Edward E. Gyatt

Edward Earl Gyatt (September 4, 1921 – August 7, 1942) was a United States Marine killed during World War II who received the Silver Star for his actions in the Battle of Tulagi.

Biography

Born in Syracuse, New York, Gyatt enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on 28 January 1942.

Gyatt was killed in action while serving with the 1st Marine Raider Battalion during the Battle of Tulagi, part of the initial landings of the Guadalcanal campaign, America's first offensive effort in the Pacific during World War II. Part of the invasion force that went ashore on Tulagi on 7 August 1942, Private Gyatt reported the approach of a Japanese counterattack force on his advanced position that night. With utter disregard for his personal safety, he remained at his post and inflicted heavy damage on the enemy until he was killed by a hand grenade.

Awards

For his gallantry and courage on Tulagi, Private Gyatt was awarded the Silver Star posthumously.

Namesakes

The United States Navy destroyer escort USS Gyatt (DE-550) was named for Private Gyatt, but her construction was cancalled in 1944 before she could be completed.

The destroyer USS Gyatt (DD-712) was named in his honor, and was in commission from 1945 to 1969.

References

• This article incorporates text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. The entry can be found here.