WE ARE ETERNALLY THANKFUL FOR CORPORAL JOHN PETER FARDY OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS FOR HIS SERVICE
We are eternally thankful for Corporal John Peter Fardy of Chicago, Illinois for his service for our country. Rest in peace, Sir.
John Peter Fardy of Chicago, Illinois, was a Corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps and a recipient of the Medal of Honor for his actions during World War II on this day in 1945.
Fardy was inducted into the Marine Corps in May 1943 and was promoted to private first class in July. After participating in two campaigns, he was promoted to corporal in December 1944 and landed on Okinawa on April 1st, 1945. On May 7th, 1945, his squad was suddenly brought under heavy small-arms fire. An enemy grenade landed in the midst of the group and he threw himself on top of it, sacrificing himself to save the lives of others.
For his actions on this day, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. Fardy is buried in the Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Chicago, Illinois.
His Medal of Honor citation reads:
“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, First Battalion, First Marines, First 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, Corporal Fardy temporarily deployed his men along a near-by drainage ditch. Shortly thereafter, an enemy grenade fell among the Marines in the ditch. Instantly throwing himself upon the deadly missile, Corporal 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, Corporal 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 United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.”
We are eternally thankful for Corporal Fardy’s service to our country. Rest in peace, Sir.
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