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Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Stephen Holden Doane
Stephen Holden Doane was born on Oct. 13, 1947, in Beverly, Massachusetts. His father, David G. Doane was a doctor at Beverly Hospital. Dr. Doane is assigned to the Surgeon General's office in Washington, D.C.
Young Steve Doane with pet dalmatians.
After High School graduation, Steve enrolled at Gettysburg College,in Gettysburg, Pennsyvania
Steve Doane arrived at Gettysburg College much the same as many of the college’s current students. He played football, wrestled and was interested enough in Greek life that he decided to pledge one of the oldest fraternities on campus: Phi Kappa Psi. Steve Doane completed the pledging process, but left to fight in the Vietnam War before he was formally initiated.
Gettysburg College.
Steve Doane joined the Army from Albany, New York, and by March 25, 1969 was serving as a first lieutenant in Company B, 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division.
Steve just before leaving for the Army,
First Lt. Steve Doane was was stationed in Hau Nghia Province, Republic of Vietnam. He found the local people to be friendly and appreciative that the U.S. Army was there to help them. He discovered that the Viet Cong were fierce fanatical fighters.
A friendly village in Hau Nghia Province.
First Lt. Doane was serving as a platoon leader, when Steve Doane's company, suddenly engaged a Viet Cong force concealed in protected bunkers and trenches. Three of the U.S. soldiers were pinned down by enemy crossfire. One was seriously wounded. Several efforts were made to rescue the soldiers and failed.
Steve Doane crawled to the nearest enemy bunker and killed the enemy that were in it. it. He was wounded while doing so. He crawled to the next bunker. Just as he prepared to throw a grenade, Steve Doane was wounded again.
During the firefight on that day, First Lt. Steve Doane destroyed the remaining enemy bunker by carrying an activated hand grenade into it.
Steve Doane and 2 Viet Namese interpreters in 1969.
Steve Doane was 21 years old at the time of his death, on March 25, 1969. Lieutenant Stephen Holden Doane was posthumously issued his Medal. Of Honor.
Medal Of Honor
Citation for the award of the Medal of Honor to
STEPHEN HOLDEN DOANE
Rank and organization:
First Lieutenant, U .S. Army
Company B, 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry
25th Infantry Division
Place and Date:
Hau Nghia Province,
Republic of Vietnam
25 March 1969
Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. First Lt. Doane was serving as a platoon leader when his company, engaged in a tactical operation, abruptly contacted an enemy force concealed in protected bunkers and trenches. Three of the leading soldiers were pinned down by enemy crossfire. One was seriously wounded. After efforts of 1 platoon to rescue these men had failed, it became obvious that only a small group could successfully move close enough to destroy the enemy position and rescue or relieve the trapped soldiers, 1st Lt. Doane, although fully aware of the danger of such an action, crawled to the nearest enemy bunker and silenced it. He was wounded but continued to advance to a second enemy bunker. As he prepared to throw a grenade, he was again wounded. Undaunted, he deliberately pulled the pin on the grenade and lunged with it into the enemy bunker, destroying this final obstacle.
1st Lt. Doane's supreme act enabled his company to rescue the trapped men without further casualties. The extraordinary courage and selflessness displayed by this officer were an inspiration to his men and are in the highest traditions of the U.S. Army.
Other Honors
The Beverly Vietnam Veterans Post 1 took his name in honor of Stephen - the 1stLT Stephen H. Doane Chapter. His family was present at the Dedication and Dinner.
A Memorial was erected on the site of his birth. His "Citation" is on the memorial along with markers for other Beverly residents who lost their lives in Viet Nam.
A scholarship fund was created in his name.
He was Originally buried in Walton Cemetery, Walton, New York: he was moved to Arlington National Cemetery in 1980. Plot: Section 59, Lot 1617
His name can be found on the Viet Nam Memorial in Washington, DC on Panel 28W, Line 034.
Wesley Lee Fox
Wesley Lee Fox was born to John Wesley and Desola Lee (née Crouch) Fox, on September 30, 1931, in Herndon, Virginia. He is the oldest of ten children. Wesley Fox grew up on a farm along the Shenandoah River in northern Virginia. His father was a bricklayer.
