"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."
From Cpl. Fardy's Medal of Honor citation, awarded on September 15, 1946.
May you find peace,
Brian
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