Eugene Morland Key

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.

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

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.

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

• Eugene Morland Key

• Eugene Morland Key at Find a Grave