Roy Joseph Marchand

Roy Joseph Marchand was born in Crandall, Mississippi, 17 September 1920.

Navy career

He enlisted in the United States Navy 18 October 1939. After duty in USS San Francisco (CA-38), USS Boise (CL-47), and USS Henderson (DD-785), he was transferred to USS Pecos (AO-6) 2 May 1940.

Awarded Silver Star

On 1 March 1942 enemy planes from Japanese aircraft carrier Soryu attacked and sank Pecos near Christmas Island. Assigned to an antiaircraft gun, he remained at his post until bomb fragments put the gun out of commission; then he acted as messenger for the commanding officer until fatally wounded. "Fireman First Class Marchand" was posthumously awarded the Silver Star for his courageous dedication to duty.

Namesake

USS Marchand (DE-249) was named in his honor. The ship was laid down by Brown Shipbuilding Co., Houston, Texas, 30 December 1942; launched 30 March 1943; sponsored by Mrs. Charles D. Marchand, mother of "Fireman First Class Marchand"; and commissioned 8 September 1943, Lt. Comdr. G. F. Lynch, USCG, in command.

ee also

References

:DANFS
* [http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/m4/marchand.htm Roy Joseph Marchand]