Jack Williams (Medal of Honor)

Treating wounded Marines despite his own injuries

Jack Williams received the Medal of Honor for caring for wounded Marines on Iwo Jima during World War II. Born in Harrison, Arkansas, on October 18, 1924, he served as a pharmacist’s mate third class in the U.S. Naval Reserve, attached to the 3rd Battalion, 28th Marines, 5th Marine Division.

On March 3, 1945, Williams moved forward under fire to assist a wounded Marine. While shielding the man with his body and administering first aid, he was shot three times. He completed the treatment before dressing his own wounds, then remained to help another casualty. Only afterward did he attempt to reach medical aid for himself. A sniper’s bullet brought him down, and he later died.

Williams’s Medal of Honor was awarded posthumously. He was buried in Springfield National Cemetery in Missouri. His award commemorates a medical serviceman’s resolve to put wounded men’s needs before his own.

Official Medal of Honor citation

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 front lines 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 three 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.