Rep. Ogles Introduces Bill to Rename Post Office After Tennessee Hero
Washington, DC – Congressman Andy Ogles introduced legislation to rename United States Post Office 38401-9998 in Columbia, Tennessee, after Columbia native and Medal of Honor recipient John Harlan Willis. Pharmacist's Mate First Class John Harlan Willis was born on June 10th, 1923. He joined the Navy at the age of 19 and was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 27th Marines when they landed on Iwo Jima on February 9th, 1945.
On February 28, he was wounded while treating his fellow servicemen. Despite his injuries, he continued to assist his fellow soldiers. While he did this, the enemy began to assault his position with hand grenades. John threw back eight grenades before the ninth exploded in his hand, killing him. For his service, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.
“John Harlan Willis embodied the very best of the American spirit. In the face of overwhelming danger, he chose courage, selflessness, and duty. Renaming this Post Office in his hometown ensures that future generations will remember a Tennessean who gave everything for his country,” said Congressman Ogles.
“His heroism at Iwo Jima will never be forgotten, and our nation owes him a permanent place of honor,” Congressman Ogles said.
“Pharmacist’s Mate First Class John Harlan Willis embodied the highest ideals of courage, sacrifice, and service, and I’m honored to support this effort to name a post office in his hometown in recognition of his heroism. As a Tennessean and a Medal of Honor recipient who gave his life caring for others in the heat of battle, his legacy deserves to be preserved and remembered. I’m proud to stand with my colleagues in paying tribute to an American hero,” said Congresswoman Harshbarger.
“It is an honor to co-sponsor this legislation to ensure that Pharmacist’s Mate First Class John Harlan Willis’s service and sacrifice are permanently recognized in the community he called home. Naming the Columbia Post Office after him is a fitting tribute to a Tennessean whose courage and dedication to country exemplify the very best of our nation’s values. This designation ensures that future generations will remember his legacy,” said Congressman Van Epps.
Cosponsors (8): Reps Harshbarger [TN-01], Burchett [TN-02], Fleischmann [TN-03], DesJarlais [TN-04], Rose [TN-06], Van Epps [TN-07], Kustoff [TN-08], and Cohen [TN-09]
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