Eugene Morland Key

Eugene Morland Key was born at Conroe, Texas, October 5, 1916.

Eugene Morland Key
Born(1916-10-05)October 5, 1916
Conroe, Texas
DiedAugust 7, 1942(1942-08-07) (aged 25)
Tulagi
AllegianceUnited States of America
Service/branchMarine Corps Reserves
Years of service1941–1942
RankFirst Lieutenant
Unit1st Marine Raider Battalion
Battles/warsBattle of Tulagi
AwardsNavy Cross (posthumous)

Marine Corps Career

Key enlisted as a Private in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves January 17, 1941. Commissioned Second Lieutenant May 29, he served at San Diego, California, and Washington, D.C., before joining the 1st Marine Raider Battalion March 19, 1942. Promoted to First Lieutenant June 4, he participated in the amphibious invasion of Tulagi Island, Solomons, August 7,.

While leading the assault against a heavily defended, enemy position, Lieutenant Key was hit by hostile sniper fire. Although mortally wounded, he courageously struggled forward and threw hand grenades into the Japanese position, thus destroying the enemy resistance and allowing his platoon to advance without further loss.

Awarded the Navy Cross

For his "indomitable fighting spirit, outstanding skill, and great personal valor" First Lieutenant Key was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross.

Namesake

USS Key (DE-348) was named in his honor. She was launched February 12, 1944 by Consolidated Steel Corporation, Orange, Texas, sponsored by Mrs. Ira F. Key, mother of First Lieutenant Key; and commissioned June 5, 1944, Lieutenant Commander F. D. Buckley in command.

References

This article incorporates text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.


This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.