- SURNAME
Heyliger
- FORENAME
George
- UNIT
1 Raider Bn (Company D)
- RANK
Private First Class
- NUMBER
373123
- DATE OF DEATH
9th October 1942
- AGE
23
- GRAVESITE
Forest Hills Cemetery, Jamaica Plain, Suffolk County, Massachusetts, USA. Grave 1701, Section 28
- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
from Waterford, California
born 08.05.1919, Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts, USA
father George P. Heyliger (1887-1918)
mother Augusta Pauline (nee Weissent, Heyliger) Foss (1891-1982)
employed at local market and also for local taxi firm
next of kin - Mother, Mrs. Augusta Foss, Bedford Street, Concord, Massachusetts
enlisted 03.02.1942
award Navy Cross
KIA Guadalcanal, BSI
USS Heyliger named in his honour
DATE OF DEATH:
09-Oct-1942AWARD:
https://www.specialforcesroh.com/index.php?threads/heyliger-george.29739/CITATION:
Navy Cross : The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class George Heyliger (MCSN: 373123), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with Company A, FIRST Marine Raider Battalion in action against enemy Japanese forces near the Matanikau River on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 8 - 9 October 8 - 9, 1942. When his battalion moved into a defensive position along the Matanikau River, Private First Class Heyliger and other members of his platoon bore the brunt of the heavy enemy assault against their hastily prepared positions. Approximately 150 Japanese, stealing through the dense jungle growth under cover of smoke, fiercely attacked the small group of Marines with automatic weapons, hand grenades, and bayonets. Fighting desperately in hand-to-hand combat against the overwhelming hostile forces, Private First Class Heyliger refused to be dislodged from his position and, after exacting a tremendous toll of the enemy, heroically died at his post. His indomitable fighting spirit and unyielding devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
FINDAGRAVE:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/134063761/george-heyliger
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