John Joseph Gilligan, Jr.

John Joseph Gilligan, Jr.
Born (1923-06-17)June 17, 1923
Newark, New Jersey
Died August 8, 1942(1942-08-08) (aged 19)
Tulagi, Solomon Islands
Allegiance United States of America
Service/branch United States Marine Corps
Years of service 1942-1942
Rank Private
Unit First Marine Raider Battalion
Battles/wars World War II
*Guadalcanal campaign
Awards Silver Star

John Joseph Gilligan, Jr., born June 17, 1923 at Newark, New Jersey.

Marine Corps career

Gilligan enlisted, in the Marine Corps Reserve January 8, 1942 and served at Parris Island, South Carolina, and Quantico, Virginia.

Awarded the Silver Star

Private Gilligan was mortally wounded in action while serving with the First Marine Raider Battalion at Tulagi, Solomon Islands, on August 7, 1942 and died the next day. For his heroism under fire, he was posthumously awarded the Silver Star.

Namesake

Gilligan (DE-508) was launched February 22, 1944 by the Federal Shipbuilding & Drydock Co., Newark, New Jersey; sponsored by Mrs. John J. Gilligan, the namesake's mother; and commissioned May 12, 1944, Lt. Comdr. Carl E. Bull, USNR, commanding.

References

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