Dennis J. Buckley, Jr.
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| Dennis Joseph Buckley, Jr. | |
|---|---|
| April 22, 1920 – March 10, 1943 (aged 22) | |
| Place of birth | Holyoke, Massachusetts |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/branch | United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1930–1943 |
| Rank | Fireman First Class |
| Unit | USS Eberle (DD-430) |
| Awards | Silver Star (posthumous) |
Dennis Joseph Buckley, Jr. was born 22 April 1920 in Holyoke, Massachusetts. He enlisted in the United States Navy 30 September 1940. Fireman First Class Buckley was posthumously awarded the Silver Star for displaying exceptional courage in attempting to board and salvage a blockade runner which had been intercepted by his ship Eberle (DD-430) on 10 March 1943. The explosion of demolition charges planted by the blockade runner's crew took his life.
[edit] Silver Star citation
- For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while attached to a United States warship in action against enemy forces on March 10, 1943. When a hostile Blockade Runner intercepted and attacked. BUCKLEY, as a member of a boarding party attempting to salvage the vessel, displayed exceptional courage in the face of grave danger from threatening flames and the powerful explosions of demolition charges. While preparing to ascend the ladder of the Runner in order to assist in the hazardous salvage operations. BUCKLEY lost his life as the result of a sudden violent explosion. His exemplary conduct and heroic devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
[edit] Namesakes
In December 1944, the destroyer USS Dennis J. Buckley (DD-808) was named in his honor.
The name "Dennis J. Buckley" had been assigned to destroyer escort DE-553 but her construction was canceled 10 June 1944 prior to launching.
[edit] External links
This article includes text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.
