Medal of Honor: Jack Williams – U.S. Navy – World War II

Name: Jack Williams
Rank: Pharmacist’s Mate Third Class
Branch: U.S. Naval Reserve
Unit: Serving with 3d Battalion, 28th Marines, 5th Marine Division
Place: Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands
Born: 18 October 1924, Harrison, Arkansas
Accredited To: Arkansas

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Summary of Action

On the front lines of Iwo Jima, Pharmacist’s Mate Third Class Jack Williams advanced through intense enemy small-arms fire to reach a wounded Marine caught in a savage grenade exchange.

Dragging the injured man to a shallow depression, Williams knelt beside him, using his own body as a shield against the incoming fire while administering first aid.

As he worked, enemy rifle fire struck him three times in the abdomen and groin.

Momentarily stunned, he refused to stop.

He completed treatment of the wounded Marine, then calmly dressed his own multiple wounds. Despite severe pain and heavy bleeding, he remained in the exposed, fire-swept area to aid another casualty.

Only after finishing his work did he attempt to make his way to the rear for treatment.

Before he could reach safety, a Japanese sniper’s bullet struck him down.

He later succumbed to his wounds.

Through unwavering courage, relentless devotion to duty, and complete self-sacrifice, Jack Williams embodied the finest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

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Medal of Honor Citation

WILLIAMS, JACK

Born: 18 October 1924, Harrison, Ark.

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 3d Battalion 28th Marines, 5th Marine Division, during the occupation of Iwo Jima Volcano Islands, 3 March 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.