He enlisted in the Marine Corps shortly before his 19th birthday, on August 4, 1950. After basic training at Parris Island, South Carolina, as a rifleman in the infantry he was sent him Korea.
Wesley Fox spent the Korean War lugging a Browning Automatic Rifle from one battle to another. His combat included duty with a rifle squad in 3d Battalion, 5th Marines, Korea, 1951, where he fought in the Pohang Guerrilla Hunt, Operations Killer and Ripper, and the advance to the Punchbowl. He was
wounded in action during the Korean War on September 8, 1951, but returned for a second tour of duty in Korea as a Platoon Sergeant. For over sixteen years he worked his way through all of the enlisted ranks from the lowest private to First Sergeant.He served 16 years as an enlisted man. He was a military policeman, a recruiter, and a drill instructor.
Wesley Fox wrote: "The power that a DI [drill instructor] enjoyed in the early fifties was not healthy for the Marine Corps." Events would prove him correct. Six marine recruits died in April 1956 after a drill instructor marched his platoon into Ribbon Creek.
Wesley Fox was also an expert diver and parachutist and served multiple tours in force reconnaissance units.
After his Korean War service, Fox returned to the United States and served as both a drill instructor and recruiter. He was promoted to First Sergeant in May 1966, and soon after was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant.
Wesley Lee Fox served in his second war in Vietnam.
When he went to Vietnam as an adviser to the South Vietnamese Marines; he stayed with them through the Tet Offensive of 1968. He liked the indigenous troops but felt that their idea of warfare tended to be “search-and-avoid.”
He signed on for another tour of duty in Vietnam with the Ninth Marines. He was a First Lieutenant in command of a company in the 1st Battalion, 9th Marines (1/9). The men of 1/9 called themselves the "Walking Dead", a nickname that proved all too realistic during one of the Marine Corps' last major offensives of the Vietnam War. Lieutenant Fox was serving his second tour of duty in his second war, when he lead the "Walking Dead" of his company during Operation Dewey Canyon.
During the course of the three month operation, x's gallantry in Quang Tri Province during Operation Dewey Canyon
In late February 1969, First Lieutenant Fox was the commander of a Marine rifle company that was part of Operation Dewey Canyon in the A Shau Valley near the Laotian border. He and his men had been in the area for more than a month, sporadically engaging North Vietnamese troops, when, on February 21, the battalion commander ordered LieutenantFox to go down into the valley to determine if an enemy force was attempting to recover a pair of 155 mm guns that American forces had captured earlier and, if so, to do something about it.
Around noon the next day, Lieutenant Fox’s company, understrength with only ninety men and lacking a mortar platoon, located a large force of well-concealed North Vietnamese regulars behind strong defensive positions. Fox quickly made a plan “to go right at them.” As he was getting ready, a rocket-propelled grenade exploded nearby, its shrapnel hitting him in the shoulder. Though bleeding heavily, he moved forward through heavy machine-gun fire. As he studied the battlefield, a sniper firing from a tree killed one of his Marines, then shot at Fox but missed. Fox picked up the fallen American’s rifle and killed the sniper before he could fire again.
Realizing that if he tried to break contact with the enemy, he would be exposing his men, Lieutenant Fox committed his reserve platoon to support the company’s two assault platoons in a "do or die" maneuver. As he gave directions to his reserve platoon commander, a mortar round exploded, wounding him and seriously injuring the platoon commander. Lieutenant Fox then directed his executive officer to take the reserve platoon forward. Within five minutes, the executive officer was killed by machine gun fire. With all company officers now dead or wounded, Lieutenant Fox was now in complete charge. He continued to direct his Marines as they neutralized the enemy force.
The darkness of the overcast afternoon prevented Lieutenant Fox from calling in air support. After some time, the sky briefly cleared and two planes were able to take out one of the machine gun nests that was blocking their advance. Having been wounded in action, along with almost every other member of his unit, Despite his wounds, Lieutenant Fox continued to lead his Marines in battle.
