Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant (MC)

    Division:

    4th Marine Division

    Action Date:

    February 21, 1945

    Commander, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 42256 (June 20, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant (MC) Herbert D. Trace (NSN: 0-130735), United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as an Assistant Battalion Surgeon in a Marine Rifle Battalion of the FOURTH Marine Division on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on 21 February 1945. The Battalion Aid Station was located in a revetment on an airstrip where casualties being carried in and out could be seen by the enemy from their positions in nearby high ground. The aid station was continually under enemy fire from large caliber mortars and air bursts which killed two and wounded at least ten of the medical personnel. Lieutenant Trace worked feverishly in this setting and aided the battalion surgeon in effecting prompt evacuation for those who did not need immediate first aid, and helped place the more serious cases into bomb craters where he administered first aid. When an enemy mortar shell sounded five medical personnel, he rushed to one of the wounded and was controlling the hemorrhage when an air burst exploded approximately twenty feet above his head. He remained with the casualty, started plasma and while doing so, another air burst exploded overhead wounding him. His coolness and presence of mind under heavy fire were an inspiration to his men. His courageous conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.