Ireland, Albert Luke

Date of birth:: February 25th, 1918 (Nelsonville/New York, United States)
Date of death:: November 16th, 1997 (Great Bend/Kansas, United States)
Service number:: 364663
Nationality:: American

Biography

Staff sergeant Ireland received nine Purple Heart Medals, which is the highest number of Purple Hearts ever awarded to a single individual of the United States Armed Forces.

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Bronze Star Medal (BSM)

Period:: Korean War (1950-1953)
Rank:: Sergeant
Unit:: Company A, 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 6th Marine Division "The Striking Sixth", U.S. Marine Corps

"For meritorious service in connection with operations against the enemy while serving with a Marine Infantry Company in Korea from 3 October 1951 to 9 March 1952. Sergeant Ireland was serving as company rocket section leader while the unit was engaged in defending several sectors of the main line of resistance. On several occasions he refused to avail himself of rotation privileges, and insisted upon remaining with his organization. He continually volunteered for patrols into enemy territory, twice suffering wounds while exposing himself to enemy artillery, mortar and small arms fire in leading his rocket teams against enemy bunkers. His disregard for personal safety and outstanding devotion to duty were an inspiration to all who observed him. Sergeant Ireland's heroic actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Sergeant Ireland is authorized to wear the Combat "V

Bronze Star Medal (BSM)

Period:: Korean War (1950-1953)
Rank:: Sergeant
Unit:: Company A, 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 6th Marine Division "The Striking Sixth", U.S. Marine Corps

"For heroic achievement in connection with operations against the enemy while serving with a Marine Infantry Company in Korea on 26 September 1951. Serving as a fire team leader Sergeant Ireland displayed exceptional courage, initiative and professional skill in the performance of his duties. He voluntarily led his fire team and two wiremen on a patrol at night to find a break in a communication line. Advancing slowly through the darkness, the break was found on a desolated spot approximately 100 yards from the nearest friendly position. Upon arrival at the spot, several of the enemy attempted to ambush the group. Expressing complete disregard for his personal safety, he ordered his men to the safety of the reverse slope and he fearlessly crawled toward the hostile troops. With grenades and rifle fire, he single-handedly killed several of the enemy and forced the remainder to withdraw. He then remained in his position and covered the wiremen while they repaired the broken communication line. Sergeant Ireland's resourcefulness and indomitable spirit served as an inspiration to all who observed him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Received as Gold Star & Combat "V" on the ribbon of the first medal.

Purple Heart

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Private First Class (Marine)

For wounds sustained during the Guadalcanal Campaign while manning a machine gun. Two slivers of Japanese shrapnel ripped into his back and lodged in his left lung.