IN SR0073

Honors Loren Duke Abdalla, great-grandson of Chief Running Bull of the Yankton Sioux, for his World War II service in the United States Marine Corps.

Abdalla enlisted in October 1943 at age 18 and served with the First Marine Division, 1st Regiment, 1st Battalion, A Company, 1st Platoon.

Awarded the Purple Heart for wounds sustained during the Battle of Peleliu on September 15, 1944, where only 6 marines from his company survived.

Demonstrated exceptional bravery during the May 1945 Battle of Okinawa by rescuing three wounded soldiers under heavy fire and destroying two machine gun nests, enabling his division to advance.

Promoted to Sergeant following Okinawa, participated in securing Tientsin, China, and received an honorable discharge from the Marine Corps in February 1947.