George Heyliger
George Heyliger | |
|---|---|
| Born | May 8, 1919 Boston, Massachusetts |
| Died | October 9, 1942 (aged 23) Guadalcanal |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service | United States Marine Corps |
| Years of service | 1942-1942 |
| Rank | Private First Class |
| Unit | 1st Marine Division |
| Battles / wars | World War II *Guadalcanal campaign |
| Awards | Navy Cross |
George Heyliger was born 8 May 1919 in Boston, Massachusetts. He was the son of George Heyliger, Sr. and Augusta Weissent.
Marine Corps career
Heyliger enlisted in the United States Marine Corps there 3 February 1942. Private First Class Heyliger was serving with the 1st Marine Division at Guadalcanal.
Awarded the Navy Cross
On 9 October 1942, when his platoon's position was attacked by approximately 150 Japanese. The fighting swiftly changed from automatic weapons to bayonets and then hand-to-hand combat. Heyliger refused to be dislodged from his position by the enemy and, after exacting a tremendous toll on them, heroically died at his post. For his extraordinary heroism and gallantry, PFC Heyliger was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross.
Namesake
Heyliger (DE-510) was launched 6 August 1944 by the Federal Shipbuilding & Drydock Co., Kearny, New Jersey; sponsored by Mrs. Augusta Foss, mother of Private First Class Heyliger; and commissioned at New York City 24 March 1945, Lt. Cmdr. Arthur F. Chase, USNR, in command.
See also
References
This article incorporates text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.
External links
  | This biographical article related to the United States Marine Corps is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |