William David Halyburton, Jr. - Pharmacists Mate Second Class, U.S. Naval Reserve Medal of Honor Recipient
“Billy” Halyburton was born on August 2, 1924, in Canton, North Carolina (Haywood County). For his high school years he moved to Wilmington and lived with relatives in Winter Park. He was a popular friend and star player on the varsity basketball team at New Hanover High School, and graduated from there in 1943. He was active in Winter Park Presbyterian Church, and had planned to enroll in Davidson College and become a minister.
He departed Wilmington among a draft contingent on August 2, 1943, for Fort Bragg, North Carolina, for induction into the armed forces. He was allowed to select the Navy and entered training as a hospital corpsman in service with the Marine Corps.
In 1945, Petty Officer Halyburton was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division. The Division fought in the bloody Battle of Okinawa Shima, Ryukyus Islands, Japan. His battalion advanced on the heavily fortified Shuri Line. On May 10, 1945, along the Wana Draw, known as “Death Valley,” he rushed to attend a wounded Marine, covering him from further fire with his own body. Japanese gunfire hit Halyburton causing his death. The unknown Marine survived.
“Petty Officer Halyburton displayed gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his own life above and beyond the call of duty. Undaunted...unwavering devotion...giving his life for his country.” So read the citation.
His parents, Mr. and Mrs. W. D. Halyburton, of Miami, Florida, received his posthumous Medal of Honor in May 1946. He is buried in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (The Punchbowl) in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Photos of William Halyburton & Family
William Halyburton as a Boy Scout
William Halyburton as a student at New Hanover High
William Halyburton as a member of the 1943 Varsity Basketball team, second from right
William Halyburton's parents receive his Medal of Honor, 1946
William Halyburton's final resting place in Punchbowl Cemetery - Honolulu, HI