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.
Korean War/First UN Counteroffensive (1951)/Siege of Wonsan
From Month/Year
February / 1951
To Month/Year
April / 1951
Description The Blockade of Wonsan, or the Siege of Wonsan, from February 16, 1951 to July 27, 1953, during the Korean War, was the longest naval blockade in modern history, lasting 861 days. UN naval forces, primarily from the United States, successfully kept the strategically important city of Wonsan from being used by the North Korean Navy.
The blockade also served to divert communist troops from the front line. North Korean resistance used artillery to oppose the American fleet, although this was mostly ineffective, and the city was heavily damaged by UN naval aircraft and warships.
My Participation in This Battle or Operation
From Month/Year
February / 1951
To Month/Year
April / 1951
Last Updated: Mar 16, 2020
Personal Memories
People You Remember Commanding Officer: CDR Terry Thomas McGillicuddy Dec 16 1951 - Mar 21 1953
Memories Siege of Wonsan, or the Blockade of Wonsan, from February 16, 1951 to July 27, 1953
Taking command of USS MANSFIELD (DD-728) at sea in 1951, he spent two winters blockading the East Coast of Korea. He received a second Letter of Commendation for his Korean efforts, which included supporting a successful Canadian Commando raid in Wonsan.
