George Heyliger
George Heyliger was born 8 May 1919 in Boston, Massachusetts. He was the son of George Heyliger, Sr. and Augusta Weissent.
George Heyliger | |
|---|---|
| Born | May 8, 1919 Boston, Massachusetts |
| Died | October 9, 1942 (aged 23) Guadalcanal |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ | United States Marine Corps |
| Years of service | 1942-1942 |
| Rank | Private First Class |
| Unit | 1st Marine Division |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards | Navy Cross |
Marine Corps career
Heyliger enlisted in the United States Marine Corps there 3 February 1942. Private First Class Heyliger was serving with the 1st Marine Division at Guadalcanal.
Awarded the Navy Cross
On 9 October 1942, when his platoon's position was attacked by approximately 150 Japanese. The fighting swiftly changed from automatic weapons to bayonets and then hand-to-hand combat. Heyliger refused to be dislodged from his position by the enemy and, after exacting a tremendous toll on them, heroically died at his post. For his extraordinary heroism and gallantry, PFC Heyliger was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross.
Namesake
Heyliger (DE-510) was launched 6 August 1944 by the Federal Shipbuilding & Drydock Co., Kearny, New Jersey; sponsored by Mrs. Augusta Foss, mother of Private First Class Heyliger; and commissioned at New York City 24 March 1945, Lt. Cmdr. Arthur F. Chase, USNR, in command.
See also
References
- This article incorporates text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.