The Hospital Corpsmen of Iwo Jima: Stories of Valor and Sacrifice [Image 8 of 9]

FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA, UNITED STATES

02.17.2023

Photo by André B. Sobocinski, Historian 

U.S. Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery

On March 3, 1945, while serving on Iwo Jima, Pharmacist's Mate Third Class Jack Williams faced 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. Williams was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. He is one of four hospital corpsmen to receive the award for actions on Iwo Jima.

• Date Taken: 02.17.2023
• Date Posted: 02.17.2023 15:36
• Photo ID: 7639386
• VIRIN: 220217-N-N1526-008
• Resolution: 1654x1654
• Size: 668.04 KB
• Location: FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA, US