William Frank Seiverling, Jr.

Infobox Military Person
name = William Frank Seiverling, Jr.
born = birth date|1920|9|22
died = death date and age|1942|11|1|1920|9|22
placeofbirth = Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania
placeofdeath = Guadalcanal


caption =
nickname =
allegiance = United States of America
serviceyears = 1942-1942
rank = Private (rank)
branch = United States Marine Corps
unit =
battles = World War II *Guadalcanal campaign
awards = Navy Cross

William Frank Seiverling, Jr. was born on September 22, 1920 at Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania.

Marine Corps career

"Seiverling" enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on February 2, 1942.

Attached to the Marine Barracks, Parris Island, South Carolina, for basic training from February 3, to March 12, he moved to the base at New River, North Carolina, on the latter date and served there until May 17, 1942.

He began service in the field on June 19, 1942 and, by the following fall, was on Guadalcanal helping to wrest control of that island from the Japanese.

Awarded the Navy Cross

"Pvt. Seiverling" was killed on November 1, 1942 during the enemy attack across the Matanikau River on that island. When the enemy attacked, "Seiverling" ran down the hill in the face of enemy fire, killing at least one sniper and perhaps several others. Later, he covered the evacuation of wounded marines from his own platoon; and, after hearing that the 2d Platoon was also in trouble, he ran between that unit and the enemy to cover his comrades' withdrawal. Once again, he killed several Japanese before he himself was hit by enemy machinegun fire. Though wounded, "Pvt. Seiverling" continued to deliver a withering fire into an enemy position with his automatic rifle. As he started back over the ridge to make his own retirement, he was fatally wounded. For unselfishly giving his life for his comrades and his country, "Pvt. Seiverling" was awarded the Navy Cross, posthumously.

Namesake

"William Seiverling" (DE-441) was named in his honor. She was laid down on December 2, 1943 at Newark, New Jersey, by the Federal Shipbuilding & Drydock Co., launched on March 7, 1944; sponsored by Mrs. Grace Seiverling; and commissioned at the New York Navy Yard on June 1, 1944, Lt. Comdr. Charles F. Adams, Jr., in command.

ee also

References

:DANFS
* [http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/w9/william_seiverling.htm William Frank Seiverling, Jr.]