These Medal of Honor Recipients Defined Heroism and Valor in Iwo Jima

Two weeks ago, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth joined other high-ranking officials from the United States and Japan on Iwo Jima to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima, a pivotal and utterly brutal conflict during World War II. (These World War II battles had the most casualties.) The battle, which […] The post These Medal of Honor Recipients Defined Heroism and Valor in Iwo Jima appeared first on 24/7 Wall St..

Apr 16, 2025 - 03:08

These Medal of Honor Recipients Defined Heroism and Valor in Iwo Jima

Two weeks ago, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth joined other high-ranking officials from the United States and Japan on Iwo Jima to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima, a pivotal and utterly brutal conflict during World War II. (These World War II battles had the most casualties.)

The battle, which raged from February 19 to March 26, 1945, is infamous for its intense fighting and the iconic image of U.S. Marines raising the American flag on Mount Suribachi.

Iwo Jima’s strategic importance stemmed from its Japanese airfields, which posed a threat to American forces. U.S. troops faced fierce resistance from Japanese soldiers who utilized extensive tunnel networks. While the U.S. ultimately secured the island, its victory came at a heavy cost, with thousands of lives lost. The recent commemoration honored the soldiers who fought and died in this historic battle.

Here, 24/7 Wall St. is taking a closer look at the Medal of Honor recipients from the Battle of Iwo Jima. 24/7 Wall St. reviewed data from the Congressional Medal of Honor Society (CMOHS) to identify the servicemen who were awarded the Medal of Honor in the Battle of Iwo Jima. We included the names of these recipients along with what branch of the military they served in, their highest rank, the date of medal presentation, and the conflict the recipient was involved in. Recipients are ordered alphabetically, and all information is from the society. Note that some presentation dates were not available from the CMOHS.

*This is an updated version of a previously published story to reflect updated data and the recent commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima.

Why This Matters Today

Veterans Day. US soldier. US Army. The United States Armed Forces. American Military

The stories of Medal of Honor recipients from the Battle of Iwo Jima exemplify the highest ideals of courage and duty in the United States. Their stories provide powerful lessons in resilience and the willingness to put others before oneself, even against impossible odds. Recently, world leaders and veterans gathered to honor the fallen soldiers. Remembering these incredible individuals and their sacrifices helps us gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the freedoms we enjoy today.

Here is a look at the Medal of Honor recipients from the Battle of Iwo Jima:

Charles J. Berry

Medal of Honor action date: March 3, 1945
Date of presentation: N/A
Military branch: U.S. Marine Corps
Highest rank achieved: Corporal
State accredited: Ohio

Corporal Berry

Corporal Charles J. Berry was a machine-gunner with the 1st Battalion, 26th Marines, 5th Marine Division. While on watch in the front lines during the night, his position was attacked by surprise, followed by a grenade fight. Corporal Berry sacrificed himself by diving onto the grenade to protect his fellow marines from harm.

William R. Caddy

Medal of Honor action date: March 3, 1945
Date of presentation: September 8, 1946
Military branch: U.S. Marine Corps
Highest rank achieved: Private First Class
State accredited: Massachusetts

Private First Class Caddy

William R. Caddy was a rifleman with Company I, 3rd Battalion, 26th Marines, 5th Marine Division. While advancing under heavy fire, Private First Class Caddy threw himself onto a Japanese grenade to protect his fellow marines.

Justice M. Chambers

Medal of Honor action date: February 19-22, 1945
Date of presentation: November 1, 1950
Military branch: U.S. Marine Corps
Highest rank achieved: Colonel
State accredited: Washington D.C.

Colonel Chambers

Joseph J. McCarthy | File:24th marines wwii iwo jima.jpg

On Iwo Jima, Lieutenant Colonel Justice M. Chambers led his battalion ashore under heavy fire and reorganized them for a critical assault on enemy high ground. Despite constant danger and heavy losses, his courageous leadership in an eight-hour battle secured the area, protecting landing troops. He continued to scout and direct operations until he was critically wounded.

Darrell S. Cole

Medal of Honor action date: February 19, 1945
Date of presentation: April 17, 1947
Military branch: U.S. Marine Corps
Highest rank achieved: Sergeant
State accredited: Missouri

Sergeant Cole

Under intense fire, Sergeant Darrell S. Cole fearlessly led his men toward the airfield, personally destroying two enemy positions with grenades. Sergeant Cole single-handedly attacked and destroyed three enemy pillboxes, enabling his company’s advance, before he was killed.

