Jack Williams ( Medal of Honor ) Jack Williams ( October 18 , 1924 – March 3 , 1945 ) was a United States Navy sailor and a recipient of the United States military ' s highest decoration — the Medal of Honor — for his actions during the Battle of Iwo Jima in World War II . Biography . Williams enlisted as an Apprentice Seaman in the United States Naval Reserve from his birth state of Arkansas in June 1943 . He received recruit training at Naval Training Station , San Diego , California and was promoted to Seaman , Second Class in July 1943 . Williams completed Hospital Corps training at Naval Hospital , San Diego , California and his rating was changed to Hospital Apprentice that September . In November , he was promoted to Hospital Apprentice First Class . In January 1944 , Williams received orders to the Field Medical School Battalion , Camp Elliott , San Diego , and transferred a few months later to Headquarters , 5th Marine Division at Camp Pendleton , California . In May 1944 , Williams was promoted to Pharmacist ' s Mate , Third Class . With the 3rd Battalion , 28th Marine Regiment , 5th Marine Division , he participated in the Battle of Iwo Jima . On March 3 , 1945 , when a Marine was wounded forward of the front lines , Williams went to assist him and was hit by enemy fire . Williams completed his mission of mercy , dressed his own wounds , and rendered aid to another fallen Marine . On his way back to the rear , Williams was hit by an enemy sniper and died later that day . For his actions on that day , he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor . Williams , aged 20 at his death , was buried in Springfield National Cemetery , Springfield , Missouri . Medal of Honor citation . Pharmacist ' s Mate Williams ' official Medal of Honor citation reads : 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 , March 3 , 1945 . Gallantly going forward on the frontlines 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 3 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 Japan ese 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 . Namesake . The , which served from 1981 to 1996 , was named in honor of him .