Dennis J. Buckley, Jr.

Dennis Joseph Buckley, Jr.
Born	April 22, 1920(1920-04-22) Holyoke, Massachusetts
Died	March 10, 1943(1943-03-10) (aged 22) Atlantic Ocean
Allegiance	United States of America
Service/branch	United States Navy
Years of service	1940–1943
Rank	Fireman First Class
Unit	USS Eberle (DD-430)
Battles/wars	Battle of the Atlantic
Awards	Silver Star (posthumous)

Dennis J. Buckley, Jr. was a United States Navy sailor who was awarded the Silver Star posthumously for his actions during World War II.

Biography

Dennis Joseph Buckley, Jr., was born on April 22, 1920 in Holyoke, Massachusetts. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on September 30, 1940.

Fireman First Class Buckley was posthumously awarded the Silver Star for displaying exceptional courage in attempting to board and salvage a blockade runner which had been intercepted by his ship, the destroyer USS Eberle (DD-430) on March 10, 1943. The explosion of demolition charges planted by the blockade runner's crew took his life.

Silver Star citation

The following is the text of the actual citation:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while attached to a United States warship in action against enemy forces on March 10, 1943. When a hostile Blockade Runner intercepted and attacked. BUCKLEY, as a member of a boarding party attempting to salvage the vessel, displayed exceptional courage in the face of grave danger from threatening flames and the powerful explosions of demolition charges. While preparing to ascend the ladder of the Runner in order to assist in the hazardous salvage operations. BUCKLEY lost his life as the result of a sudden violent explosion. His exemplary conduct and heroic devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Namesakes

The destroyer escort USS Dennis J. Buckley (DE-553) was named for Fireman First Class Buckley. Her construction was canceled on June 10, 1944 prior to launching.

In December 1944, the destroyer USS Dennis J. Buckley (DD-808), in commission from 1945 to 1973, was named in his honor.

External links

Biography portal

• USS Dennis J. Buckley veterans' website
• This article includes text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. The entry can be found here.

Persondata
Name	Buckley, Dennis J.
Alternative names
Short description	United States Navy Silver Star recipient
Date of birth	April 22, 1920
Place of birth	Holyoke, Massachusetts
Date of death	March 10, 1943
Place of death	Atlantic Ocean