Hiram Iddings Bearss (April 13, 1875 – August 27, 1938) was an officer of the United States Marine Corps who received the Medal of Honor for heroism during the Philippine–American War and the Distinguished Service Cross for his valor in World War I. Hiram was born April 13, 1875, in Peru, Indiana, to Frank and Desdemona Bearss.

In 1901 he was stationed in the Philippines where he earned the Medal of Honor for heroism in combat on the island of Samar where he led a successful attack on a heavily defended insurgent position.

In December 1922, he was involved in an altercation with members of the Ku Klux Klan who surrounded his car during a parade they were holding in Peru, Indiana.

Colonel Bearss, then Captain, second in command of the column upon their uniting ashore in the Sohoton region, made a surprise attack on the fortified cliffs and capturing and destroying a powder magazine, 40 lantacas (guns), rice, food and cuartels.

Due to his courage, intelligence, discrimination and zeal, he successfully led his men up the cliffs [by] means of bamboo ladders to a height of 200 feet.

After driving the insurgents from their position which was almost impregnable, being covered with numerous trails lined with poisoned spears, pits, etc., he led his men across the river, scaled the cliffs on the opposite side, and destroyed the camps there.

He and the men under his command overcame incredible difficulties and dangers in destroying positions which according to reports from old prisoners, had taken three years to perfect, were held as a final rallying point, and were never before penetrated by white troops.

[9][10]Citation: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Colonel Hiram Iddings Bearss (MCSN: 0-1102), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while attached to the 102d Infantry Regiment (Army), 26th Division, A.E.F., in action at Marcheville and Riaville, France, 26 September 1918.

Colonel Bearss' indomitable courage and leadership led to the complete success of the attack by two battalions of his regiment on Marcheville and Riaville.

By his untiring energy and dauntless courage in overcoming the numerous difficulties confronting him, he gave proof of military leadership of high order.

By his untiring energy and dauntless courage in overcoming the numerous difficulties confronting him, he gave proof of military leadership of high order.

[11] The Marine Corps League unit located in Indianapolis, Indiana is named the Hiram I. Bearss Detachment in his honor.