Background
Raymon W. Herndon was born on 1 November 1918 at Waterboro, South Carolina.
Raymon W. Herndon was born on 1 November 1918 at Waterboro, South Carolina.
He reported for active duty with the United States Marine Corps on 29 April 1942 at New River, North Carolina. During World World War II, Private First Class Herndon was serving with the 1st Marine Division during action against Japanese forces on Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands on 14 September 1942. While engaged in a hazardous reconnaissance patrol on the southern slope of a hill, Herndon was mortally wounded.
With the Japanese advancing rapidly on his position, and realizing that he had no chance to survive, he asked that he be left with a weapon to cover the withdrawal of his patrol to the top of the hill.
The United States Navy destroyer escort United States Ship Herndon (Delaware-688) was named for Private First Class Herndon. She was converted during construction into the high-speed transport United States Ship Herndon (APD-121) and was in commission as such from 1944 to 1946.
Private First Class Herndon was awarded the Navy Cross posthumously for "extraordinary heroism and outstanding courage..His brave and loyal fighting spirit above the call of duty, was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States. Naval Service. He gallantly gave up his life in the service of his country.".
