- Howard R. Healy
Commander Howard R. Healy (
28 March 1899 –8 May 1942 ) was an officer of theUnited States Navy who distinguished himself on board the aircraft carrier "Lexington" (CV-2) during theBattle of the Coral Sea . He died in action while trying to control torpedo damage to the vessel.Healy was born in
Chelsea, Massachusetts [http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/h4/healy.htm] and graduated from theUnited States Naval Academy in 1922. After serving on various ships of the fleet and as an instructor at the Naval Academy, Healy commanded "Dorsey" (DD-117) 1937–1939.After a tour at Naval Torpedo Station, Newport, R.I., Comdr. Healy reported
13 March 1941 as Damage Control Officer on board "Lexington". During the Battle of the Coral Sea, "Lexington" took twotorpedo es and two bomb hits8 May 1942 , and despite heroic damage control could not be saved.Commander Healy died on board and was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star for his courage, leadership, and professional excellence during the battle to save his ship. Commander Healy perished at his battle station.
Namesake
In 1943, the
destroyer USS "Healy" (DD-672) was named in his honor.ee also
References
:DANFS
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