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Photo # NH 103821:  Sergeant William G. Harrell, USMC

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Sergeant William G. Harrell, USMC, (1922-1964)

William George Harrell was born on 26 June 1922 in Rio Grande City, Texas. After graduating from high school in 1939, he worked as a pipefitter and attended the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas. In July 1942, Harrell enlisted in the U.S. Marines and completed basic training at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, California. He then served in the Depot's 1st Guard Company. Upon transferring to Headquarters and Service Company, 2nd Battalion, at Camp Elliott in San Diego, he was promoted to Corporal. In February 1943, Corporal Harrell went overseas with Company A, 1st Battalion, Twenty-eighth Marines, Fifth Marine Division. After being promoted to Sergeant, he participated in the assault on Saipan in June and July of 1944.

Sergeant Harrell next took part in the Iwo Jima campaign in February and March 1945 as an assault group leader. At dawn on 3 March 1945, he repulsed an intense enemy assault on his position, fighting on despite serious injuries, including the loss of both hands to grenades. For his "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity" and "indomitable fighting spirit against almost insurmountable odds," he awarded the Medal of Honor, which was presented by President Harry S. Truman at the White House on 5 October 1945. William G. Harrell died on 9 August 1964 and is buried at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, San Antonio, Texas.

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Photo #: NH 103821

Sergeant William G. Harrell, USMC


Halftone reproduction of a photograph, copied from the official publication "Medal of Honor, 1861-1949, The Navy", page 202.
William G. Harrell received the Medal of Honor for "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his own life" on 3 March 1945, during the Battle of Iwo Jima.

U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.

Online Image: 47KB; 590 x 765 pixels

 



Medal of Honor citation of Sergeant William G. Harrell, USMC (as printed in the official publication "Medal of Honor, 1861-1949, The Navy", page 202):

"For conspicious gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as Leader of an Assault Group, attached to the First Battalion, Twenty-eighth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, during hand-to-hand combat with enemy Japanese at Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on 3 March 1945. Standing watch alternately with another Marine in a terrain studded with caves and ravines, Sergeant Harrell was holding a position in a perimeter defense around the company command post when Japanese troops infiltrated our lines in the early hours of dawn. Awakened by the sudden attack, he quickly opened fire with his carbine and killed two of the enemy as they emerged from a ravine in the light of a star-shellburst. Unmindful of his danger as hostile grenades fell closer, he waged a fierce lone battle until an exploding missile tore off his left hand and fractured his thigh. He was vainly attempting to reload the carbine when his companion returned from the command post with another weapon. Wounded again by a Japanese who rushed the foxhole wielding a saber in the darkness, Sergeant Harrell succeeded in drawing his pistol and killing his opponent and then ordered his wounded companion to a place of safety. Exhausted by profuse bleeding but still unbeaten, he fearlessly met the challenge of two more enemy troops who charged his position and placed a grenade near his head. Killing one man with his pistol, he grasped the sputtering grenade with his good right hand and, pushing it painfully toward the crouching soldier, saw his remaining assailant destroyed but his own hand severed in the explosion. At dawn Sergeant Harrell was evacuated from a position hedged by the bodies of 12 dead Japanese, at least 5 of whom he had personally destroyed in his self-sacrificing defense of the command post. His grim fortitude, exceptional valor and indomitable fighting spirit against almost insurmountable odds reflect the highest credit upon himself and enhance the finest traditions of the United States Naval Service."


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Page made 1 June 2006