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NavSource Online: Amphibious Photo Archive
USS Sanborn (APA-193)
Navy Cross
Citation
Pharmacist's Mate Third Class Byron Alfred Dary, United States Naval Reserve
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Pharmacist's Mate Third Class Byron Alfred Dary (NSN: 3062778), United States Naval Reserve, for distinguished and conspicuous acts above and beyond the call of duty while assigned to the U.S.S. SANBORN (APA-193) and as a member of the "Beach Party" which was in combat with Japanese Forces during the Amphibious Landing of Marine Combat Teams in the initial attack and occupation of Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands. In February 1945. During the early stage of the invasion, Pharmacist's Mate Third Class Dary exposed himself time after time to heavy enemy fire while salvaging medical supplies scattered along the beach and in the water. The Japanese were well entrenched and kept the beach under constant machine gun as well as heavy artillery and mortar shelling. Pharmacist's Mate Third Class Dary's total disregard of his personal safety in performing services not normally expected under conditions facing the "Beach Party" resulted in the saving of much medical equipment and supplies. He continued to render valuable services leaving cover in the area then subjected to heavy bombardment by enemy mortar and artillery fire, to perform emergency treatment of wounded men. He rendered invaluable assistance in such numerous instances that a proper count could not be maintained of individual cases. He continued these individual acts of mercy until mortally wounded while attempting to give emergency treatment to a wounded comrade at arms who was lying in an exposed position. His courage and conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Action Date: February 19, 1945
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