23 August 2009

Medal of Honor: J. T. Boone

JOEL THOMPSON BOONE

Lieutenant, Medical Corps, US Navy; 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Division, American Expeditionary Force

Born: 2 August 1889, St Clair, Pennsylvania
Died: 2 April 1974, Washington DC

Citation: For extraordinary heroism, conspicuous gallantry, and intrepidity while serving with the 6th Regiment, U.S. Marines, in actual conflict with the enemy [near Vierzy, France, on 19 July 1918]. With absolute disregard for personal safety, ever conscious and mindful of the suffering fallen, Surg. Boone, leaving the shelter of a ravine, went forward onto the open field where there was no protection and despite the extreme enemy fire of all calibers, through a heavy mist of gas, applied dressings and first aid to wounded marines. This occurred southeast of Vierzy, near the cemetery, and on the road south from that town. When the dressings and supplies had been exhausted, he went through a heavy barrage of large-caliber shells, both high explosive and gas, to replenish these supplies, returning quickly with a sidecar load, and administered them in saving the lives of the wounded. A second trip, under the same conditions and for the same purpose, was made by Surg. Boone later that day.


Note: Boone retired from active duty as a Vice Admiral in 1950. USS Boone (FFG 28) was named in his honour.

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