Louis Van Iersel

Ludovicus "Louis" Van Iersel was a distinguished American serviceman who served in both the United States Army and the United States Marine Corps, earning the nation's highest military decoration, the Medal of Honor, for his actions during World War I. Born in the Netherlands, he immigrated to the United States and enlisted in the Army. During the war, he served as a Sergeant in Company M, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Division, part of the American Expeditionary Forces in France.

On November 9, 1918, near Mouzon, France, Sergeant Van Iersel demonstrated extraordinary heroism. While his company was suffering heavy casualties from machine gun fire, he single-handedly rushed a machine gun nest, capturing the gun and its crew. He then led a patrol that silenced two more enemy machine guns, clearing the way for his company's advance. For these conspicuous acts of gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty, he was awarded the Medal of Honor.

In addition to the Medal of Honor, Van Iersel's valor was recognized with the Purple Heart. His service in World War I also earned him multiple foreign decorations, including the French Médaille militaire and Croix de guerre, the Italian Croce al Merito di Guerra, and the Montenegrin Medal for Military Bravery. Van Iersel later served in the U.S. Marine Corps, reaching the rank of Technical Sergeant. His continued service during World War II is evidenced by his receipt of the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, indicating participation in the Pacific Theater. His life of service across two major global conflicts and in two different branches of the U.S. armed forces marks him as a remarkable military figure.