous weapons
with prompt and deadly accuracy until an enemy grenade landed in the foxhole.
Determined to save his comrades, he unhesitatingly chose to sacrifice himself
and immediately dived on the deadly missile, absorbing the shattering violence
of the exploding charge in his own body and protecting the others from
serious injury. Stouthearted and indomitable, Cpl. Berry fearlessly yielded
his own life that his fellow marines might carry on the relentless battle
against a ruthless enemy and his superb valor and unfaltering devotion
to duty in the face of certain death reflect the highest credit upon himself
and upon the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
This data was extracted from the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, U.S. Senate, Medal of Honor Recipients: 1863-1973 (Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1973)
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