Lieutenant Fox continued to direct the actions of his Marines, ordering air strikes and coordinating the advance until the enemy retreated. The North Vietnamese troops began to pull back, and Lieutenant Fox established a defensive position and prepared his casualties for evacuation, while refusing medical aid himselffor his wounds in the final assualt. 11 of his men had been killed in action, and 58 had been wounded. Alpha Company had suffered 75% casualties. The enemy had left behind 105 dead.The actions of Lieutenant Fox were rewarded with our Nation's highest award for military heroism, the Medal of Honor. His award was presented to him at the White House in 1971, by President Richard M. Nixon. By the time he recieved his award, Wesley Fox had risen to the rank of Captain.
Colonel Wesley Lee Fox retired, only after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 62. By that time he had served 43 years in uniform. He retired from active duty in the Marine Corps, in September 1993. He continued to wear the uniform for eight more years as he served as a deputy commandant of cadets for the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets. During his time at Virginia Tech, until his retirement in 2001 Colonel Fox spoke of his experiences to America's next generation of military officers, business executives, and civic leaders.
Wesley Fox has written a book about his experiences in the military,"Mar ine Rifleman: Forty-Three Years in the Corps" (ISBN 1-57488-425-5), and was featured on the 2003 PBS program "American Valor". He describes what it means to be a Marine better than any slogan or advertising campaign ever could.
Decorations
In addition to the Medal of Honor, his medals and decorations include:
Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V”,
Navy Commendation Medal with one Gold Star,
Purple Heart with three Gold Stars,
Combat Action Ribbon,
Presidential Unit Citation,
Good Conduct Medal with four Gold Stars,
National Defense Service Medal with one Bronze star,
Korean Service Medal,
Bronze Stars, the United Nations Service Medal,
Vietnam Service Medal,
Silver Star and one Bronze Star in lieu of subsequent awards,
two Vietnamese Crosses of Gallantry,
Vietnamese Honor Medal 1st Class,
Vietnamese Unit Cross of Gallantry with Palm,
Korean Presidential Unit Citation
Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.
The Medal Of Honor
The President of the United States in the name of The Congress takes pleasure in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR to CAPTAIN WESLEY L. FOX, UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS for service as set forth in the following
CITATION:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as commanding officer of Company A, in action against the enemy in the northern A Shau Valley. Capt. (then 1st Lt.) Fox's company came under intense fire from a large well concealed enemy force. Capt. Fox maneuvered to a position from which he could assess the situation and confer with his platoon leaders. As they departed to execute the plan he had devised, the enemy attacked and Capt. Fox was wounded along with all of the other members of the command group, except the executive officer. Capt. Fox continued to direct the activity of his company. Advancing through heavy enemy fire, he personally neutralized 1 enemy position and calmly ordered an assault against the hostile emplacements. He then moved through the hazardous area coordinating aircraft support with the activities of his men. When his executive officer was mortally wounded, Capt. Fox reorganized the company and directed the fire of his men as they hurled grenades against the enemy and drove the hostile forces into retreat. Wounded again in the final assault, Capt. Fox refused medical attention, established a defensive posture, and supervised the preparation of casualties for medical evacuation. His indomitable courage, inspiring initiative, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger inspired his marines to such aggressive action that they overcame all enemy resistance and destroyed a large bunker complex.
Capt. Fox's heroic actions reflect great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps, and uphold the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.
Deming Bronson
Deming Bronson (July 8, 1894 – May 29, 1957) was a first lieutenant United States Army officer with Company H of the 364th Infantry Regiment, 91st Division. He received the United States military's highest award, the Medal of Honor, for his actions in World War I.
Deming Bronson was born on July 8, 1894, in Rhinelander, Wisconsin. The Bronson family moved to Seattle, Washinton from Wisconsin in 1903. They resided at 239 39th Avenue N on Capitol Hill. Deming attended the University of Washington and played Husky football from 1912 to 1916. He graduated with a degree in forestry. His friends and team-mates called him by his nickname - "Dick". He enlisted in the U.S. Army at the beginning of World War I.
After basic training, v was sent to France and was attached to Company H of the 364th Infantry Regiment, 91st Division. ON September 26, 1918, On the first day of the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, near the village of Eclisfontaine, 1st Lt. Deming Bronson was struck by an exploding enemy hand grenade, receiving deep cuts on his face and the back of his head, but he continued to fight and helped capture a German dugout from which they captured a large number of prisoners.
