William D. Halyburton, Jr.

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William David Halyburton, Jr.
October 2, 1924 – May 10, 1945
PhM2 William Halyburton, Jr.
Place of birth	Canton, North Carolina
Allegiance	United States of America
Service/branch	United States Navy
Rank	Pharmacist's Mate 2nd Class
Unit	2nd Battalion 5th Marines
Battles/wars	Battle of Okinawa
Awards	Medal of Honor

William David Halyburton, Jr. (2 October 1924 – 10 May 1945), was a native of Canton, North Carolina, and he was a graduate of New Hanover High School, Wilmington, N.C.. His enrollment at Davidson College, Davidson, N.C., where he planned to prepare himself for the ministry, was put aside to go into the United States Navy during World War II.

Pharmacist's Mate 2nd Class Halyburton was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroism while serving with the 5th Marines, during the Battle of Okinawa. He is now buried in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, Hawaii.

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.