JOHN P. FARDY
Corporal
United States Marine Corps
John Fardy
Citation
Corporal John P. Fardy
United States Marine Corps
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 Okinawa Shima in the Ryukyu Islands, 7
May 1945. When his squad was suddenly assailed by extremely heavy small-arms
fire from the front during a determined advance against strongly fortified,
fiercely defended Japanese positions, Corporal Fardy temporarily deployed
his men along a near-by drainage ditch. Shortly thereafter, an enemy 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 Stated Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Harry S. Truman
President of the United States
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