USS Halyburton FFG 40 / PhM2c William David Halyburton, jr. / Oliver Hazard Perry class Guided Missile Frigate

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Guided Missile Frigate
FFG 40 - USS Halyburton
		USS Halyburton (FFG 40)							US Navy photo
Type, Class:		Guided Missile Frigate; Oliver Hazard Perry – class (long hull); planned and built as FFG 40;
Builder:		Todd Pacific Shipyard, Seattle, Washington, USA
STATUS:		Awarded: April 27, 1979; Laid down: September 26, 1980; Launched: October 13, 1981; Commissioned: January 7, 1984; ACTIVE UNIT/ in commission (Atlantic Fleet)
Homeport:		Mayport, Florida, USA
Namesake:		Named after and in honor of PhM2c William David Halyburton, Jr. (1924 – 1945); > see history, below;
Ship's Motto:		> NON SIBI – SED PATRIAE < 'not for self, but for country'
Technical Data: (Measures, Propulsion, Armament, Aviation, etc.)		see: INFO > Guided Missile Frigate / Oliver Hazard Perry - class.
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William David Halyburton, Jr.
Photo credits: US Navy, US Naval Historical Center
Namesake & History:
Pharmacist's Mate Second Class William David Halyburton, Jr. (October 2, 1924 – May 10, 1945):
William David Halyburton, Jr. was born on 2 August 1924 in Canton, North Carolina. He enlisted in the U. S. Naval Reserve as an apprentice seaman on 4 August 1943 in Raleigh, North Carolina. One week later, he transferred to the Naval Training Station, Bainbridge, Maryland, where he advanced to seaman second class. While he trained at the Hospital Corps School, also in Bainbridge, he was advanced to pharmacist’s mate third class. He studied at several training centers over the next two years and was advanced to pharmacist’s mate second class on 1 August 1944. After combat training at Camp Pendleton, California, PhM2c Halyburton embarked aboard the transport USS General M. M. Patrick on 14 December 1944 to join the 2d Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division, which was leaving for duty on the island of Okinawa. Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class Halyburton landed with the Marines during the invasion of Okinawa in April 1945. On 10 May, as his company attacked a significant objective, he moved in the open through deadly enemy machine gun, mortar, and small arms fire to reach the wounded. In order to protect a badly wounded patient, PhM2c Halyburton shielded the Marine with his own body despite the danger of incoming rounds and shell fragments. He continued to administer aid until he himself suffered a mortal wound. For heroically sacrificing his life so that Marines might live, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class Halyburton was laid to rest in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Honolulu, Hawaii. In addition to the Medal of Honor, PhM2c Halyburton’s awards included the Purple Heart Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal. The guided missile frigate USS Halyburton (FFG-40) was launched on 30 October 1981. The Halyburton Naval Hospital at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, was also named in his honor. 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.
USS Halyburton (FFG 40):
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