Robert H. Dunlap

Medal of Honor action date: February 20-21, 1945
Date of presentation: December 18, 1945
Military branch: U.S. Marine Corps
Highest rank achieved: Major
State accredited: Illinois

Captain Dunlap

Captain Robert H. Dunlap bravely led his company uphill under constant heavy fire. Alone, he crawled 200 yards ahead to locate enemy gun positions. For two days and nights, he was exposed, directing accurate bombardment against seemingly impenetrable Japanese defenses despite heavy casualties.

Ross F. Gray

Medal of Honor action date: February 21, 1945
Date of presentation: April 16, 1946
Military branch: U.S. Marine Corps
Highest rank achieved: Sergeant
State accredited: Alabama

Sergeant Gray

Grenades stopped Sergeant Ross Gray’s platoon on February 21, 1945. He single-handedly cleared a mined area and destroyed six enemy positions and over 25 troops by repeatedly attacking with explosives under heavy fire, enabling his platoon’s advance.

William G. Harrell

Medal of Honor action date: March 3, 1945
Date of presentation: October 5, 1945
Military branch: U.S. Marine Corps
Highest rank achieved: Sergeant
State accredited: Texas

Sergeant Harrell

Sergeant William G. Harrell single-handedly defended his company’s command post against infiltrating Japanese troops in hand-to-hand combat. Despite losing a hand and fracturing his thigh from grenades, he killed at least five enemies with his carbine and pistol, even grabbing a live grenade to save his wounded comrade.

Rufus G. Herring

Medal of Honor action date: February 17, 1945
Date of presentation: September 17, 1945
Military branch: U.S. Navy
Highest rank achieved: Lieutenant
State accredited: North Carolina

Lieutenant Herring

USS+Nevada+BB-36 | USS Nevada (BB-36)

Though twice critically wounded and his ship disabled, Lieutenant Rufus G. Herring bravely took command, directed fire, and conned his crippled vessel to safety during the pre-invasion attack on Iwo Jima (February 17, 1945).

Douglas T. Jacobson

Medal of Honor action date: February 26, 1945
Date of presentation: October 5, 1945
Military branch: U.S. Marine Corps
Highest rank achieved: Major
State accredited: New York

Private First Class Jacobson

After taking over a bazooka, Private First Class Douglas T. Jacobson relentlessly attacked enemy positions on Hill 382. He single-handedly destroyed 16 positions, including machine-gun nests, pillboxes, and a tank turret, killing about 75 Japanese and enabling his unit’s advance.

Joseph R. Julian

Medal of Honor action date: March 9, 1945
Date of presentation: November 16, 1945
Military branch: U.S. Marine Corps
Highest rank achieved: Platoon Sergeant
State accredited: Massachusetts

Sergeant Julian

Platoon Sergeant Joseph R. Julian single-handedly assaulted multiple heavily fortified enemy positions to break a stalemate. He destroyed pillboxes with grenades and a bazooka, killing numerous Japanese soldiers and enabling his company’s advance.

James D. La Belle

Medal of Honor action date: March 8, 1945
Date of presentation: N/A
Military branch: U.S. Marine Corps
Highest rank achieved: Private First Class
State accredited: Minnesota

Private First Class La Belle

Private First Class James D. La Belle, guarding a front-line foxhole with two others, saw an enemy grenade land beyond reach. He shouted a warning and instantly sacrificed himself by diving on the grenade, saving his comrades from injury.

John H. Leims

Medal of Honor action date: March 7, 1945
Date of presentation: June 14, 1946
Military branch: U.S. Marine Corps
Highest rank achieved: Second Lieutenant
State accredited: Illinois

Second Lieutenant Leims

Second Lieutenant John H. Leims led a surprise attack to capture a heavily fortified Japanese hill. When his forward platoons were cut off, he personally laid communication lines under fire. Ordered to withdraw, he then braved intense enemy fire multiple times in the darkness to rescue two seriously wounded Marines left behind.

