Dennis J. Buckley, Jr.

Dennis J. Buckley Jr. was a United States Navy sailor who was awarded the Silver Star posthumously for his actions during World War II.

Dennis Joseph Buckley Jr. was born on April 22, 1920, in Holyoke, Massachusetts.He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on September 30, 1940.

Fireman First Class Buckley was posthumously awarded the Silver Star for displaying exceptional courage in attempting to board and salvage a blockade runner which had been intercepted by his ship, the destroyer USS Eberle (DD-430) on March 10, 1943. The explosion of demolition charges planted by the blockade runner's crew took his life.

The following is the text of the actual citation:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while attached to a United States warship in action against enemy forces on March 10, 1943. When a hostile Blockade Runner intercepted and attacked. BUCKLEY, as a member of a boarding party attempting to salvage the vessel, displayed exceptional courage in the face of grave danger from threatening flames and the powerful explosions of demolition charges. While preparing to ascend the ladder of the Runner in order to assist in the hazardous salvage operations. BUCKLEY lost his life as the result of a sudden violent explosion. His exemplary conduct and heroic devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

The destroyer escort USS Dennis J. Buckley (DE-553) was named for Fireman First Class Buckley. Her construction was canceled on June 10, 1944 prior to launching.

In December 1944, the destroyer USS Dennis J. Buckley (DD-808), in commission from 1945 to 1973, was named in his honor.