George Francis Grady

George Francis Grady was a soldier in the United States Marine Corps who was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for his actions during the Guadalcanal campaign of World War II.

Early life

George Francis Grady was born on April 28, 1920 in New York City. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on October 11, 1938.

World War II

Assigned to the 1st Marine Division, Corporal Grady was killed in action on Gavutu, Solomon Islands, August 7, 1942. Grady charged an entrenched group of eight Japanese soldiers. Firing his submachine gun he killed two before his gun jammed. Using the inoperable gun as a club he bludgeoned one enemy soldier to death. He then withdrew his knife from his sheath and killed two more enemy soldiers before himself being killed by the other three. For his courage and self-sacrifice, Grady was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross.

Namesake

Grady (DE-445) was launched by Federal Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Co., Newark, New Jersey, on April 2, 1944. She was sponsored by Miss Margaret Grady, sister of George Grady, and commissioned September 11, 1944, with Lieutenant Commander Francis R. King in command.

References

This article incorporates text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.

• George Francis Grady