William Kirkland Stewart

Entered service upon graduation from The Citadel. Posted to Schools Detachment, Indiantown, Pennsylvania; commissioned as Second Lieutenant on 6 September 1941. Transferred to Marine Corps Base San Diego on 31 January 1942 for duty with the Marine detachment aboard USS Mississippi (BB-41).

While aboard, participated in the campaigns for the Aleutian Islands, Gilbert Islands, and Marshall Islands. Rose in rank to Captain in command of the Marine detachment.

Detached for shore duty summer 1944; to Marine Corps Base Quantico for additional training.

Joined Able Company, First Battalion, 24th Marines at Camp Maui on 13 November 1944, replacing acting CO 1Lt. Roy I. Wood, Jr.

Promoted to Major on 23 January 1945 while en route to Iwo Jima.

Outfit: A/1/24th Marines (Company HQ)
Rank: Major
MOS: Company Commander
Important Events: 
February 25, 1945 – wounded in action (gunshot, pelvis) while advancing to front lines. Evacuated to LSTH-930 for treatment.
February 26, 1945 – died of wounds aboard LSTH-930. Buried at sea, (24°45’N, 141°19’E).

Received Bronze Star Medal for the Iwo Jima campaign:

For heroic service as commanding officer of Company A, First Battalion, Twenty-Fourth Marines, Fourth Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, from 19 to 25 February 1945. Skilled and aggressive in the employment of his company and the effective handling of its firepower, Major Stewart continuously exposed himself in order to maneuver the units of his command to deliver the most efficient firepower, and was leading his company in an attack when fatally wounded. His forceful and courageous leadership and inspiring devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Major Stewart and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Campaign Narrative