John P. Fardy
John Peter Fardy | |
---|---|
1st Marine Division | |
Battles/wars | World War II *Battle of Cape Gloucester *Battle of Peleliu *Battle of Okinawa † |
Awards | Medal of Honor Purple Heart |
John Peter Fardy (August 15, 1922 – May 7, 1945) was a United States Marine who was killed in action during World War II. On May 6, 1945, during the Battle of Okinawa, Fardy dove onto an enemy hand grenade and smothered the blast with his body to save several nearby Marines, but died of his wounds the next day. His heroic actions were later recognized with the Medal of Honor, the United States' highest military decoration.
Early years
John Peter Fardy was born in
Marine Corps career
Inducted into the Marine Corps on May 8, 1943, Fardy went through
Pfc. Fardy joined the 29th Replacement Battalion shortly before the unit left the United States on October 28, 1943. He journeyed to Nouméa,
Attached to Company C,
Following the Cape Gloucester operation, and the return of the
Promoted to
It was on May 6, 1945, when Company C was advancing against a strongly fortified, fanatically defended Japanese position that Cpl. Fardy's squad was suddenly brought under heavy
The Medal of Honor was presented to Cpl. Fardy's parents at ceremonies conducted by the Marine Corps League in Chicago, September 15, 1946.
Reinterment services for Cpl. Fardy, with military honors by the Chicago Detachment of the Marine Corps League, were held on April 7, 1949, at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.
Cpl. Fardy's gravestone did not bear a designation detailing his
On November 3, 2023,
Medal of Honor citation
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR posthumously to
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
for service as set forth in the following CITATION:
- For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as a Squad Leader, serving with Company C, First Battalion, First Marines, First Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on grenade fell among the Marines in the ditch. Instantly throwing himself upon the deadly missile, Corporal Fardy absorbed the exploding blast in his own body, thereby protecting his comrades from certain and perhaps fatal injuries. Concerned solely for the welfare of his men, he willingly relinquished his own hope of survival that his fellow Marines might live to carry on the fight against a fanatic enemy. A stouthearted leader and indomitable fighter, Corporal Fardy, by his prompt decision and resolute spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of certain death, had rendered valiant service, and his conduct throughout reflects the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
/S/ HARRY S. TRUMAN
See also
References
- This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Marine Corps.
- "Corporal John Peter Fardy, USMC". Who's Who in Marine Corps History. History Division, United States Marine Corps. Archived from the original on September 26, 2005. Retrieved April 6, 2006.
- "CPL John P. Fardy, Medal of Honor, 1945, 1/1/1, Okinawa (Medal of Honor citation)". Marines Awarded the Medal of Honor. United States Marine Corps. Archived from the original on March 29, 2006. Retrieved April 6, 2006.
- Alexander, Colonel Joseph H., USMC (Ret) (1995). "For Extraordinary Heroism". The Final Campaign: Marines in the Victory on Okinawa. Marines in World War II Commemorative Series. Washington, D.C.: History and Museums Division, United States Marine Corps. Retrieved October 29, 2006.
{{cite book}}
: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)