PM1c John H. Willis
U.S. Navy, Corpsman

Background
John Harlan Willis was born June 10, 1921 in Columbia, Tennessee.

Wartime History
On November 5, 1940 enlisted in the U.S. Navy (USN) and underwent recruit training at Naval Training Station, Norfolk, Virginia and hospital 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. Next, transferring to NAS Jacksonville in Florida. During August 1941, he was promoted to hospital apprentice first class and, in December, to pharmacist mate third class. After receiving a promotion to pharmacist mate second class in September 1942, Willis served with Naval Operating Base Units, organizing and training units for overseas service.

On July 1, 1943, he was promoted to Pharmacist's Mate First Class (PhM1c). In November 1943, joined the Training Detachment, Field Medical School Battalion, Fleet Marine Force (FMF) Training Center at Camp Elliott, San Diego, California. In early 1944 assigned to Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 27th Marine Regiment, 5th Marine Division at Camp Pendleton, California.

On February 19, 1945, he landed on Iwo Jima with the 3rd Battalion, 27th Marines as a rifle company platoon corpsman. On February 28, 1945 near Hill 362 while aiding a wounded U.S. Marine, his was hit by shrapnel and ordered back to an aid station. Disregarding his injuries, Willis returned to the battle area to the casualty. While rendering aid, he threw back eight grenades thrown into his position. While attempting to throw back a ninth grenade it exploded in his hand and was killed. For his actions, he would later earn the Medal of Honor, posthumously.

Medal of Honor
For his actions February 28, 1945, Willis earned the Medal of Honor, posthumously. On December 12, 1945 his Medal of Honor was presented to his widow, Mrs. Winfred Willis Duke by Secretary of the Navy James Forrestal.

Medal of Honor (February 28, 1945 posthumously) "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 pillboxes 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 Iying 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 one 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."

Memorials
Willis is buried at Rose Hill Cemetery in his hometown of Columbia, Tennessee in block S. His grave includes a stone monument with the epitaph: PHM-1/c John Harlan Willis born June 10, 2012. Was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry and interpreted at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty during operations on Iwo Jima, 28 of Feb. 1945. Greater love hath no man than this that a man lay down his life for his friends."

References
Congressional Medal of Honor Society - John Harlan Willis (MOH citation)
FindAGrave - PhM1c John Harlan Willis (photo, grave photos)

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