Ira Erwin Heinen was born on March 27, 1926, in Junction City, Portage County, Wisconsin. He was the son of Edward Nicolaus Heinen and Dorothy Blonien Heinen.

He served in Company F, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Provisional Marine Brigade as a Private First Class during World War II. He died from his wounds received in battle on July 21, 1944, during the Battle for Guam.

Navy Cross Citation:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class Ira E. Heinen (MCSN: 540371), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with the Second Battalion, Fourth Marines (Reinforced), First Provisional Marine Brigade, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Guam, Marianas Islands, on 21 July 1944. Operating on the exposed left flank of his platoon where he was subjected to intense hostile mortar and machine-gun fire, Private First Class Heinen fought with determined aggressiveness and, although wounded twice, assisted in repelling two fierce charges by the enemy in that sector, personally accounting for at least eight of the Japanese assailants.
Steadfastly refusing to be evacuated until completion of a third vigorous counterattack by the enemy, he resolutely held his ground despite two bayonet wounds and contributed materially to the prevention of a major penetration and encirclement of our position.
Later, after his evacuation, he succumbed to his wounds.
Private First Class Heinen's great personal valor and indomitable fighting spirit were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

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