Ludovicus M. M. Van Iersel
Encyclopedia
Ludovicus Maria Matheus Van Iersel (19 October 1893-9 June 1987) was a Sergeant
in United States Army
, Company M, 9th Infantry, 2d Division during World War I
. He earned the highest military decoration for valor in combat—the Medal of Honor
—for having distinguished himself at Mouzon
, France
.
An immigrant from the Netherlands, Van Iersel arrived in New Jersey
in early 1917. He became a naturalised American citizen in September 1919, six months after receiving the Medal of Honor. He also legally changed his name to Louis Van Iersel.
During World War II, he joined the Marine Corps and served with the 3rd Marine Division in the Bougainville Campaign.
Citation:
Sergeant
Sergeant is a rank used in some form by most militaries, police forces, and other uniformed organizations around the world. Its origins are the Latin serviens, "one who serves", through the French term Sergent....
in United States Army
United States Army
The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
, Company M, 9th Infantry, 2d Division during World War I
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
. He earned the highest military decoration for valor in combat—the Medal of Honor
Medal of Honor
The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed by the President, in the name of Congress, upon members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her...
—for having distinguished himself at Mouzon
Mouzon
Mouzon may refer to the following:Places in France:*Mouzon, Ardennes, a commune in the department of Ardennes*Mouzon, Charente, a commune in the department of CharentePeople*Alphonse Mouzon...
, France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
.
An immigrant from the Netherlands, Van Iersel arrived in New Jersey
New Jersey
New Jersey is a state in the Northeastern and Middle Atlantic regions of the United States. , its population was 8,791,894. It is bordered on the north and east by the state of New York, on the southeast and south by the Atlantic Ocean, on the west by Pennsylvania and on the southwest by Delaware...
in early 1917. He became a naturalised American citizen in September 1919, six months after receiving the Medal of Honor. He also legally changed his name to Louis Van Iersel.
During World War II, he joined the Marine Corps and served with the 3rd Marine Division in the Bougainville Campaign.
Medal of Honor citation
- Rank and organization:SergeantSergeantSergeant is a rank used in some form by most militaries, police forces, and other uniformed organizations around the world. Its origins are the Latin serviens, "one who serves", through the French term Sergent....
, U.S. Army, Company M, 9th Infantry, 2d Division. - Place and date: At MouzonMouzonMouzon may refer to the following:Places in France:*Mouzon, Ardennes, a commune in the department of Ardennes*Mouzon, Charente, a commune in the department of CharentePeople*Alphonse Mouzon...
, FranceFranceThe French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
, 9 November 1918. - Entered service at:Glen Rock, New JerseyGlen Rock, New JerseyGlen Rock is a borough in Bergen County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the borough population was 11,601.-History:...
. - Birth: Holland.
- General OrderGeneral orderIn militaries, a general order is a published directive, originated by a commander, and binding upon all personnel under his command, the purpose of which is to enforce a policy or procedure unique to his unit's situation which is not otherwise addressed in applicable service regulations, military...
No.34. War DepartmentUnited States Department of WarThe United States Department of War, also called the War Department , was the United States Cabinet department originally responsible for the operation and maintenance of the United States Army...
, 1919
Citation:
While a member of the reconnaissance patrol, sent out at night to ascertain the condition of a damaged bridge, Sgt. Van Iersel volunteered to lead a party across the bridge in the face of heavy machinegun and rifle fire from a range of only 75 yards. Crawling alone along the debris of the ruined bridge he came upon a trap, which gave away and precipitated him into the water. In spite of the swift current he succeeded in swimming across the stream and found a lodging place among the timbers on the opposite bank. Disregarding the enemy fire, he made a careful investigation of the hostile position by which the bridge was defended and then returned to the other bank of the river, reporting this valuable information to the battalion commander.
See also
- List of Medal of Honor recipients
- List of Medal of Honor recipients for World War I