On the afternoon of the same day he was painfully wounded in the left arm by an enemy rifle bullet, and after Disregarding these instructions, 1st Lt. Bronson remained on duty with his company through the night although suffering from severe pain and shock.He was shot in the arm later that day, after receiving first aid treatment Lt. Bronson was directed to the rear. Once again, he refused medical evacuation and remained with his unit through the night.
The next morning, after joining a company which was on the front line of an attack, he assisted in the capture an enemy machine gun position and the town of Eclisfontaine. As the company withdrew, he was wounded by an artillery shell. This was the third time he had been wounded in less than 24 hours. Again Deming Bronson refused to be evacuated and remained with his men all night. Lt. Deming Bronson recovered from his injuries.
Other WWI veterans from Seattle, led the 11-year campaign for recognition of Bronson's heroism. First Lieutenant Deming Bronson was finally awarded the Medal of Honor in the office of President Herbert Hoover on November 19, 1929.
After the war, Deming Bronson became an executive with a paint company in Ohio and New Jersey, and later worked in the family lumber business in Oregon.
Medal Of Honor winner Deming Bronson died May 29, 1957, at the age of 62, and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. His grave can be found in Section 30, Lot 500.
Medal Of Honor
Rank and organization:
irst Lieutenant,
U.S. Army, Company H,
364th Infantry, 91st Division.
Place and date:
Near Eclisfontaine, France,
eptember 26-27 , 1918.
Entered service at:
Seattle, Washington.
Born: July 8, 1894,
Rhinelander, Wisconsin.
G.O. No.:
12 W.D., 1929.
Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action with the enemy. On the morning of 26 September, during the advance of the 364th Infantry, 1st Lt. Bronson was struck by an exploding enemy handgrenade, receiving deep cuts on his face and the back of his head. He nevertheless participated in the action which resulted in the capture of an enemy dugout from which a great number of prisoners were taken. This was effected with difficulty and under extremely hazardous conditions because it was necessary to advance without the advantage of cover and, from an exposed position, throw handgrenades and phosphorous bombs to compel the enemy to surrender. On the afternoon of the same day he was painfully wounded in the left arm by an enemy rifle bullet, and after receiving first aid treatment he was directed to the rear.
Disregarding these instructions, 1st Lt. Bronson remained on duty with his company through the night although suffering from severe pain and shock. On the morning of 27 September, his regiment resumed its attack, the object being the village of Eclisfontaine. Company H, to which 1st Lt. Bronson was assigned, was left in support of the attacking line, Company E being in the line. He gallantly joined that company in spite of his wounds and engaged with it in the capture of the village. After the capture he remained with Company E and participated with it in the capture of an enemy machinegun, he himself killing the enemy gunner. Shortly after this encounter the company was compelled to retire due to the heavy enemy artillery barrage. During this retirement 1st Lt. Bronson, who was the last man to leave the advanced position, was again wounded in both arms by an enemy high-explosive shell. He was then assisted to cover by another officer who applied first aid. Although bleeding profusely and faint from the loss of blood, 1st Lt. Bronson remained with the survivors of the company throughout the night of the second day, refusing to go to the rear for treatment.
His conspicuous gallantry and spirit of self-sacrifice were a source of great inspiration to the members of the entire command.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Henry Lewis Hulbert
First Lieutenant, United States Marine Corps
Henry Lewis Hulbert (January 12, 1867 - October 4, 1918) was a United States Marine who served during the Philippine-American War and World War I. As a private, he received the Medal of Honor for "distinguished conduct in the presence of the enemy at Samoa, Philippine Islands, April 1, 1899".
Henry Lewis Hulbert was born on January 12, 1867, in Kingston-Upon-Hull, Yorkshire, England. He was first child of a prosperous merchant, Henry Ernest Hulbert and Frances (Gamble) Hulbert, who later had another son and three daughters. None of the children knew the want and deprivation that was the lot of so many children born into the industrial cities of the mid-19th century. Theirs was a childhood of an abundance that included a far better than average education.
Early Years
Young Henry Hulbert attended the exclusive Felsted School in Essex, a school that traces its origins to 1564.
At an early age he determined to have a career in Britain's Colonial Civil Service. In 1884, at the age of 18, Henry Lewis Hulbert received his first appointment of clerk and storekeeper in the Civil Service of the Malay State of Perak, which today is a part of the country of Malaysia.
Henry Hulbert had a drive for excellence that was to mark the rest of his life. Hissuperior performance that soon caught the eyes of his supervisors. Among those impressed was Robert Douglas Hewett, state auditor for Perak and right-hand man of the British Governor, Frank Sweattenham. It wasn't very long until Henry Hulbert was exercising authority and responsibility far beyond his years and doing it exceedingly well. Herhad assignments as
Inspector of Public Works in Krian, District Engineer for Kuala Kangsar, Harbor Master for the port of Matang, and District Magistrate for Kinta District.
He started courting Anne Rose Hewett, sister of Robert Hewett. She had been born in Bombay, India. In June of 1888, with the approval and best wishes of the influential Hewett family, the two were married. A year later the young couple had a daughter, whom they named Sydney. It appeared to be a perfect family.
Henry Lewis Hulbert's career was taking off. His own exceptional abilities and his marriage into a powerful family guaranteed his eventual rise to the top. He was admired and respected by his peers and favored by his superiors.
A Family Scandal
In the summer of 1897, it came to light that Henry Hulbert had been having a secret affair with his wife's younger sister, for over two years. When they were discovered, The anger of the Hewett family was immense.
His sister-in-law was immediately put aboard a ship bound for England, and died in a shipwreck, during a storm, on the voyage to England. Henry Lewis Hulbert was banished. He was sent away with scarcely more than the clothes on his back, and was told to never return to the Malay States. A discreet and very quiet divorce took place.
Starting Over
Henry Hulbert went to Skagway, Alaska. It was jumping off point for Chilkoot Pass and the Klondike gold fields. By spring he had was San Francisco, California. When it looked like the United States was going to war with Spain he enlisted in the Marine Corps on March 28, 1898, a 31-year-old private.
He went to boot camp at Mare Island, California, after which he was given an assignment to the Marine Guard, USS Philadelphia (C-4). A year after his enlistment, on April 1, 1899, during a combined British-American expedition in Samoa, Henry Lewis Hulbert was awarded the Medal of Honor for extraordinary heroism.
When the landing force of British and American Marines and seamen was ambushed by a numerically superior rebel force, Private Hulbert, despite being wounded himself, conducted a one-man delaying action that enabled the landing force to withdraw to a defensible position covered by the guns of the warships offshore. Under fire from three sides, he stood his ground, refusing to withdraw until the main body had established a new defensive perimeter. Single-handedly he held off the attackers, while at the same time he protected two mortally wounded officers, Lieutenant Monaghan, USN and Lt Freeman, RN. In his official report of the action, Lt Constantine M. Perkins, commander of Philadelphia's Marine Guard, wrote of Pvt Hulbert: "His conduct throughout was worthy of all honor and praise."
Henry Hulbert was then promoted to the rank of sergeant.
He served in a succession of billets, both ashore and afloat. that were representative of the era, he never missed an award of the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal and never fired less than Expert Rifleman in his regular service rifle requalification. His conduct and proficiency marks were uniformly the highest that could be awarded, and his service records contain numerous commendations by reporting seniors.
He was gained a reputation as a totally dependable non- commissioned officer, whose advice was sought by seniors and subordinates alike. A congenial and friendly man, whose knowledge and experience covered an array of subjects, and who delighted in good company and good conversation. He was described by a fellow Marine as having "the bearing and manners of a fine gentleman". Even those who knew him best never heard him speak of his life before joining the Marine Corps.
Henry Hulbert was then promoted to the rank of sergeant.
He served in a succession of billets, both ashore and afloat. that were representative of the era, he never missed an award of the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal and never fired less than Expert Rifleman in his regular service rifle requalification. His conduct and proficiency marks were uniformly the highest that could be awarded, and his service records contain numerous commendations by reporting seniors.
