Lieutenant Commander Joel Thompson Boone, a sailor in the U.S. Navy, received the Medal of Honor for gallantry on July 19, 1918 vicinity of Vierzy, France during World War I. At the time he was serving with 6th Regiment, U.S. Marines. Boone was 28 years old.
He later rose to the rank of Vice Admiral.
Boone was born on August 29, 1889 in St. Clair, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. Boone died on April 2, 1974 in Bethesda, Maryland, at the age of 84. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. His medal is held by Naval Historical Center, Washington Navy Yard, Washington, DC ; Freedoms Foundation, Valley Forge, PA.
Boone is one of 132 Medal of Honor recipients from World War I and one of 380 credited to Pennsylvania.
Official Medal of Honor citation
For extraordinary heroism, conspicuous gallantry, and intrepidity while serving with the 6th Regiment, U.S. Marines, in actual conflict with the enemy. With absolute disregard for personal safety, ever conscious and mindful of the suffering fallen, Surg. Boone, leaving the shelter of a ravine, went forward onto the open field where there was no protection and despite the extreme enemy fire of all calibers, through a heavy mist of gas, applied dressings and first aid to wounded marines. This occurred southeast of Vierzy, near the cemetery, and on the road south from the town. When the dressings and supplies had been exhausted, he went through a heavy barrage of large-caliber shells, both high-explosive and gas, to replenish these supplies, returning quickly with a sidecar load, and administered them in saving the lives of the wounded. A second trip, under the same conditions and for the same purpose, was made by Surg. Boone later that day.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Other decorations and honors
Besides the Medal of Honor, Joel Thompson Boone received:
Source: Wikidata. Gold chips link to our guide to that decoration.
Battles and campaigns
Also served in: World War II, World War I, Korean War.
Life beyond the battlefield
- Offices held: Physician to the President
- Education: Mercersburg Academy
Source: Wikidata.
Places
Veteran resources, cemeteries and meeting places in Pennsylvania →
Timeline
- August 29, 1889Born in St. Clair, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania
- July 19, 1918Act of valor — vicinity of Vierzy, FranceAge 28. 6th Regiment, U.S. Marines
- April 2, 1974Died in Bethesda, MarylandAge 84.
- Resting placeArlington National CemeteryArlington, Virginia
Biography
Joel Thompson Boone (August 29, 1889 – April 2, 1974) was a United States Navy officer who received the Medal of Honor for his actions during World War I. In addition to the Medal of Honor, Boone received the Army's Distinguished Service Cross and was awarded the Silver Star six times. These awards made Boone the most highly decorated medical officer in the history of the United States armed services.
From the Wikipedia article “Joel Thompson Boone”, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read the full article →
