Medal of Honor: John Harlan Willis – U.S. Navy – World War II

Name: John Harlan Willis
Rank: Pharmacist’s Mate First Class
Branch: U.S. Navy
Unit: Platoon Corpsman, 3d Battalion, 27th Marines, 5th Marine Division
Place: Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands
Born: 10 June 1921, Columbia, Tennessee
Accredited To: Tennessee

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Summary of Action

On Hill 362 at Iwo Jima, Pharmacist’s Mate First Class John Harlan Willis worked amid relentless artillery, mortar, and sniper fire as Marines fought through mutually supporting pillboxes and caves in the enemy’s cross-island defenses.

He moved constantly among the wounded.

Struck by shrapnel himself, he was ordered to the rear. He refused to stay.

Without waiting for medical clearance, Willis returned to the front lines. During a savage enemy counterattack, he advanced through mortar and sniper fire to reach a Marine lying wounded in a shell hole at the extreme forward position.

As the Japanese intensified their assault, grenades began landing in the crater.

Willis calmly continued administering blood plasma.

When the first grenade landed beside him, he picked it up and hurled it back.

Then another.

And another.

Seven times he caught and returned live grenades while tending to his patient under direct attack.

The ninth grenade exploded in his hand.

He was killed instantly.

But his courage and selfless devotion to the wounded Marine inspired his comrades to surge forward in a fierce counterattack, repelling the enemy despite overwhelming odds.

His extraordinary valor, steadfast courage, and ultimate sacrifice embody the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

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Medal of Honor Citation

WILLIS, JOHN HARLAN

Born: 10 June 1921, Columbia, Tenn.

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as Platoon Corpsman serving with the 3d Battalion, 27th Marines, 5th Marine Division, during operations against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 28 February 1945. Constantly imperiled by artillery and mortar fire from strong and mutually supporting pillboxes and caves studding Hill 362 in the enemy’s cross-island defenses, Willis resolutely administered first aid to the many marines wounded during the furious close-in fighting until he himself was struck by shrapnel and was ordered back to the battle-aid station. Without waiting for official medical release, he quickly returned to his company and, during a savage hand-to-hand enemy counterattack, daringly advanced to the extreme frontlines under mortar and sniper fire to aid a marine lying wounded in a shellhole. Completely unmindful of his own danger as the Japanese intensified their attack, Willis calmly continued to administer blood plasma to his patient, promptly returning the first hostile grenade which landed in the shell-hole while he was working and hurling back 7 more in quick succession before the ninth one exploded in his hand and instantly killed him. By his great personal valor in saving others at the sacrifice of his own life, he inspired his companions, although terrifically outnumbered, to launch a fiercely determined attack and repulse the enemy force. His exceptional fortitude and courage in the performance of duty reflect the highest credit upon Willis and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.