He was gained a reputation as a totally dependable non-commissioned officer, whose advice was sought by seniors and subordinates alike. A congenial and friendly man, whose knowledge and experience covered an array of subjects, and who delighted in good company and good conversation. He was described by a fellow Marine as having "the bearing and manners of a fine gentleman. Even those who knew him best never heard him speak of his life before joining the Marine Corps.
The following are extracts from the endorsements of his commanding officers recommending him for promotion to commissioned rank:
* Commanding officer, Sixty-sixth Company: "I can not too strongly support Gunner Hulbert's request...If the young lieutenants recently appointed had half of Mr. Hulbert's energy, professional knowledge, physical ability, or manner of handling men under him, the arduous duties which now devolve upon the average company commander would be materially simplified."
* Battalion commander, First Battalion, Fifth Regiment: "Gunner Hulbert has proven conclusively, while attached to this battalion, that he is physically and professionally qualified to perform the duties of a commissioned officer. Nervously active, ambitious, zealous, always ready to help with valuable advice and original ideas, he is undoubtedly one of the most efficient officers in the service to-day."
* Adjutant, First Battalion, Fifth Regiment: "As a young officer new to the service, I wish to state that Mr. Hulbert has helped me a great deal...I served in the same company with Mr. Hulbert and will not hesitate to say that he can hold his own with the younger officers from a physical standpoint...If the Fifth Regiment ever goes over the top I want to go over with Mr. Hulbert."
* Regimental commander: "Marine Gunner Hulbert, United States Marine Corps, has given excellent service since I assumed command of this regiment. His energy, ability, and length of service merits his promotion to the rank of second lieutenant."
The Annual Report Secretary of the Navy (1917): "Also, the provision that in making the temporary appointments as ensigns the maximum age limit shall be 50 years for commissioned warrant offices and warrant officers has prevented such appointments in the cases of a number of very deserving officers of those classes, and it is hoped that this restriction will be removed."
In this connection no more deserving case existed than that of Gunner Henry L. Hulbert. He was prevented from attaining commissioned rank by the fact that he was some five months ver the 50 years prescribed in the provision just alluded to.
After winning the approval of Gen Barnett, with whom he had a long and close ssociation, Hulbert, again the Marine Corps' senior officer of his grade, sailed for France aboard the old transport Chaumont with the 5th Marines in July 1917.
In France his superiors tried to give him a safe job out of the way at regimental headquarters. At every opportunity Henry Hulbert found his way up to the front lines and got into the fight. Finally, Gunner HHenry ulbert was assigned as a platoon leader with the 66th Company (later C Co), 1st Bn, 5th Marines.
He was wounded in his regiment's first major engagement, at Belleau Wood on June 6, 1918. Gunner Henry Hulbert was twice cited in official orders for acts of bravery. On one occasion, armed only with a rifle, he single handedly attacked German machine gun positions and, as the citation read, "left seven of the enemy dead and put the remainder to flight."
The second citation commended him for continuing to lead his platoon in attacks that routed the defenders of a series of strong points despite being painfully wounded himself.The platoon leader who was old enough to be the father of the men he led, whose stamina and endurance were the envy of men half his age, was not quite finished.
A third act of heroism led him to be decorated with the distinguished Service Cross, one of the first Marines to be so recognized. In his official report of the monthlong fighting in Belleau Wood, Army Major General Omar L. Bundy, commanding general of the 2d Division, United States Regular, in which the 5th Marines served as part of the famed Marine Brigade, singled out Hulbert, "for his extraordinary heroism in leading attacks against enemy positions on June 6th." General Bundy concluded, "No one could have rendered more valuable service than Gunner Hulbert."
General Omar L. Bundy was not alone in his praise. Captain George K. Shuler, USMC wrote, "I should be most glad to have Gunner Hulbert under me in any capacity, and should he through good fortune be promoted over me I should be most happy to serve under his command." Lt W. T. Galliford, himself a winner of the Distinguished Service Cross, remarked, "If the Fifth Regiment goes over the top, I want to go with Mister Hulbert." General John J. Pershing, commander of the American Expeditionary Force, personally recommended that Hulbert be directly commissioned as a Captain.
After having been approved by the Secretary of the Navy for promotion to the grade of Captain, Henry Lewis Hulbert, up front as usual, was struck down by an unknown German machine-gunner. John W. Thomason saw him fall and noted the peaceful look upon his face. He was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross and cited for bravery a fourth time.
The French government bestowed the Croix de Guerre Order of the Army upon this "most gallant soldier" Henry Lewis Hulbert.
He was Britannia's son, who gave his life for his adopted land.
The name of Henry Lewis Hulbert is among those inscribed on the Peace Cross at Bladensburg, Maryland, that was erected in 1919 to honor the memory of the men from Prince George's County who died in the "Great War".
Hulbert Lewis was buried in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia. His grave can be found in Section 3, Lot 4309.
Medals:
Medal of Honor
Navy Cross
Distinguished Service Cross
Purple Heart
Croix de guerre
On April 1, 1899, Marines from the U.S.S. Philadelphia went ashore at Samoa in the Philippine Islands, with Royal Marines from two British ships, to intervene in a dispute between two tribal leaders over succession to the Samoan throne. The Marines were ambushed, and Private Henry Hulbert was one of three Marines and one Navy Gunner's Mate to earn Medals of Honor for their heroism in the engagement precipitating withdrawal of the unit. Private Hulbert was cited for "distinguished conduct in the presence of the enemy."
Medal Of Honor
The President of the United Statesin the name ofThe Congresstakes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to
HENRY LEWIS HULBERT
Rank and organization:
Private,
U.S. Marine Corps.
Born:
January 12, 1867,
Kingston-upon-Hull, England.
Accredited to:
California.
G.O. No.: 55,
July 19, 1901.
Other Navy award:
Navy Cross.
Citation:
For distinguished conduct in the presence of the enemy at Samoa, Philippine Islands, 1 April 1899.
Navy Cross:
Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to Henry Lewis Hulbert, Gunner, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the 5th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action at Chateau-Thierry, France, June 6, 1918.
Gunner Hulbert displayed extraordinary heroism during attack on the enemy's lines, during which time he constantly exposed himself to the enemy's fire without regard for personal danger, thereby assuring the delivery of supplies.
Distinguished Service Cross:
Citation:
Wounded in his regiment's first major engagement, at Belleau Wood on June 6, 1918, Gunner Hulbert was twice cited in official orders for acts of bravery. On one occasion, armed only with a rifle, he single-handedly attacked German machine-gun positions and, as the citation read, "left seven of the enemy dead and put the remainder to flight."
The second citation commended him for continuing to lead his platoon in attacks that routed the defenders of a series of strong points despite being painfully wounded himself.
*****
On June 28, 1919, Victoria C. Hulbert, the widow of this inspirational Marine, christened the destroyer USS Henry L. Hulbert (DD-342) when it was launched at Norfolk, Virginia. Commissioned and put into service in 1920, the Hulbert served continually on the Asiatic Station until 1929 when she returned to American waters, remaining there until she was decommissioned in 1934.
The Hulbert was recalled to service in 1940, and was assigned to the Pacific Fleet. On December 7, 1941, it was moored at Berth D-3, Submarine Base, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The Hulbert's whaleboats rescued seamen from stricken ships along Battleship Row. Her .50-caliber antiaircraft battery brought down a Japanese torpedo bomber and damaged two others.
The ship continued to serve in the Central and North Pacific until she was taken to Philadelphia and decommissioned for the last time in November 1945. In 1946, the USS Henry L. Hulbert was stricken from the Navy List and sold for scrap.
The ship's bell was saved from the scrap heap. For more than 50 years that bell, along with others of its kind, mementos of long-gone ships of the line, collected dust in a warehouse at the Washington Navy Yard.
In July of 1998, thanks to the efforts of the Medal of Honor Society, the ship's bell of USS Henry L. Hulbert was rededicated at The Basic School's Infantry Officer Course at Quantico, Virginia. On the quarterdeck of Mitchell Hall, along with the decorations won by her ship's namesake, the ship's bell stands as a reminder of the exemplary qualities of a magnificent Marine for which it was named.
What could be a better inspiration for young officers about to assume one of the Marine Corps' most demanding duties of an infantry platoon leader, than that of a a man whose dedication to duty and devotion to the Marine Corps continues to serve as an example many years after his death on the battlefield?
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