*FARDY, JOHN PETER
Rank and organization: Corporal, U.S
Marine Corps. Born: 8 August 1922, Chicago, Ill. Accredited to:
Illinois.
Citation:
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, 1st Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st
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, Cpl. Fardy temporarily deployed his men along a nearby
drainage ditch. Shortly thereafter, an enemy grenade fell among the marines in the ditch.
Instantly throwing himself upon the deadly missile, Cpl. 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, Cpl. 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 U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
