Namesake:

Pharmacist's Mate Second Class William David Halyburton, Jr.

USS HALYBURTON is named for the late Pharmacist's Mate Second Class William David Halyburton, Jr. , USN. A native of Canton, North Carolina, he was a graduate of New Hanover High School, Wilmington, North Carolina. His enrollment at Davidson College, Davidson, North Carolina, where he planned to prepare himself for the ministry, was put aside to go into the service.

His citation is as follows:

"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepedity 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 Ryukyu 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."

Mission:

Historical Notes:

Ship's Crest:

Description of Coat of Arms:The ship's crest was designed to represent the heroic action on the Island of Okinawa in World War II for which Pharmicist's Mate Second Class William David Halyburton, Jr. was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. The Scarlet and gold bars in the shield denote service in a land action with the U.S. Marines; the alternating colors of the bars symbolize the exchange of fire with an opposing force. The heraldic lion rampart in the midst of the field denotes a single act of great courage, i.e., Halyburton placing himself in the line of fire, in complete disregard for his own safety, in order to shield from further harm, and render medical aid to, a fallen Marine, thereby giving his own life in exchange. The lion is blue, the color of the Medal of Honor ribbon, and is strewn with thirteen stars, as is that decoration, the nation's highest. The gold laurel wreath, inverted, is symbolic of the posthumous awards to Pharmicist's Mate Halyburton in addition to the Medal of Honor: The Purple Heart, the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. The anchor and cross denote naval service and the provision of medical care on the battlefield.

PHOTOS