STATUS:
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Awarded:
February 28,
1977
Laid
down: February 25, 1980
Launched: August 30, 1980
Commissioned: September 19, 1981
Decommissioned: September 13, 1996
Fate: stricken: September 13, 1996
transferred
to Bahrain (grant aid) on September 13, 1996
renamed
Shaba (F-90); in service in Royal Bahraini Navy
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Jack
Williams was born on 18 October 1924 in Harrison, Arkansas, and one month
after graduating from high school, enlisted in the U. S. Naval Reserve on 12
June 1943 in Little Rock, Arkansas. He completed recruit training at the
Naval Training Station in San Diego, California, and advanced to seaman
second class on 20 July. In August 1943, he studied at Naval Hospital Corps
School in San Diego. He advanced to hospital apprentice second class in
September and to hospital apprentice first class in November of that same
year.
In January 1944, HA1c Williams transferred to the Field Medical School
Battalion in San Diego. In April he was assigned to Headquarters, 5th Marine
Division, Camp Pendleton, California. He attained the rank of pharmacist’s
mate third class a month later on 1 May 1944. He trained for combat with the
5th Marine Division in Camp Pendleton, California. Eventually, he was
assigned to 3d Battalion, 28th Marines, 5th Marine Division and deployed with
the unit to the Pacific for service during World War II.
On 3 March 1945, PhM3c Williams was serving with the Marines as they engaged
in a difficult battle on the island of Iwo Jima. Uphill, with rocky terrain
on one side and mines on the other, the Marines fought against a
well-entrenched enemy and suffered heavy casualties. PhM3c Williams was
moving among the wounded administering aid when he saw a Marine lying beyond
the front lines. Despite heavy enemy fire, PhM3c Williams crawled to the
downed Marine and dragged the wounded man into a shallow depression. Using
his body to shield his patient, he was struck by enemy fire in the stomach
and groin as he was administering first aid. Momentarily stunned, PhM3c
Williams recovered enough strength to finish his work before tending to his
own wounds. Ignoring his painful wounds and urgent need for medical care,
PhM3c Williams continued to search for other casualties. As he made his way
back to the aid station, he was struck down by a sniper’s bullet and later
died of severe internal injuries.
For his courage, fortitude, and devotion to duty, PhM3c Williams was
posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. Navy Capt Arthur A. Ageton, Director
of Naval Reserve for the 8th Naval District, presented the Medal of Honor to
Williams’ parents at their home. PhM3c Williams was laid to rest in the
Springfield National Cemetery, Springfield, Missouri.
In addition to the Medal of Honor, PhM3c Williams also received the Purple
Heart Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, and World War II Victory Medal.
Medal of Honor citation of Pharmacist's Mate Third Class Jack Williams,
USNR:
(as printed in the official publication "Medal of Honor, 1861-1949, The
Navy", page 280)
"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above
and beyond the call of duty while serving with the Third Battalion,
Twenty-eighth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, during the occupation of Iwo
Jima, Volcano Islands, 3 March 1945. Gallantly going forward of the front
lines under intense enemy small-arms fire to assist a Marine wounded in a
fierce grenade battle, WILLIAMS dragged the man to a shallow depression and
was kneeling, using his own body as a screen from the sustained fire as he
administered first aid, when struck in the abdomen and groin three times by
hostile rifle fire. Momentarily stunned, he quickly recovered and completed
his ministration before applying battle dressing to his own multiple wounds.
Unmindful of his own urgent need for medical attention, he remained in the
perilous fire-swept area to care for another Marine casualty. Heroically
completing his task despite pain and profuse bleeding, he then endeavored to
make his way to the rear in search of adequate aid for himself when struck
down by a Japanese sniper bullet which caused his collapse. Succumbing later
as a result of his self-sacrificing service to others, WILLIAMS, by his
courageous determination, unwavering fortitude and valiant performance of
duty, served as an inspiring example of heroism, in keeping with the highest
traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for
his country."
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