Harrell, William George

Date of birth:: June 26th, 1922 (Rio Grande City/Texas, United States)
Date of death:: August 9th, 1964 (San Antonio/Texas, United States)
Buried on:: Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery
Plot: W. Grave: 3247.
Nationality:: American

Biography

William Harrell was born on June 26th, 1922 in Rio Grande City, Texas. Later his family moved to Mercedes where he attended high school in, graduating in 1939. He then went to the Texas A&M University.
William Harrell enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on July 3rd, 1942 in Harlingen, Texas. After completing his recruit training at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, he was temporarily assigned to the 1st Guard Company. This was followed by his transfer in September to the Headquarters and Service Company, 2nd Battalion in Camp Elliott, San Diego, California. At arrival he was promoted to Private First Class and later to Corporal.
In February 1943 he departed to the Pacific area with Company A, 1st Battalion, 28th Marines, 5th Marine Division. He then served in Hawaii, Saipan and Iwo Jima. After being severely wounded on Iwo Jima, he lost his both hands, he was treated in several field hospitals and finally arrived at the Bethesda Naval Hospital, Bethesda, Maryland.
Sergeant Harrell was discharged honorably in February 1946
He died on August 9th, 1964 in San Antonio, Texas, and was laid to rest in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, San Antonio.
William Harrell was also entitled to wear the Presidential Unit Citation.

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Medal of Honor - Navy/Marine Corps (MoH)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Sergeant
Unit:: 1st Battalion, 28th Marine Regiment, 5th Marine Division "The Spearhead", U.S. Marine Corps
Awarded for:: Operation Detachment

"For conspicuous 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 1st Battalion, 28th Marines, 5th 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, Sgt. 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 a sudden attack, he quickly opened fire with his carbine and killed 2 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, Sgt. 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 2 more enemy troops who charged his position and placed a grenade near his head. Killing 1 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 Sgt. 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 U.S. Naval Service."

Place and date action: Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 3 March 1945.
He was presented the decoration by President Harry S. Truman at the White House on Friday, October 5, 1945.