Hospital Apprentice Fred McGuire

Fred Henry McGuire was born on 7 November 1890 in Gordonville, MO. At the time of action he was a Hospital Apprentice, USN. His citations states, “While attached to the USS Pampang, McGuire was one of a shore party moving to capture Mundang, on the island of Basilan, Philippine Islands, on the morning of 24 September 1911. Ordered to take station within 100 yards of a group of nipa huts close to the trail, McGuire advanced and stood guard as the leader and his scout party first searched the surrounding deep grasses, then moved into the open area before the huts. Instantly enemy Moros opened point-blank fire on the exposed men and approximately 20 Moros charged the small group from inside the huts and from other concealed positions. McGuire, responding to the calls from help, was one of the first on the scene. After emptying his rifle into the attackers, he closed in with rifle, using it as a club to wage fierce battle until his comrades arrived on the field, when he rallied to the aid of his dying leader and other wounded. Although himself wounded, McGuire ministered tirelessly and efficiently to those who had been struck down, thereby saving the lives of two who otherwise might have succumbed to enemy-inflicted wounds.” McGuire’s award is dated 13 December 1911.

Fred McGuire retired from naval service in 1939 but was recalled to active duty to work at the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery Hospital Corps Division during World War II. He retired yet again in October 1945 as a Chief Pharmacist’s Mate. He died in 1955 and is buried at Springfield National Cemetery, Springfield, MO (Section 29, Grave 332).