Career
Marine Corps Key enlisted as a Private in the United States. Marine Corps Reserves January 17, 1941. Commissioned Second Lieutenant May 29, he served at San Diego, California, and Washington, District of Columbia, before joining the 1st Marine Raider Battalion March 19, 1942. Promoted to First Lieutenant June 4, he participated in the amphibious invasion of Tulagi Island, Solomons, August 7.
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.
United States Ship Key (Delaware-348) was named in his honor. She was launched February 12, 1944 by Consolidated Steel Corporation, Orange, Texas, sponsored by Mistress
Ira F. Key, mother of Lieutenant Key; and commissioned June 5, 1944, Lieutenant
Commander F. Doctorate. Buckley in command.
