Jack Williams
| Jack Williams | |
|---|---|
| Born | October 18, 1924 Harrison, Arkansas |
| Died | March 3, 1945 Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands |
| Status | KIA |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch | United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1943–1945 |
| Rank | Pharmacist's Mate Third Class |
| Service number | |
| Unit | 3rd Battalion, 28th Marines, 5th Marine Division |
| Commands held | |
| Battles / wars | Battle of Iwo Jima |
| Awards | Medal of Honor, Purple Heart |
| Relations | |
| Later work | |
Jack Williams (October 18, 1924 – March 3, 1945) was a United States Navy hospital corpsman who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, the United States' highest decoration for valor, for his actions during the Battle of Iwo Jima while attached to the Marines.
Born in Arkansas, Williams enlisted in the Naval Reserve in 1943 and trained at San Diego before deploying to the Pacific as a corpsman with the 3rd Battalion, 28th Marines, 5th Marine Division.
Medal of Honor
[edit]On March 3, 1945, Williams went forward under intense fire to treat a wounded Marine, shielding the man with his own body while being struck three times by rifle fire. He completed the man's treatment and dressed his own wounds, then aided a second casualty before being killed by a Japanese sniper while seeking aid for himself. He is buried in Springfield National Cemetery, Missouri.
Citation
[edit]For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 3rd Battalion 28th Marines, 5th Marine Division, during the occupation of Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, March 3, 1945. Gallantly going forward on the frontlines under intense enemy small-arms fire to assist a marine wounded in a fierce grenade battle, Williams dragged the man to a shallow depression and was kneeling, using his own body as a screen from the sustained fire as he administered first aid, when struck in the abdomen and groin 3 times by hostile rifle fire. Momentarily stunned, he quickly recovered and completed his ministration before applying battle dressings to his own multiple wounds. Unmindful of his own urgent need for medical attention, he remained in the perilous fire-swept area to care for another marine casualty. Heroically completing his task despite pain and profuse bleeding, he then endeavored to make his way to the rear in search of adequate aid for himself when struck down by a Japanese sniper bullet which caused his collapse. Succumbing later as a result of his self-sacrificing service to others, Williams, by his courageous determination, unwavering fortitude and valiant performance of duty, served as an inspiring example of heroism, in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.