Marine Medal of Honor Recipients of Iwo Jima

From 19 February through 26 March 1945, the U.S.Marine Corps and U.S. Navy participated in one of the most impactful battles during World War II, the battle of Iwo Jima. This battle saw more than 26,000 American casualties and a total of 27 Medals of Honor awarded to men who went beyond the call of duty during the fight for the island.

Twenty-two U.S. Marines were awarded Medals of Honor for their actions on Iwo Jima.  That is 25% of the total 83 Medals of Honor that were awarded to Marines throughout World War II.  Twelve Marines who fought on Iwo Jima received the honor posthumously.

Let’s take a minute to reflect on the heroism of two recipients of the Medal of Honor, Private First Class Jacklyn H. Lucas and Corporal Hershel “Woody” Williams, and the ultimate sacrifice of Marine legend, Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone, who had already received a Medal of Honor for his actions on Guadalcanal.

Author:  NMMC Public Affairs

​The Marine Corps celebrates the nationwide observance of African American/Black History Month throughout February.

Origins of the observance date back to 1915 with the foundation of the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History by Dr. Carter G. Woodson, known as the “Father of Black History.” The association proclaimed the first Negro History Week in February 1926, which evolved into the current month-long observance.

This year’s theme – “Honoring the Past, Securing the Future” – allows the Marine Corps to honor its African American history while recognizing the ongoing contributions to the success and development of our nation.

One Marine that broke many barriers for African American Marines is Frank E. Petersen, Jr.  Petersen enlisted in the U.S. Navy in June 1950 and completed flight training in October 1952, becoming the fourth African American naval aviator and the first African American Marine pilot.    Flying Vought F4U Corsairs, Petersen completed 64 combat missions during the Korean War. In Vietnam, LtCol Petersen commanded Marine Fighter/Attack Squadron 314, becoming the first African American naval officer to command a squadron in combat. Petersen flew more than 300 combat missions and was rescued after being shot down over the Demilitarized Zone.