Columbia commemorates local Medal of Honor recipient

Officials with the city of Columbia, military representatives, community, and family members gathered to honor what would have been the 80th birthday of local Medal of Honor recipient John Harlan Willis at the bridge into downtown named in his honor. Officials held a wreath-laying ceremony at the John Harlan Willis Bridge Memorial to honor the Columbia native, vowing to continue preserving his legacy in the city. Willis enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1940. Serving with the 3rd Battalion, 27th Marines on Iwo Jima on Feb. 19, 1945, Willis was wounded by shrapnel while serving aiding fallen Marines as a company platoon corpsman. Ordered to retreat to the aid tent, he refused and continued to resume assistance, treating a wounded Marine. When the enemy began throwing hand grenades at the location, Willis caught and returned eight back to the enemy. The ninth exploded in his hand. For his bravery, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. Willis’ 80th birthday would have been Feb. 28, 2025.