Ross Lindsey Iams

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Sergeant Ross Lindsey Iams, United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in action at Fort Riviere, Haiti. In company with members of the 5th, 13th, 23d Companies and Marine and sailor detachment from the U.S.S. Connecticut, Sergeant Iams participated in the attack on Fort Riviere, Haiti, 17 November 1915. Following a concentrated drive, several different detachments of Marines gradually closed in on the old French bastion fort in an effort to cut off all avenues of retreat for the Caco bandits. Approaching a breach in the wall which was the only entrance to the fort, Sergeant Iams unhesitatingly jumped through the breach despite constant fire from the Cacos and engaged the enemy in a desperate hand-to-hand combat until the bastion was captured and Caco resistance neutralized.

Action Date: 17-Nov-15

Service: Marine Corps

Rank: Sergeant

Company: 5th Company (Mounted)

Regiment: 2d Marines