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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.