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| Gunnery Sergeant David Doerr earned the Navy Cross with the 6th Marine Division in Okinawa. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/40474304/david-donald-doerr https://www.pinterest.com/pin/470344754820092169/?lp=true http://www.warrelics.eu/forum/orders-medals-decorations/us-navy-cross-105924/ |
David Donald Doerr never had a chance to reach 100 years old today. Instead, he sacrificed his life for our freedom.
He was born on June 19, 1918 in Ohio. His parents William and Jennie were also both born in Ohio. His father worked as a farmer and later as a weaver. The family moved to Florida in the 1930s and William worked as a blanket maker. David had two older brothers, one younger brother, and two younger sisters. At least one of his brothers also served in the military during the war. David completed two years of high school.
He enlisted in the Marines on April 19, 1938. He became a gunnery sergeant in Company I, 3rd Battalion, 29th Marine Regiment, 6th Marine Division. The 29th MR fought in the Battle of Saipan in June 1944. It landed on Okinawa on April 1, 1945.
Sgt. Doerr was killed in action on April 12, 1945. He was recognized with the Navy Cross as follows:
Acting without orders when his company was viciously fired upon by a strong Japanese force, Gunnery Sergeant Doerr immediately charged forward despite the relentless shellfire and established a firing line on the crest of a ridge. Then, further exposing himself, he moved about among his men, directing their fire against the emplacements and encouraging them to hold fast despite the extreme odds.
Wounded by enemy small-arms fire, he gallantly elected to remain with his men and, when one of his gunners became a casualty, promptly seized the weapon and dragged it to an open position on top of the ridge to obtain more accurate firing range. Braving the devastating machine-gun, mortar and artillery barrage laid down by the enemy, he promptly set up his machine gun and trained his accurate fire against the positions, killing ten of the Japanese and providing effective cover for his men.
Struck down by a bursting artillery shell, he again refused evacuation and, continuing his selfless efforts, manned his weapon with deadly effect until he lost consciousness.
By his forceful leadership, indomitable fighting spirit and great personal valor, maintained through the fierce action, Gunnery Sergeant Doerr served as an inspiration to all and contributed materially to the success of his company's mission. His valiant conduct and unrelenting devotion to duty reflect he highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Commander in Chief, Pacific Forces: Serial 52124 (February 7, 1946)
Thank you David for your sacrifice. Let's Earn It for David.
Last year on this date I profiled Glenn Erickson, an 8th Air Force airman. You can read about Glenn here.
On behalf of the fallen, if you would like to see more people become aware of this project to honor the WW2 fallen, be sure to share with others on Twitter, Facebook, etc. Thanks for your interest!
I created this video to explain why I started this project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXt8QA481lY.
Follow on Twitter @ww2fallen100
Please consider joining the public Facebook group to increase the exposure of this project. Go to: WW2 Fallen 100
His grave is at Oak Grove Cemetery, Lake Alfred, Florida.
Last year on this date I profiled Glenn Erickson, an 8th Air Force airman. You can read about Glenn here.
On behalf of the fallen, if you would like to see more people become aware of this project to honor the WW2 fallen, be sure to share with others on Twitter, Facebook, etc. Thanks for your interest!
I created this video to explain why I started this project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXt8QA481lY.
Please consider joining the public Facebook group to increase the exposure of this project. Go to: WW2 Fallen 100
Thank you for profiling my Great Uncle. I honestly didn't know this existed.
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