This Military Service Page was created/owned by
Shane Laemmel, MR3
to remember
McGillicuddy, Terry, CAPT.
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Contact Info
Home Town Aberdeen, WA
Last Address Arbuckle, Colusa County, California 95912
Date of Passing Dec 27, 2009
Location of Interment Arlington National Cemetery (VLM) - Arlington, Virginia
On December 7, 1941, the battleship USS Pennsylvania was in the Navy Yard drydock, with the destroyers USS Cassin and USS Downes just ahead of her. According to the action reports, at about 7:57 explosions were heard on the end of Ford Island and with a second explosion, the realization came that an aerial attack was in progress. The battleships came under attack but the Pennsylvania was out of reach of the torpedo bombers.
General quarters was sounded and the crew proceeded to battle stations, some breaking locks off the ready ammunition boxes when necessary. Shortly after 8:00 she became one of the first ships to commence firing at the Japanese planes as her anti-aircraft guns were put into action.
Other Comments:
Terry's first duty was in PENNSYLVANIA (BB-38), where he was first J.O. in turret two and plotting room officer on 7 December 1941. The flagship of the Pacific Fleet received the SecNav Unit citation and he received a Naval Letter of Commendation.
He participated in bombardments of Attu, Kiska, Makin, Kwajalein, Eniwetok, and Saipan; the ship received the SecNav Unit Citation and he received a Navy Letter of Commendation. For extinguishing an ammunition fire in Turret I lower handling room/magazine (while in the Majuro Atoll), Terry was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for heroism.
Other Memories At Mare Island Naval Shipyard, his designator was changed to Engineering Duty and he acted as Assistant Repair Superintendent for all surface ship repairs. He supervised, as New Construction Superintendent, the building of USS GRAYBACK (SS-574), designed to carry REGULUS I/II Missiles.
