Rufus Herring

Rufus Herring, Epsilon (Davidson), was initiated into Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity on February 3, 1939. After graduating in the spring of 1942, he enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserve. By August 1943, Herring had assumed command of a newly completed infantry landing craft and remained commanding officer for one and a half years. He was promoted to Lieutenant Junior Grade in March 1944, and in that role, he participated in the invasions of Kwajalein, Saipan, Tinian and Guam. In February 1945, Herring’s ship took part in the bombardment of Iwo Jima just before its invasion by U.S. Marines, a crucial part of America’s strategy to winning the war in the Pacific. On February 17, while barraging enemy shores, the ship took a severe hit from Japanese counter fire that fatally wounded most of the officers and left the ship reeling. Despite sustaining critical wounds, Herring took the helm, reestablished contact with the engine room and kept the ship in action. Severely weakened, bleeding profusely and unable to stand, he propped himself against empty shell cases and rallied his men to the aid of the wounded while maintaining position in the firing line in the face of sustained enemy fire. Herring was eventually able to guide his wounded ship to safety. After 36 days of some of the war’s most fierce fighting, the U.S. defeated the last of the resistance, and the Battle of Iwo Jima ended on March 26, 1945.

For his “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty,” he was awarded the Medal of Honor, the only Pi Kappa Phi member to receive the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. Herring passed to the Chapter Eternal in 1996 but is survived by two Pi Kappa Phi legacies – his cousin, Robert Herring, Epsilon (Davidson) and his son, Maxwell Herring, Tau (NC State).

Highlights

• United States Armed Forces – Medal of Honor (1945)
• Lieutenant Commander – United States Naval Reserve