Rufus Geddie Herring (June 11, 1921 – January 31, 1996) was a United States Naval Reserve officer and a recipient of the Medal of Honor, the United States' highest military decoration, for his actions during World War II.
Early Life and Education
Herring was born in Roseboro, North Carolina. He attended Davidson College in Davidson, North Carolina, where he was initiated into the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity on February 3, 1939. He graduated in the spring of 1942.
Military Service
After graduating, Herring enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserve and attended the Naval Reserve Midshipman School in New York City. He was commissioned as an ensign in December 1942, followed by diesel engine instruction at the University of Illinois and training at the Amphibious Training Base in Solomons, Maryland.
In August 1943, he assumed command of the newly completed infantry landing craft USS LCI(L)-449 and remained its commanding officer for the next year and a half. He was promoted to lieutenant, junior grade, in March 1944. Between February and July 1944, he participated in the invasions of Kwajalein, Saipan, Tinian, and Guam.
Medal of Honor Action
In February 1945, Herring's ship—by then redesignated as a gunboat landing craft (LCI(G)-449)—took part in the pre-invasion bombardment of Iwo Jima. On February 17, while shelling enemy positions in support of Underwater Demolition Team swimmers, the ship was heavily hit by Japanese counterfire and went out of control. Despite suffering severe wounds that left him gravely weakened, Herring took the helm, rallied his men, and kept the ship in action. When he could no longer stand, he propped himself against empty shell cases and continued to direct fire and conn the crippled ship to safety.
For his actions, he was awarded the Medal of Honor. The citation states in part: "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as Commanding Officer of LCI (G) 449..."
Later Life and Death
Sent back to the United States for hospitalization, Herring was promoted to lieutenant in August 1945. In April 1947, he was transferred to the retired list with the rank of lieutenant commander. He returned to Roseboro, North Carolina, where he pursued a business career. He died on January 31, 1996, at age 74, and is buried in Roseboro Cemetery.
Awards and Decorations
- Medal of Honor
- Purple Heart
- Combat Action Ribbon
- Presidential Unit Citation (with one service star)
- Navy Unit Commendation
- American Campaign Medal
- Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal (with three campaign stars)
- World War II Victory Medal
