Pharmacist’s Mate 2nd Class William Halyburton Jr. earned the Medal of Honor on Okinawa. Serving with the 2nd battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, of the 1st Marine Division many Marines were wounded near the Awacha Draw. Halyburton selflessly rushed to assist the Marine closest to the enemy through mortar, machine gun and sniper fire. While attending to him, the Marine was wounded again. Halyburton shielded the man with his own body while continuing to assist him until Halyburton himself was killed by an exploding mortar round.

Pharmacist’s Mate 2nd Class Halyburton was 20 years old.

In 1984 the USS Halyburton, named in his honor, was commissioned. (FFG 40). It took part in the M/V Maersk Alabama hijacking featured in the movie “Captain Phillips.” Its motto was “Non sibi, sed Patriae,” “Not for self, but country.” It was decommissioned 2014.

Halyburton is interred at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu.

Pharmacist's Mate Halyburton served with a Marine rifle Co. in the 5th Marines on Okinawa. On May 10, 1945, Halyburton and his unit attacked a Japanese stronghold. Halyburton dashed up a hill to aid a wounded man, heedless of the danger from machinegun and sniper fire. Shielding the marine with his own body, Halyburton continued to administer aid to the man until mortally wounded. For his sacrifice, Halyburton received the Medal of Honor.

*The preceding content is not intended as a comprehensive biography, but it highlights their significance as a result of military or civilian distinction, lasting achievements, or association with impactful national events.

Halyburton's family shows a picture of him in a news report stating he received the Medal of Honor, Miami Herald May 5, 1946.

His dad is wearing a tie, same with his brother who is about 12. His mom is in a flowery dress.

The USS Halyburton (FFG 40) named after William

A navy ship sailing, white wake on the sides, 

National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific

william d halyburton jr's Profile Picture

Grave marker image for (WILLIAM HALYBURTON).

WILLIAM D HALYBURTON JR

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