JOHN D. NEW Private First Class United States Marine Corps PRIVATE FIRST CLASS JOHN D. NEW UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS Citation "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his own life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu Island, Palau Group, 25 September 1944. When a Japanese soldier emerged from a cave in a cliff directly below an observation post and suddenly hurled a grenade into the position from which two of our men were directing mortar fire against enemy emplacements, Private First Class New instantly perceived the dire peril to the other Marines and, with utter disregard for his own safety, unhesitatingly flung himself upon the grenade and absorbed the full impact of the explosion, thus saving the lives of the two observers. Private First Class New's great personal valor and selfless conduct in the face of almost certain death reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country." FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT President of the United States Return to Quarterdeck |
The President of the United States in the name of The Congress takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to *NEW, JOHN DURY Rank and Organization: Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps. Born: 12 August 1924, Mobile, Ala. Accredited To: Alabama. On 12 August 2001 the City of Mobile, Alabama changed the name of Cottage Hill Park to Pfc. John D. New Memorial Park. Pfc. New was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Roosevelt 25 September 1944 when he threw himself on a hand grenade a Japanese soldier had thrown from a cave during the battle of Peleliu and saved the lives of two of his comrades. 12 August was John`s birthday. He was twenty years old and joined the Marine Corps 8 December 1941 just a day after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. |
