George Heyliger
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| George Heyliger | |
|---|---|
| May 8, 1919 – October 9, 1942 (aged 23) | |
| Place of birth | Boston, Massachusetts |
| Place of death | Guadalcanal |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/branch | 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.
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[edit] Marine Corps career
Heyliger enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps there 3 February 1942. Private First Class Heyliger was serving with the 1st Marine Division at Guadalcanal.
[edit] 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.
[edit] 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 24 March 1945, Lt. Cmdr. Arthur F. Chase, USNR, in command.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- This article includes text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.
