World War II Honoree

John Ralph Lanigan

Branch of Service

U.S. Marine Corps

Hometown

Washington, District Of Columbia

Honored By

Pearl Thomas

Served in the 23rd Marine Regiment and participated in the capture the island of Kwajalein in the Marshall Islands. Wounded during the capture of Saipan and after a few weeks of rest, he took part in the capture of Tinian. He was commanding officer of 25th Marine Regiment and led his regiment during the Battle of Iwo Jima. All of his battalion commanders were killed or wounded and he was awarded the Navy Cross for valor in combat. Received Legion of Merit with Combat "V", Navy Presidential Unit Citation with two stars, Purple Heart, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with four stars, American Campaign Medal, American Defense Service Medal, WWII Victory Medal, and Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal.