220217-N-N1526-006

On February 19, 1945, while taking part in the amphibious assault on Iwo Jima, Hospital Apprentice First Class James Twedt was grievously wounded by an exploding shell. Flying shrapnel and the force of the blast amputated one of his feet and badly mangled the other. However, despite his desperate condition, and, although fully aware of his own peril and immediate need for medical attention, Twedt's first instinct was to perform his duties and aid other wounded. Dragging himself painfully to the wounded man next to him, he administered first aid. Although Twedt was rapidly losing blood, he continued to bandage this wounded man, calling for additional aid, and not until he had assured himself that another Corpsman was on the way and that he had done his duty to the best of his ability, did he give attention to his own wounds. Hospital Apprentice First Class Twedt died as a result of these wounds, but his outstanding devotion to duty in addition to his resolute courage was exemplary. Twedt was one of 14 hospital corpsmen awarded the Navy Cross for actions on Iwo Jima.

220217-N-N1526-006.JPG Photo By: André Sobocinski

Related Stories:

The Hospital Corpsmen of Iwo Jima: Stories of Valor and Sacrifice

Feb 21, 2023

Falls Church, VA - On February 19, 1945, while taking part in the amphibious assault on Iwo Jima, Hospital Apprentice First Class James Twedt was grievously wounded by an exploding shell. Flying shrapnel and the force of the blast amputated one of his feet and badly mangled the other. However, despite his desperate condition, and, although fully aware of his own peril and immediate need for medical attention, Twedt's first instinct was to perform his duties and aid other wounded. Dragging himself painfully to the wounded man next to him, he administered first aid. Although Twedt was rapidly losing blood, he continued to bandage this wounded man, calling for additional aid, and not until he had assured himself that another Corpsman was on the way and that he had done his duty to the best of his ability, did he give attention to his own wounds. Hospital Apprentice First Class Twedt died as a result of these wounds, but his outstanding devotion to duty in addition to his resolute courage was exemplary. Twedt was one of 14 hospital corpsmen awarded the Navy Cross for actions on Iwo Jima.

DOWNLOAD PHOTO (0.26 MB)

This photograph is considered public domain and has been cleared for release. If you would like to republish please give the photographer appropriate credit. Further, any commercial or non-commercial use of this photograph or any other DoD image must be made in compliance with guidance found at http://www.dimoc.mil/resources/limitations.html , which pertains to intellectual property restrictions (e.g., copyright and trademark, including the use of official emblems, insignia, names and slogans), warnings regarding use of images of identifiable personnel, appearance of endorsement, and related matters.

Back to Gallery

Bureau of Medicine and Surgery
7700 Arlington Blvd. Ste. 5113 Falls Church, VA 22042-5113
This is an official U.S. Navy website
This is a Department of Defense (DoD) Internet computer system.

General Navy Medical Inquiries (to Bureau of Medicine and Surgery): usn.ncr.bumedfchva.list.bumed---pao@health.mil

DO NOT EDIT OR DELETE!!!!!

HotInfo

ImageGallery

SiteWideFooter- glc

Navy Medicine