Serving as a Marine in the U.S. Marine Corps, Private First Class John Dury New was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously for his actions on September 25, 1944 at Peleliu Island, Palau Islands during World War II. At the time he was serving with 2d Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division. New was 20 years old.
New was killed in the action for which his medal was awarded. The medal was presented on June 23, 1945.
New was born on August 12, 1924 in Mobile, Mobile County, Alabama. His Medal of Honor is credited to Alabama. He is buried at Mobile National Cemetery in Mobile, Alabama.
New is one of 474 Medal of Honor recipients from World War II and one of 21 credited to Alabama.
Official Medal of Honor citation
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 2d Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu Island, Palau Group, 25 September 1944. When a Japanese soldier emerged from a cave in a cliff directly below an observation post and suddenly hurled a grenade into the position from which two of our men were directing mortar fire against enemy emplacements, Pfc. New instantly perceived the dire peril to the other marines and, with utter disregard for his own safety, unhesitatingly flung himself upon the grenade and absorbed the full impact of the explosion, thus saving the lives of the two observers. Pfc. New's great personal valor and selfless conduct in the face of almost certain death reflect the highest credit upon himself and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Wounds and death in action
- Killed in action during the act for which the medal was awarded (September 25, 1944).
- Age at death: 20
- Resting place: Mobile National Cemetery
Other decorations and honors
Besides the Medal of Honor, John Dury New received:
Source: Wikidata. Gold chips link to our guide to that decoration.
Battles and campaigns
Also served in: World War II.
Life beyond the battlefield
- Education: McGill-Toolen Catholic High School
Source: Wikidata.
Places
Veteran resources, cemeteries and meeting places in Alabama →
Timeline
- August 12, 1924Born in Mobile, Mobile County, Alabama
- September 25, 1944Act of valor — Peleliu Island, Palau IslandsAge 20. 2d Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division Killed in action.
- June 23, 1945Medal of Honor presented posthumously
- Resting placeMobile National CemeteryMobile, Alabama
Biography
John Dury New (August 12, 1925 – September 25, 1944) was a United States Marine who for his gallantry in action at the cost of his life on Peleliu, posthumously received the Medal of Honor.
From the Wikipedia article “John D. New”, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read the full article →
Named in his honor
- USS New — destroyer
