World War II Honoree

Leo David Hermle

Branch of Service

U.S. Marine Corps

Hometown

Hastings, Nebraska

Honored By

Pearl Thomas

Appointed assistant division commander of the 2nd Marine Division in the Guadalcanal Campaign. Participated in the Tarawa Battle and the landing operations at Abemama. He was then assigned to the 5th Marine Division and fought in the Battle of Iwo Jima. Received the Bronze Star Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Legion of Merit with Combat 'V', Navy Cross, Navy Presidential Unit Citation with one star, American Campaign, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with three service stars, WWII Victory Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, and Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal.