Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Brigadier General Leo D. Hermle (MCSN: 0-420), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as Assistant Commanding General of the FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, from 19 February to 26 March 1945. Landing early on the afternoon of 19 February, under a heavy concentration of enemy fire, Brigadier General Hermle established an Advanced Division Command Post. When communication with the assault combat teams was extremely difficult and vital information was needed to coordinate a resumption of the attack for the establishment of an initial beachhead, he courageously crossed one hundred and fifty yards of open area of Motoyama Airfield Number One, while it was being swept by enemy fire to visit the front line units and obtained the necessary first-hand information needed. When the enemy took last-stand defensive positions consisting of steel-doored caves and concrete emplacements in the cliffs of a gorge in the northern part of the Island, he skillfully directed a coordinated attack which resulted in heavy losses to the enemy. Brigadier General Hermle’s gallant spirit, initiative and unwavering devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Regiment:

    Sixth Regiment (Marines)

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    October 14 – 18, 1918
    Citation Orders, 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), First Lieutenant Leo D. Hermle (MCSN: 0-420), United States Marine Corps, is cited by the Commanding General, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. First Lieutenant Hermle distinguished himself while serving with the Sixth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces at St. Georges, France, 14 to 18 October 1918.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Regiment:

    Sixth Regiment (Marines)

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    October 2 – 9, 1918
    Citation Orders, 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), First Lieutenant Leo D. Hermle (MCSN: 0-420), United States Marine Corps, is cited by the Commanding General, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. First Lieutenant Hermle distinguished himself while serving with the Sixth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces at St. Etienne, France, 2 to 9 October 1918. (SECOND Citation)

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    Division:

    2d Marine Division

    Action Date:

    November 20 – December 4, 1943
    Heroes U.S. Marine Corps, 1861 – 1955: Jane Blakeney

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Brigadier General Leo D. Hermle (MCSN: 0-420), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Assistant Division Commander of the SECOND Marine Division prior to and during the action against enemy Japanese forces in Tarawa and Apanamama, Gilbert Islands, 20 November to 4 December 1943. Brigadier General Hermle displayed outstanding professional and organizational skill in the supervision of the intensive landing operations training which contributed materially to the high state of development of Division team work in which each unit knew and was able to play its part during periods of the action when communications failed. During the action on Tarawa, he landed on the pier under fire and supervised the landing of reserve troops and supplies as well as the evacuation of the wounded. He was placed in command of land operations on Apanamama where he displayed exceptional skill and ability in planning the capture, supervising the organization of defenses, and coordinating the landing of personnel and equipment of the permanent garrison. His performance of duty during the entire operation was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Navy Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Action Date:

    November 1, 1918
    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 First Lieutenant Leo D. Hermle (MCSN: 0-420), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in action near Meuse River, France, on 1 November 1918. When the company on his left was checked by heavy machine gun fire, Lieutenant Hermle led a platoon forward and surrounded a large number of the enemy, capturing one hundred fifty-five prisoners, and seventeen machine guns. Pushing on, he took the town of St. Georges and many machine gun positions. Although he was painfully wounded he refused to be evacuated and remained with his men for two days until he was ordered to the rear.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Regiment:

    Sixth Regiment (Marines)

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    September 12 – 26, 1918
    Citation Orders, 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), First Lieutenant Leo B. Hermle, United States Marine Corps, is cited by the Commanding General, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. First Lieutenant Hermle distinguished himself while serving with the Sixth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces at Thiaucourt, France, 12 – 26 September 1918. (THIRD Citation)

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Regiment:

    Sixth Regiment (Marines)

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    November 1, 1918
    War Department, General Orders No. 35 (1919)

    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 First Lieutenant Leo David Hermle (MCSN: 0-420), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the Sixth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F., in action near the Meuse River, France, 1 November 1918. When the company on his left was checked by heavy machine-gun fire, Lieutenant Hermle led a platoon forward and surrounded a large number of the enemy, capturing 155 prisoners and 17 machine guns. Pushing on, he took the town of St. Georges and many machine-gun positions. Although he was painfully wounded he refused to be evacuated, and remained with his men for two days until he was ordered to the rear.