Medal of Honor: William David Halyburton Jr. - World War II - May 10, 1945

Name: William David Halyburton Jr.
Rank: Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class
Branch: U.S. Naval Reserve
War: World War II
Unit: Serving with 2d Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division
Date of Action: May 10, 1945
Location: Okinawa Shima, Ryukyu Islands

Summary of Action

On 10 May 1945, during the brutal fighting on Okinawa, Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class William David Halyburton Jr. displayed extraordinary courage while serving alongside Marines attacking through a heavily defended draw.

As the unit advanced, Japanese mortar, machine-gun, and sniper fire erupted with devastating accuracy.

The company’s lead squad became pinned down in an exposed field, suffering severe casualties under the relentless barrage.

Without hesitation, Halyburton sprinted across the deadly draw and climbed into the open fire-swept area where wounded Marines lay stranded.

Ignoring the explosions and bullets tearing through the field around him, he pressed forward to reach the farthest casualty.

Kneeling beside the wounded Marine, he began administering first aid.

Then the Marine was struck again by enemy fire.

Instantly realizing the man would be killed if left exposed, Halyburton deliberately placed himself between the wounded Marine and the Japanese fire.

Using his own body as a shield, he continued treating the casualty while machine-gun rounds and shrapnel slashed through the area.

Even as the enemy barrage intensified, he refused to abandon the wounded man.

Focused only on saving his patient, he continued his efforts until he himself was mortally wounded.

He collapsed beside the Marine he had fought so desperately to protect.

His complete selflessness, courage under fire, and unwavering devotion to another man’s life reflected the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Medal of Honor Citation

HALYBURTON, WILLIAM DAVID, JR.

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with a Marine Rifle Company in the 2d Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa Shima in the Ryukyu Chain, 10 May 1945. Undaunted by the deadly accuracy of Japanese counterfire as his unit pushed the attack through a strategically important draw, Halyburton unhesitatingly dashed across the draw and up the hill into an open fire-swept field where the company advance squad was suddenly pinned down under a terrific concentration of mortar, machinegun and sniper fire with resultant severe casualties. Moving steadily forward despite the enemy’s merciless barrage, he reached the wounded marine who lay farthest away and was rendering first aid when his patient was struck for the second time by a Japanese bullet. Instantly placing himself in the direct line of fire, he shielded the fallen fighter with his own body and staunchly continued his ministrations although constantly menaced by the slashing fury of shrapnel and bullets falling on all sides. Alert, determined and completely unselfish in his concern for the helpless marine, he persevered in his efforts until he himself sustained mortal wounds and collapsed, heroically sacrificing himself that his comrade might live. By his outstanding valor and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of tremendous odds, Halyburton sustained and enhanced the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.