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Overview
(1921-1945) John Harlan Willis was born on June 10, 1921 in Columbia, Tennessee. He graduated from Columbia Central High School in 1939. On November 5, 1940, Willis enlisted in the US Navy and was trained as a Navy corpsman in Virginia. After several promotions, Willis transferred to the Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion of the 27th Marine Regiment, 5th Marine Division at Camp Pendleton, California. Willis deployed with the 27th Marines at Iwo Jima on February 19, 1945. He participated in the battle as a corpsman, and was wounded on February 28th and was ordered to the aid station. In spite of his injuries, Willis disregarded orders and continued to render aid to wounded men. While assisting a wounded Marine, Willis came under attack from enemy grenades. After throwing back eight grenades, a ninth exploded in his hand, killing him. His courage under fire inspired the men around him to launch a counterattack and repel the enemy. For his heroism and selfless acts, John Harlan Willis was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. Willis was laid to rest at Rose Hill Cemetery in his hometown of Columbia, Tennessee. Information provided by Tom Price, Director of The Maury County Archives
