Louis Henry Boone, Jr.

Corporal, U. S. Marine Corps

Navy Cross

Citation:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Corporal Louis Henry Boone, Jr. (MCSN: 277230), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as a runner serving with Headquarters and Service Company, Twenty-Eighth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, during actions against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 19 February 1945.
Courageous and determined despite continuous heavy Japanese fire, Corporal Boone discovered, disarmed and removed more than twenty-five enemy land mines in the vicinity of the command post and near the main exit from the beach. Consistently aggressive, he volunteered to accompany a reconnaissance party to select a new location for the regimental command post and assisted materially in the destruction of two blockhouses from which hostile fire was sweeping the area. Withdrawing from the second blockhouse after igniting the fuse of a demolition charge, he was struck down and mortally wounded by a vicious machine-gun burst. His great personal valor and daring initiative in the face of tremendous odds were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
General Orders: Commander in Chief Pacific Forces: Serial 34982 (May 3, 1945)
Action Date: 19-Feb-45
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: Corporal
Company: Headquarters & Service Company
Regiment: 28th Marines
Division: 5th Marine Division