STATUS:
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Awarded:
April 27,
1979
Laid
down: September 26,
1980
Launched: October 13, 1981
Commissioned: January 7, 1984
ACTIVE
UNIT/ in commission (Atlantic Fleet)
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William David
Halyburton, Jr. was born on 2 October 1924 in Canton, North Carolina. He
enlisted in the U. S. Naval Reserve as an apprentice seaman on 4 August 1943
in Raleigh, North Carolina. One week later, he transferred to the Naval
Training Station, Bainbridge, Maryland, where he advanced to seaman second
class.
While he trained at the Hospital Corps School, also in Bainbridge, he was
advanced to pharmacist’s mate third class. He studied at several training
centers over the next two years and was advanced to pharmacist’s mate second
class on 1 August 1944. After combat training at Camp Pendleton, California,
PhM2c Halyburton embarked aboard the transport USS General M. M. Patrick on
14 December 1944 to join the 2d Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division,
which was leaving for duty on the island of Okinawa.
Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class Halyburton landed with the Marines during the
invasion of Okinawa in April 1945. On 10 May, as his company attacked a
significant objective, he moved in the open through deadly enemy machine gun,
mortar, and small arms fire to reach the wounded. In order to protect a badly
wounded patient, PhM2c Halyburton shielded the Marine with his own body
despite the danger of incoming rounds and shell fragments. He continued to administer
aid until he himself suffered a mortal wound. For heroically sacrificing his
life so that Marines might live, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of
Honor.
Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class Halyburton was laid to rest in the National
Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Honolulu, Hawaii.
In addition to the Medal of Honor, PhM2c Halyburton’s awards included the
Purple Heart Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, and the World War II
Victory Medal. The guided missile frigate USS Halyburton (FFG-40) was
launched on 30 October 1981. The Halyburton Naval Hospital at Marine Corps
Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, was also named in his honor.
Medal of Honor citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of 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 the enemy
Japanese forces on Okinawa Shima in the Ryūkyū Chain on 10 May
1945. Undaunted by the deadly accuracy of Japanese counterfire as his unit
pushed the attack through a strategically important draw and up the hill into
an open fireswept field where the Company advance squad was suddenly pinned
down under a terrific concentration of mortar, machinegun, 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 the 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 at his 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, Petty Officer Halyburton sustained
and enhanced the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He
gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.
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