Congressional Medal of Honor Society
Stories of Sacrifice
World War II - U.S. Naval Reserve
William David Halyburton Jr.
- Rank: Pharmacist's Mate Second Class
- Conflict/Era: World War II
- Unit/Command:
2d Battalion, 5th Marines,
1st Marine Division - Military Service Branch: U.S. Naval Reserve
- Medal of Honor Action Date: May 10, 1945
- Medal of Honor Action Place: Okinawa Shima, Ryukyu Islands
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with a Marine Rifle Company in the 2d Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa Shima in the Ryukyu Chain, 10 May 1945. Undaunted by the deadly accuracy of Japanese counterfire as his unit pushed the attack through a strategically important draw, Halyburton unhesitatingly dashed across the draw and up the hill into an open fire-swept field where the company advance squad was suddenly pinned down under a terrific concentration of mortar, machine-gun, and sniper fire with resultant severe casualties. Moving steadily forward despite the enemy's merciless barrage, he reached the wounded marine who lay farthest away and was rendering first aid when his patient was struck for a second time by a Japanese bullet. Instantly placing himself in the direct line of fire, he shielded the fallen fighter with his own body and staunchly continued his ministrations although constantly menaced by the slashing fury of shrapnel and bullets falling on all sides. Alert, determined, and completely unselfish in his concern for the helpless marine, he persevered in his efforts until he himself sustained mortal wounds and collapsed, heroically sacrificing himself that his comrade might live. By his outstanding valor and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of tremendous odds, Halyburton sustained and enhanced the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.
- Accredited to: North Carolina
- Awarded Posthumously: Yes
- Presentation Date & Details: May 8, 1946
At Bayfront Park, Miami, Florida, by Rear Admiral John F. Shafroth, to his brothers Bob and Joe Halyburton
- Born: August 2, 1924, Canton, Haywood County, NC, United States
- Died: May 10, 1945, Okinawa Shima, Ryukyu Islands
- Buried: National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl) (MH) (0-274), Honolulu, HI, United States
- Location of Medal: Haliburton Medical Clinic, Cherry Point, NC