Jack Williams (FFG 24) - Naval Cruise Book

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VvOlvLD WAR II PHARMACIST MATE THIRD CLASS JACK WILLIAMS Throughout history heroes and heroic deeds have combined to constitute a common denominator in our society. Since heroes spring from any military rank or social segment, they serve to equalize mankind to prove that the human spirit and personal courage have no artificial boundaries. Jack Williams, a U.S. Navy pharmacist mate who served with the Marine Corps during World War II, carried forward this tradition. He participated in the battle for Iwo Jima with the Fifth Marine Division and gained his place on the honor roll of American battle heroes by going forward under intense enemy fire to assist a Marine who had been wounded in a grenade battle. He dragged the Marine to a shallow depression and, using his own body as a shield, administered first aid. Even though he was struck three times by enemy fire, he temporarily recovered and completed the task of administer- ing aid to his fallen comrade before applying battle dressings to his own wounds. Still he remained in the fire-swept area to care for yet another Marine casualty. Only then did he attempt to make it back to the rear area where he could have found more adequate aid for his own wounds. His efforts, however, were hampered by pain and profuse bleeding, making him an easy target for enemy sniper fire. For his courage under enemy fire, he was posthumously awarded the Con- gressional Medal of Honor for his courageous determination, unwavering fortitude and valiant performance of duty. He also was cited for being an inspiring example of heroism in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.