| George Francis Grady | |
|---|---|
| Born | April 28, 1920 New York City |
| Died | August 7, 1942 (aged 22) Gavutu, Solomon Islands |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/branch | United States Marine Corps |
| Years of service | 1938-1942 |
| Rank | Corporal |
| Unit | 1st Marine Division |
| Battles/wars | World War II *Guadalcanal campaign |
| Awards | Navy Cross |
George Francis Grady was born 28 April 1920 in New York City.
Contents |
Grady enlisted in the United States Marine Corps 11 October 1938.
Assigned to the 1st Marine Division, Corporal Grady was killed in action on Gavutu, Solomon Islands, 7 August 1942. Cpl. 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.
Grady (DE-445) was launched by Federal Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Co., Newark, New Jersey, 2 April 1944; sponsored by Miss Margaret Grady, sister of the namesake; and commissioned 11 September 1944, Lt. Comdr. Francis R. King in command.