Eugene Morland Key

Infobox Military Person
name = Eugene Morland Key
born = birth date|1916|10|5
died = Death date and age|1942|8|7|1916|10|5
placeofbirth = Conroe, Texas
placeofdeath = Tulagi


caption =
nickname =
allegiance = United States of America
serviceyears = 1941–1942
rank = First Lieutenant
branch = Marine Corps Reserves
unit = 1st Marine Raider Battalion
battles = Battle of Tulagi
awards = Navy Cross (posthumous)

Eugene Morland Key was born at Conroe, Texas, 5 October 1916.

Marine Corps Career

"Key" enlisted as a Private in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves 17 January 1941. Commissioned Second Lieutenant 29 May, he served at San Diego, California, and Washington, D.C., before joining the 1st Marine Raider Battalion 19 March 1942. Promoted to First Lieutenant 4 June, he participated in the amphibious invasion of Tulagi Island, Solomons, 7 August.

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.

Awarded the Navy Cross

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

Namesake

USS Key (DE-348) was named in his honor. She was launched 12 February 1944 by Consolidated Steel Corp., Orange, Texas, sponsored by Mrs. Ira F. Key, mother of "Lt. Key"; and commissioned 5 June 1944, Lt. Comdr. F. D. Buckley in command.

ee also

References

:DANFS
* [http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/k3/key.htm Eugene Morland Key]