Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Hiram
Iddings
Bearss
April 13, 1875

–

August 26, 1938

Cemetery:

Bearss Family Cemetery (next to Mt. Hope Cemetery)

Hiram Bearss was known as “Hiking Hiram” because of his long-range reconnaissance missions behind enemy lines. The World War I action that earned him the Distinguished Service Cross also cause him a back injury that led to his retirement as a Colonel in 1918.

Awards Received

  • Army Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Regiment:

    102d Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    26th Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    World War I
    War Department, General Orders No. 89 (1919)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Colonel Hiram Iddings Bearss (MCSN: 0-1102), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility during World War I. Colonel Bearss commanded with distinction the 102d Infantry Regiment, 26th Division, achieving notable success in the active operations in which that regiment was engaged. By his untiring energy and dauntless courage in overcoming the numerous difficulties confronting him, he gave proof of military leadership of high order.

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Regiment:

    102d Infantry Regiment (Attached)

    Division:

    26th Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    September 26, 1918
    War Department, General Orders No. 143 (1918)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Colonel Hiram Iddings Bearss (MCSN: 0-1102), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while attached to the 102d Infantry Regiment (Army), 26th Division, A.E.F., in action at Marcheville and Riaville, France, 26 September 1918. Colonel Bearss’ indomitable courage and leadership led to the complete success of the attack by two battalions of his regiment on Marcheville and Riaville. During the attacks these two towns changed hands four times, finally remaining in our possession until the troops were ordered to withdraw. Under terrific machine-gun and artillery fire, Colonel Bearss was the first to enter Marcheville, where he directed operations. Later, upon finding his party completely surrounded, he personally assisted in fighting the enemy off with pistol and hand grenades.

  • Navy Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Regiment:

    102d Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    26th Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    World War I
    Authority: Navy Book of Distinguished Service (Stringer)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Colonel Hiram Iddings Bearss (MCSN: 0-1102), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services. Colonel Bearss commanded with distinction the 102d Infantry Regiment (Army), 26th Division, achieving notable success in the active operations in which that regiment was engaged. By his untiring energy and dauntless courage in overcoming the numerous difficulties confronting him, he gave proof of military leadership of high order.

  • Medal of Honor

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Colonel [then Captain]

    Regiment:

    1st Regiment (Marines), 1st Marine Brigade

    Action Date:

    November 17, 1901

    The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Colonel [then Captain] Hiram Iddings Bearss (MCSN: 0-1102), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the 1st Regiment (Marines), 1st Marine Brigade, in action at the junction of the Cadacan and Sohoton Rivers, Samar, Philippine Islands, 17 November 1901. Colonel Bearss, second in command of the columns upon their uniting ashore in the Sohoton River region, made a surprise attack on the fortified cliffs and completely routed the enemy, killing 30 and capturing and destroying the powder magazine, 40 lantacas (guns), rice, food and cuartels. Due to his courage, intelligence, discrimination and zeal, he successfully led his men up the cliffs by means of bamboo ladders to a height of 200 feet. The cliffs were of soft stone of volcanic origin, in the nature of pumice, and were honeycombed with caves. Tons of rocks were suspended in platforms held in position by vine cables (known as bejuco) in readiness to be precipitated upon people below. After driving the insurgents from their position which was almost impregnable, being covered with numerous trails lined with poison spears, pits, etc., he led his men across the river, scaled the cliffs on the opposite side, and destroyed the camps there. Colonel Bearss and the men under his command overcame incredible difficulties and dangers in destroying positions which, according to reports from old prisoners, had taken three years to perfect, were held as a final rallying point, and were never before penetrated by white troops. Colonel Bearss also rendered distinguished public service in the presence of the enemy at Quinapundan River, Samar, Philippine Islands, on 19 January 1902.