United States Medal of Honor Citations Corporal Charles Joseph Berry, U.S. Marine Corps
DoD

Author: DoD
Source: The Family Security Foundation, Inc.
Date: June 27, 2007

In the name of Congress, the President of the United States has awarded more than 3,400 Medals of Honor to our nation’s bravest soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and coastguardsmen.
FamilySecurityMatters.org is privileged to bring you the outstanding stories of some of these remarkable American patriots.

United States Medal of Honor Citations
Corporal Charles Joseph Berry, U.S. Marine Corps

Corporal Berry was born on 10 July 1923 in Lorain, Ohio. He was a member of a machine gun crew, serving with the 1st Battalion, 26th Marines, 5th Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the seizure of Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands, on 3 March 1945.

Stationed in the front lines, Cpl. Berry manned his weapon with alert readiness as he maintained a constant vigil with other members of his gun crew during the hazardous night hours. When infiltrating Japanese soldiers launched a surprise attack shortly after midnight in an attempt to overrun his position, he engaged in a pitched hand grenade duel, returning the dangerous weapons with prompt and deadly accuracy until an enemy grenade landed in the foxhole.

Determined to save his comrades, he unhesitatingly chose to sacrifice himself and immediately dived on the deadly missile, absorbing the shattering violence of the exploding charge in his own body and protecting the others from serious injury. Stouthearted and indomitable, Cpl. Berry fearlessly yielded his own life that his fellow marines might carry on the relentless battle against a ruthless enemy and his superb valor and unfaltering devotion to duty in the face of certain death reflect the highest credit upon himself and upon the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Corporal Charles Joseph Berry was awarded the United States military's Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty.

Ellie