Jacklyn H. Lucas

Medal of Honor action date: February 20, 1945
Date of presentation: October 5, 1945
Military branch: U.S. Marine Corps
Highest rank achieved: Private First Class
State accredited: Virginia

Private First Class Lucas

World War II Soldiers Looking for the Enemy

Private First Class Jacklyn H. Lucas and three others were ambushed on Iwo Jima on February 20, 1945. When two grenades landed in front of them, Pfc. Lucas instantly threw himself on one and pulled the other under him, absorbing both explosions to shield his comrades from injury or death. His selfless act enabled them to defeat the enemy and continue their advance.

Jack Lummus

Medal of Honor action date: March 8, 1945
Date of presentation: N/A
Military branch: U.S. Marine Corps
Highest rank achieved: First Lieutenant
State accredited: Texas

First Lieutenant Lummus

On March 8, 1945, First Lieutenant Jack Lummus relentlessly led his platoon against entrenched enemy positions for two days. Despite being wounded by two grenades, he single-handedly attacked and destroyed three enemy emplacements. He continued to encourage his men and direct tank fire until he fatally stepped on a land mine.

Harry L. Martin

Medal of Honor action date: March 26, 1945
Date of presentation: N/A
Military branch: U.S. Marine Corps
Highest rank achieved: First Lieutenant
State accredited: Ohio

First Lieutenant Martin

When his bivouac was attacked at dawn, First Lieutenant Harry L. Martin organized a defense and then braved heavy fire to rescue trapped Marines, killing Japanese who tried to stop him. Later, armed only with a pistol, he single-handedly charged and killed four enemies in a machine-gun pit. To prevent further attacks, he led his men into the enemy force, scattering them until he was mortally wounded by a grenade.

Joseph J. McCarthy

Medal of Honor action date: February 21, 1945
Date of presentation: October 5, 1945
Military branch: U.S. Marine Corps
Highest rank achieved: Brigadier General
State accredited: Illinois

Captain McCarthy

On February 21, 1945, Captain Joseph J. McCarthy led a charge under heavy fire to destroy two enemy pillboxes, personally killing escaping soldiers and disarming an enemy soldier inside. His aggressive leadership broke through enemy defenses and secured a key ridge.

George Phillips

Medal of Honor action date: March 14, 1945
Date of presentation: N/A
Military branch: U.S. Marine Corps
Highest rank achieved: Private
State accredited: Missouri

Private Phillips

United States Air Force medal of honor with case. Private George Phillips was on watch on March 14, 1945, when an enemy grenade landed in his foxhole. He immediately warned his squad and sacrificed himself by diving on the grenade, saving his comrades from serious injury.

Francis J. Pierce

Medal of Honor action date: March 15-16, 1945
Date of presentation: June 25, 1948
Military branch: U.S. Navy
Highest rank achieved: Pharmacist’s Mate First Class
State accredited: Iowa

Pharmacist’s Mate First Class Francis J. Pierce

During the Iwo Jima campaign, Francis J. Pierce repeatedly volunteered for dangerous missions under constant fire. When a corpsman and stretcher bearers were wounded, he took charge, moved casualties to safety, gave aid, and used himself as bait to draw enemy fire so others could reach cover. Unarmed, Pierce carried two wounded Marines across 200 feet of open fire on separate trips. While aiding another Marine, he was seriously wounded but refused treatment to direct care and provide cover fire.

Donald J. Ruhl

Medal of Honor action date: February 19-21, 1945
Date of presentation: N/A
Military branch: U.S. Marine Corps
Highest rank achieved: Private First Class
State accredited: Montana

Private First Class Ruhl

Close Up Single Re-enactor Dressed As German Wehrmacht Infantry Soldier In World War II Walking In Patrol Through Autumn Forest. WWII WW2 Times. Photo In Black And White Colors.

Private First Class Donald J. Ruhl single-handedly attacked escaping enemy troops, killing two. He then braved heavy fire to rescue a wounded Marine. Later, he secured an enemy gun emplacement overnight. The next day, he sacrificed himself by diving on a grenade near his comrade.

Franklin E. Sigler

Franklin+E.+Sigler | g701147

Medal of Honor action date: March 14, 1945
Date of presentation: October 5, 1945
Military branch: U.S. Marine Corps
Highest rank achieved: Private First Class
State accredited: New Jersey

Private Sigler

The United States Marine Corps War Memorial in a close-up of the Marines raising the American Flag. Stark, with the flag lending color to the scene.

