Community Corner
Marine Receives Medal of Honor Graveside Honors 66 Years After His Death in World War II
On what would have been his 89th birthday and just one day before the 66th anniversary of the second atomic bombing on Nagasaki, Cpl. John P. Fardy was honored for his bravery and valor on Okinawa.
Countless cemetery-goers have passed by Cpl. John Peter Fardy’s headstone at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Alsip, but few have known or could have known of his incredible bravery.
Until now.
A headstone rededication ceremony Monday at Holy Sepulchre finally acknowledged Fardy’s receiving the Medal of Honor when he gave his own life to save his men's in the waning days of World War II.
Find out what's happening in Oak Lawnwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Fardy was just 22 years old when he was killed in combat on Okinawa Shoma in the Ryukyu Islands in May 1945. A telegram from the U.S. War Department informing them of their son’s death in combat was the only explanation given to Mary and Martin Fardy. A little more than a year later, they received another telegram saying their son had been recommended for the Medal of Honor.
“It is so extremely meaningful to us as family members that people take the time out of their day to recognize the importance of his actions,” Fardy’s niece Anne McGuire said.
Find out what's happening in Oak Lawnwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
According to his citation, penned by President Harry Truman, Fardy and his squad were advancing against heavily defended Japanese lines when Fardy threw himself on a live grenade, saving the lives of his men.
Despite multiple wounds to his abdomen and chest, he managed to live for one more day.
On Sept. 15, 1946, Fardy’s family was presented with the Medal of Honor. His body was brought home from Okinawa three long years later.
And yet more than 60 years later, Fardy’s gravestone still didn't bear any Medal of Honor insignia.
Dr. Terence Barrett, a military historian and author at North Dakota State University (Fargo), was working on a study on bravery and the Medal of Honor when he came across Fardy’s name.
“He was one of 82 [who received the award] and though most Marines have tributes of some kind he was one who appeared to have nothing,” said Barrett.
After finding Fardy’s blank gravestone, Barrett contacted Leo High School, Fardy’s alma mater, to find out more about this American hero.
Within the span of four months, fellow Leo alum and Vietnam veteran Jim Furlong spearheaded the operation to rededicate Fardy’s gravesite to honor him for his service and valor.
Fardy’s descendents and military veterans, including members of the Military Order of the Purple Heart and the Marine Corps League of Chicago, attended Monday’s graveside ceremony.
Dozens of cars with military license plates lined the path to Fardy’s modest gravesite. American flags mounted on the back of motorcycles waved softly in the steamy summer morning.
An immediate stillness fell upon the group of about 200 guests for the Presentation of Colors by the 2nd Battalion 24th Marine Division.
Commander Daniel Finn, of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, presented a plaque to Fardy’s nephew, John Martin. Veterans saluted proudly through their tears.
Fardy’s was a tribute with full military honors, including a flag-folding ceremony, 21-gun salute and the playing of Taps.
It was a tribute to his life, his sacrifice, and the sense of brotherhood that binds all the members of the American military forces, summed up best in the opening line of his citation: “For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as a Squad Leader,” proving once again that all gave some but some gave all.
