 |
101k |
Artist's conception of John Willis (as built) by the renowned graphic illustrator John Barrett, with the text written by naval author and historian Robert F. Sumrall. Their company, Navy Yard Associates, offers prints of most destroyers, submarines and aircraft carriers in various configurations during the ship's lifetime. ALL destroyer escorts are available. The prints can be customized with ship's patches, your photograph, your bio, etc. When you purchase artwork from them, please indicate that you heard about their work from Navsource. |
Navy Yard Associates |
 |
49k |
John Harlan Willis (10 June 1921 - 28 February 1945) was born in Columbia TN and following graduation from high school in November 1940 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He received recruit training at Naval Training Station, Norfolk VA and corpsman training at the Norfolk Naval Hospital, Portsmouth VA. In March 1941, Willis was promoted to Seaman, Second Class and was briefly assigned to the Naval Hospital, Parris Island SC, transferring to Naval Air Station, Jacksonville FL 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 Elliot, San Diego, California, transferring in early 1944 to Headquarters Company, Third Battalion, Twenty-seventh Marines, Fifth Marine Division at Camp Pendleton, California.
With his unit, he participated as a Platoon Corpsman in the battle of Iwo Jima. On 28 February 1945, while aiding fallen Marines during a fierce action near Japanese-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 grenades. After throwing eight grenades back at the enemy, he was killed when one exploded in his hand. For his "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life," he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. John H. Willis is buried at Rose Hill Cemetery, Columbia TN.
USS John Willis, DE-1027, was the first ship named in his honor. (US Navy photo #NH76411-A from the US Naval Historical Center) |
Navsource |
