John Harlan Willis John Harlan Willis ( June 10 , 1921 – February 28 , 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 . Willis was born on June 10 , 1921 , in Columbia , Tennessee . After graduating from Columbia Central High School , he enlisted in the Navy from his birth state in November 1940 . He received recruit training at Naval Training Station , Norfolk , Virginia and corpsman training at the Norfolk Naval Hospital , Portsmouth , Virginia . In March 1941 , Willis was promoted to Seaman , Second Class and was briefly assigned to the Naval Hospital , Parris Island , South Carolina , transferring to Naval Air Station , Jacksonville , Florida , in the late spring . In August 1941 he was promoted to Hospital Apprentice First Class and , in December , to Pharmacist ' s Mate Third Class . After receiving a promotion to Pharmacist ' s Mate Second Class in September 1942 , Willis served with Naval Operating Base Units , organizing and training units for overseas service . In July 1943 he was promoted to Pharmacist ' s Mate First Class . That November he joined the Training Detachment , Field Medical School Battalion , Fleet Marine Force Training Center at Camp Elliott , San Diego , California , transferring in early 1944 to Headquarters Company , 3rd Battalion , 27th Marine Regiment , 5th Marine Division at Camp Pendleton , California . With the 3rd Battalion 27th Marines , he participated as a Platoon Corpsman in the Battle of Iwo Jima . On February 28 , 1945 , while aiding fallen Marines during a fierce action near Japan ese - held Hill 362 , he was wounded and ordered back to the battle - aid station . Disregarding his injuries , Willis returned to the battle area to resume casualty assistance . He was helping a wounded Marine when the enemy attacked with hand grenade s . After throwing eight grenades back at the enemy , he was killed when one exploded in his hand . For his actions during the battle , Willis was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor . Willis , aged 23 at his death , was buried at Rose Hill Cemetery in his hometown of Columbia , Tennessee . Medal of Honor citation . Willis ' official Medal of Honor citation reads : For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as Platoon Corpsman serving with the 3d Battalion , 27th Marines , 5th Marine Division , during operations against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima , Volcano Islands , 28 February 1945 . Constantly imperiled by artillery and mortar fire from strong and mutually supporting pillbox es and caves studding Hill 362 in the enemy ' s cross - island defenses , Willis resolutely administered first aid to the many marines wounded during the furious close - in fighting until he himself was struck by shrapnel and was ordered back to the battle - aid station . Without waiting for official medical release , he quickly returned to his company and , during a savage hand - to - hand enemy counterattack , daringly advanced to the extreme frontlines under mortar and sniper fire to aid a marine lying wounded in a shellhole . Completely unmindful of his own danger as the Japanese intensified their attack , Willis calmly continued to administer blood plasma to his patient , promptly returning the first hostile grenade which landed in the shell - hole while he was working and hurling back 7 more in quick succession before the ninth exploded in his hand and instantly killed him . By his great personal valor in saving others at the sacrifice of his own life , he inspired his companions , although terrifically outnumbered , to launch a fiercely determined attack and repulse the enemy force . His exceptional fortitude and courage in the performance of duty reflect the highest credit upon Willis and the U . S . Naval Service . He gallantly gave his life for his country . Namesake . The destroyer escort was named in his honor . One of the barracks located at the now - closed Naval Hospital Millington , Tennessee was named Willis Hall . The building in now part of the University of Memphis ' Millington Center but retains the name Willis Hall .