Congressional Medal of Honor Society

Stories of Sacrifice

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World War II - U.S. Marine Corps

John Peter Fardy

Details
  • Rank: Corporal
  • Conflict/Era: World War II
  • Unit/Command:
    Company C, 1st Battalion, 1st Marines,
    1st Marine Division
  • Military Service Branch: U.S. Marine Corps
  • Medal of Honor Action Date: May 7, 1945
  • Medal of Honor Action Place: Okinawa Shima, Ryukyu Islands
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, 1st Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st 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, Cpl. Fardy temporarily deployed his men along a nearby drainage ditch. Shortly thereafter, an enemy grenade fell among the marines in the ditch. Instantly throwing himself upon the deadly missile, Cpl. 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, Cpl. 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 U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Medal of Honor Recipient John P. Fardy
Medal of Honor Recipient John P. Fardy
Additional Details
  • Accredited to: Illinois
  • Awarded Posthumously: Yes
  • Born: August 15, 1922, Chicago, Cook County, IL, United States
  • Died: May 7, 1945, Okinawa Shima, Ryukyu Islands
  • Buried: Holy Sepulchre Cemetery (23-3-16-3) , Worth, IL, United States
 

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