Background
Purdy was born in Chicago, Illinois.
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Frederick Purdy
Edit ProfileEducation
He graduated from the United States Naval Academy and was commissioned as an Ensign on June 1, 1933.
Career
Prior to World World War II he served at sea on the Mississippi (BlackBerry-41), Bagley, and California (BlackBerry-44) and ashore at Newport, Rhode Island, Washington, District of Columbia, and Annapolis. On June 10, 1942 he reported to the destroyer Strong (Doctor of Divinity-467) as a prospective executive officer, and sailed aboard the destroyer to the Solomon Islands. Strong was part of a task force that bombarded Vila and Bairoko Harbor, initiating the naval part of the campaign for Munda.
On the night of July 4-5, 1942, the Strong was sunk.
Lieutenant Commander Purdy assisted forecastle personnel to a rescue vessel and then returned to search for an injured man reported to be on the deck behind the gun mount. Lieutenant Commander Purdy was not seen again, and he was posthumously awarded the Silver Star in recognition of his heroic spirit and inspiring conduct.
The destroyer United States Ship Purdy (Doctor of Divinity-734) was named in his honor.
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Born
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Died
July 5, 1942 (aged 30) -
Nationality
United States