During the Battle of Iwo Jima in 1945, he helped in caring for and protecting wounded Marines and became one of four navy corpsman assigned to a Marine unit to receive the Medal for heroic actions during the battle; he was initially awarded the Navy Cross for actions on March 15, 1945, and the Silver Star Medal for actions in which he was wounded twice on March 16, 1945.
During the Battle of Iwo Jima in 1945, he assisted in caring for and protecting wounded Marines and became one of four navy corpsmen assigned to a Marine unit who received recognition for heroic actions during the battle; he was initially awarded the Navy Cross on March 15, 1945, and later the Silver Star Medal after being injured twice on March 16, 1945.