Frederick Warren Purdy

Lieutenant Commander Frederick Warren Purdy, USN (4 December 1911 - 5 July 1942) was a U.S. Navy officer during World War II.

Purdy was born in Chicago, Illinois, graduated from the Naval Academy and was commissioned Ensign 1 June 1933. Prior to World War II he served at sea in "Mississippi" (BB-41), "Bagley", and "California" (BB-44) and ashore at Newport, Rhode Island, Washington, D.C., and Annapolis.

On 10 June 1942 he reported to the destroyer "Strong" (DD-467) as prospective executive officer, and after commissioning sailed in her to the Solomons. On the night of 4–5 July "Strong", a unit of a task force which bombarded Vila and Bairokc, to initiate the naval part of the campaign for Munda, was sunk. Lieutenant Commander Purdy assisted forecastle personnel to a rescue vessel, then returned to search for an injured man reported to be on the deck behind the gun mount. Not seen again, Lieutenant Commander Purdy was posthumously awarded the Silver Star in recognition of his heroic spirit and inspiring conduct.

Nameskae

The destroyer USS "Purdy" (DD-734) was named in his honor.

References

External links

* [http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/p13/purdy.htm history.navy.mil: USS "Purdy"]