On March 14, 1945, Private Franklin E. Sigler took command of his squad and single-handedly charged an enemy gun, eliminating the crew. Despite being severely wounded, he directed fire on enemy positions and repeatedly braved heavy fire to carry three wounded comrades to safety.

Tony Stein

Medal of Honor action date: February 19, 1945
Date of presentation: February 19, 1946
Military branch: U.S. Marine Corps
Highest rank achieved: Corporal
State accredited: Ohio

Corporal Stein

US MARINES branch tape with dog tags and flag patch on desert camouflage uniform background

Corporal Tony Stein was the first ashore on February 19, 1945, providing cover fire with an improvised weapon. When his platoon was pinned down, he exposed himself to draw enemy fire, located their guns, and single-handedly charged the pillboxes. He then made eight trips under intense fire to resupply ammunition and help wounded Marines.

George E. Wahlen

George+E.+Wahlen | Medal of Honor winner George Wahlen

Medal of Honor action date: March 3, 1945
Date of presentation: October 5, 1945
Military branch: U.S. Navy
Highest rank achieved: Major
State accredited: Utah

Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class George E. Wahlen

Despite being wounded, George E. Wahlen repeatedly braved intense fire to aid wounded Marines, carrying one to safety. He tirelessly treated and attended to 14 men under constant fire. Wounded again, he refused evacuation, and the next day continued to provide medical aid under fire. Even after a third wound left him unable to walk, he crawled 50 yards to help another fallen Marine.

William G. Walsh

Medal of Honor action date: February 27, 1945
Date of presentation: N/A
Military branch: U.S. Marine Corps
Highest rank achieved: Gunnery Sergant
State accredited: Massachusetts

Gunnery Sergeant Walsh

Gunnery Sergeant William G. Walsh led his platoon in a fearless assault against heavily entrenched Japanese forces on Hill 362, facing intense machine-gun fire and grenades. After being thrown back, he led a second attack up the steep slope. When a grenade landed among his men, he sacrificed himself by diving on it.

Wilson D. Watson

Medal of Honor action date: February 26-27, 1945
Date of presentation: October 5, 1945
Military branch: U.S. Marine Corps
Highest rank achieved: Staff Sergeant
State accredited: Arkansas

Private Watson

Private Wilson D. Watson single-handedly attacked a pillbox, enabling his platoon’s advance. Later, he charged a hill under heavy fire, stood exposed for 15 minutes, and killed 60 Japanese, holding the position until his platoon joined him.

Hershel Woodrow “Woody” Williams

Medal of Honor action date: February 23, 1945
Date of presentation: October 5, 1945
Military branch: U.S. Marine Corps
Highest rank achieved: Chief Warrant Officier Four
State accredited: West Virginia

Corporal Williams

Corporal Hershel Woodrow “Woody” Williams volunteered to clear a path for infantry through heavily fortified enemy positions. For four hours of intense fire and covered by only four riflemen, he repeatedly advanced alone to destroy pillboces with flamethrowers and demolition charges, even mounting one attack through an air vent.

Jack Williams

Medal of Honor action date: March 3, 1945
Date of presentation: N/A
Military branch: U.S. Naval Reserve
Highest rank achieved: Pharmacist’s Mate Third Class
State accredited: Arkansas

Pharmacist’s Mate Third Class Jack Williams

World War Two

Under heavy fire, Jack Williams helped a wounded Marine, using his own body as a shield while giving first aid, despite being shot three times himself. He aided another casualty before collapsing from a sniper shot.

John H. Willis

Medal of Honor action date: February 28, 1945
Date of presentation: December 12, 1945
Military branch: U.S. Navy
Highest rank achieved: Pharmacist’s Mate First Class
State accredited: Tennessee

Corpsman Willis

Corpsman John H. Willis repeatedly braved heavy artillery and mortar fire to aid wounded Marines. After being wounded himself and ordered back, he returned to the front lines during a fierce counterattack to help a Marine in a shell hole. He calmly administered aid and threw back eight enemy grenades before a ninth one killed him.

The post These Medal of Honor Recipients Defined Heroism and Valor in Iwo Jima appeared first on 24/7 Wall St..