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Herbert Pace graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York, Class of 1940. He was killed in action during the defense of the Philippine Islands, while serving as a First Lieutenant, less than two years after graduation.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Coast Artillery Corps)

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    60th Coast Artillery Regiment (AA)

    Division:

    U.S. Army Coast Artillery Corps

    Action Date:

    April 28, 1942

    Headquarters, U.S. Forces-Pacific, General Orders No. 255 (October 14, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Coast Artillery Corps) Herbert Edward Pace, Jr. (ASN: 0-22914), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Battery C, 1st Battalion, 60th Coast Artillery Regiment (Anti-Aircraft), U.S. Army Coast Artillery Corps (Philippine Islands) in action against enemy forces on 28 April 1942, at Corregidor, Philippine Islands. On that date, Lieutenant Pace’s unit was still fighting on Corregidor when the Japanese directed an intense concentration of artillery fire on the antiaircraft battery at Fort Mills, putting it out of action. Although the order was given to withdraw from the position, Lieutenant Pace remained exposed to the heavy barrage and, through timing and spacing their movement with unerring judgement, he directed the evacuation of the gun crews to safety. When the action was over, Lieutenant Pace was found dead at his post, which he had refused to abandon until the last man had been successfully evacuated. First Lieutenant Pace’s outstanding leadership under fire saved the lives of many of his men and greatly aided in the heroic defense of Corregidor. His extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Coast Artillery Corps)

    Regiment:

    60th Coast Artillery Regiment (AA)

    Action Date:

    April 12, 1942

    Authority: A.B.M.C.

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Coast Artillery Corps) Herbert Edward Pace, Jr. (ASN: 0-22914), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Battery C, 60th Cost Artillery Regiment (Anti-Aircraft), in action against the enemy on Corregidor, Philippine Islands, on 12 April 1942. When a battery position was subjected to heavy Japanese artillery and aerial bombardment, several men were wounded and buildings and ammunition set afire. With no thought of his personal safety, First Lieutenant Pace voluntarily left his place of cover and calmly supervised the treatment and evacuation of casualties although enemy artillery shells continued to fall in the area. He then extinguished fires throughout the area and saved valuable supplies and equipment from destruction. Later, when the battery was again shelled and bombed, causing many casualties and further damage, he repeated his heroic actions, aiding the wounded and extinguishing ammunition fires. By his unhesitating courage, inspiring leadership, and devotion to duty, First Lieutenant Pace rendered invaluable aid to the gallant defenses of Corregidor. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.