Henry Gurke

Private First Class Henry Gurke was a United States Marine who served during World War II. Born in Neche, North Dakota, Gurke joined the Marine Corps in 1942. He was deployed to the Pacific theater, where he served in the 3rd Marine Raider Battalion, a specialized light infantry unit designed for amphibious landing and guerrilla operations.

During the Bougainville Campaign in November 1943, Gurke was occupying a defensive position in a shallow bomb crater with another Marine. When a Japanese hand grenade landed in their crater, Gurke chose to shield his comrade from the blast. He deliberately covered the grenade with his own body, absorbing the full force of the explosion. His self-sacrificing act saved the life of his fellow Marine, who was able to continue defending the position.

For his conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty, Gurke posthumously received the Medal of Honor. His legacy of extraordinary valor and ultimate sacrifice remains a prominent chapter in the history of the United States Marine Corps.