MAJOR
ROSS L. IAMS, USMC (DECEASED)
 

Medal of Honor Citation

Ross Lindsey Iams was born 5 April 1879, in Graysville, Pennsylvania. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on 29 January 1901, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and was serving in Haiti as a sergeant when he took part in the action which earned him the Medal of Honor in November 1915.

Later, after various temporary appointments as Marine Gunner, first and second lieutenant, and captain, he was permanently commissioned a captain, 4 June 1920.

His foreign service record included eleven months in France in 1918-19, as well as assignments in Haiti, Mexico, China, the Philippines and Nicaragua.

Transferred to the retired list in November 1932, he returned to active duty as a major, 19 January 1942, and performed active duty for a brief period during World War II.

Major Iams' medals and decorations include: the Medal of Honor (Haiti), Philippine Campaign Medal, Nicaraguan Campaign Medal, Mexican Campaign Medal, Haitian Campaign Medal, Dominican Campaign Medal, World War I Victory Medal, Second Nicaraguan Campaign Medal, Expeditionary Medal with bronze star for service in Haiti and China, and the World War II Victory Medal.

Major Iams died 25 March 1952 and was laid to rest in Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, San Diego, California. 

Haitian Campaign 1915 Medal of Honor