Neldon Theo French
Encyclopedia
Neldon Theo French was a soldier in the United States Marine Corps
in World War II
.
He was born July 25, 1918 in Benton County, Tennessee. He enlisted in the Marine Corps on September 9, 1940, and was killed in action on October 9, 1942 in the Guadalcanal Campaign
. Corporal French was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross
for his heroism in fighting to his death in a defensive post on the Matanikau River
, and shared in the Presidential Unit Citation awarded his division for its performance in the initial landings on Guadalcanal.
was named in his honor. She was sponsored by Mrs. Alma M. French, mother of Corporal French, launched on June 17, 1944, and commissioned October 9, 1944.
United States Marine Corps
The United States Marine Corps is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for providing power projection from the sea, using the mobility of the United States Navy to deliver combined-arms task forces rapidly. It is one of seven uniformed services of the United States...
in World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
.
He was born July 25, 1918 in Benton County, Tennessee. He enlisted in the Marine Corps on September 9, 1940, and was killed in action on October 9, 1942 in the Guadalcanal Campaign
Guadalcanal campaign
The Guadalcanal Campaign, also known as the Battle of Guadalcanal and codenamed Operation Watchtower by Allied forces, was a military campaign fought between August 7, 1942 and February 9, 1943 on and around the island of Guadalcanal in the Pacific theatre of World War II...
. Corporal French was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross
Navy Cross
The Navy Cross is the highest decoration that may be bestowed by the Department of the Navy and the second highest decoration given for valor. It is normally only awarded to members of the United States Navy, United States Marine Corps and United States Coast Guard, but can be awarded to all...
for his heroism in fighting to his death in a defensive post on the Matanikau River
Matanikau River
The Matanikau River of Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, is located in the northwest part of the island. During the World War II Guadalcanal campaign, several significant engagements occurred between United States and Japanese forces near the river.-References:...
, and shared in the Presidential Unit Citation awarded his division for its performance in the initial landings on Guadalcanal.
Namesake
The destroyer escort USS French (DE-367)USS French (DE-367)
USS French was a John C. Butler-class destroyer escort acquired by the U.S. Navy during World War II. The primary purpose of the destroyer escort was to escort and protect ships in convoy, in addition to other tasks as assigned, such as patrol or radar picket.USS French was named in honor of...
was named in his honor. She was sponsored by Mrs. Alma M. French, mother of Corporal French, launched on June 17, 1944, and commissioned October 9, 1944.