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John Harlan Willis of Columbia, Tennessee, a Pharmacist's Mate First Class

John Harlan Willis of Columbia, Tennessee, a Pharmacist's Mate First Class, was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions on February 28, 1945 during the Battle of Iwo Jima.


Willis enlisted in the Navy in November 1940 and by February 19th, 1945, was serving as a pharmacist’s mate first class when he landed with the 3rd Battalion, 27th Marines on Iwo Jima. 

On February 28, 1945, he was wounded by shrapnel while aiding fallen Marines and ordered back to the battle-aid station. Disregarding his injuries, he returned to the battle area to resume casualty assistance. 

He was treating a wounded Marine when the enemy attacked his position with hand grenades. Willis threw eight grenades back at the enemy but was killed when a ninth exploded in his hand. He was just 23 years old.

He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary actions on this day. Willis is buried at Rose Hill Cemetery in Columbia, Tennessee. The destroyer escort USS John Willis (DE-1027) was named in his honor.

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