John P. Giguere, age 33, from Jacksonville, North Carolina, Onslow county.
Service era: Grenada
Schools: Peninsula Catholic High
Date of death: Tuesday, October 25, 1983
Death details: Silver Star citation: The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain John Patrick Giguere, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as an Attack Helicopter Commander of the AH-1T (TOW) Cobra Attack Helicopter in Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron TWO HUNDRED SIXTY-ONE (HMM-261), Twenty-Second Marine Amphibious Unit conducting combat operations on the Island of Grenada in support of Operation URGENT FURY, on 25 October 1983. While conducting an armed reconnaissance mission in support of ground forces, Captain Giguere’s wingman was hit by multiple anti-aircraft artillery projectiles and forced down behind enemy lines. With full knowledge of their vulnerability as a single aircraft without a wingman’s protective cover and with total disregard for their own safety, Captain Giguere and his Co-Pilot exposed their aircraft to heavy anti-aircraft artillery fire while engaging enemy ground forces and preventing the certain capture of the helpless and gravely wounded crew. Requesting assistance from a rescue aircraft and organizing the rescue attempt, Captain Giguere and his Co-Pilot fearlessly continued to engage the anti-aircraft emplacements that encircled the zone protecting the more vulnerable rescue aircraft and buying enough time to effect a successful rescue. Purposely remaining behind until the rescue aircraft could escape the enemy fire, Captain Giguere sacrificed his life after a gallant struggle so that others might live. By his extraordinary courage, uncommon valor, and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of danger, Captain Giguere reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Cemetery: Quantico National; Triangle, Virginia
Source: White House Commission on Remembrance, Department of Veterans Affairs, Military Times, Newport News Daily Press (1983)
