EUBANKS, RAY E. - Medal of Honor Recipient
Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company D, 503d Parachute
Infantry. Place and date: At Noemfoor Island, Dutch New Guinea, 23 July
1944. Entered service at: LaGrange, N.C. Birth: 6 February 1922, Snow Hill,
N.C. G.O. No.: 20, 29 March 1945. 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 machinegun, rifle, and mortar fire. Sgt. Eubanks
was ordered to make an attack with 1 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 2 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 4 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.
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