Lieutenant Vyron Grace
Heroes of Camden, New Jersey
A Gold Star and citation for meritorious service in War II was presented Monday night to Lt. Vyron Grace, USNR, (center) at ceremonies in the Naval Militia Armory at Civic Center. Lt. Cmdr. John H. Mohrfeld, public information officer, is making the presentation while Lt. Cmdr. G. B. Waugh, commanding officer of division 4-4, looks on. Grace, who lives at 1450 Kaighn avenue, was commanding officer of LCI (G) 440, fire-support gunboat, before, during and after the assault on Okinawa.
Camden Sea Hero To Get Award for War II Service
Camden Courier-Post —
A Camden naval reserve lieutenant will receive a gold star and citation for meritorious service during World War II, at 8:30 p. m. tonight at the Naval Militia Armory, Civic Center.
He is Lt. Vyron Grace, of 1450 Kaighn avenue, who was commanding officer of U. S. S. LCI (G) 440, fire-support gunboat, before, during and after the assault on Okinawa from March 25 to June 1, 1945. Conferring the honors will be Lt. Cmdr. G. B. Waugh, of Millville, commanding officer of Organized Surface Division 4-4, U. S. Naval Reserve. The gold star will be presented in lieu of a second bronze star medal.
Under Heavy Fire
The citation sets forth that Grace maneuvered his ship through unknown and heavily mined enemy waters for three days prior to the initial assault and landed American troops successfully on April 1.
“Grace caused his vessel to deliver prolonged and effective gunfire against enemy-held shores in support of mine-sweeping operations and underwater demolition teams,” says the citation.
“Undergoing repeated air attacks for several months subsequent to this operation, he conducted close-in night patrols of enemy beaches while navigating his ship through reef-obstructed waters and aided materially in the blockade of the enemy and the protection of our shipping.”
Teaches at Burlington
The citation says Grace’s outstanding skill, determination and leadership were instrumental “in assuring the success of our forces in that vital war area.” It adds that his activities there “reflect the highest credit upon Lieutenant Grace and the U. S. naval service.”
Born in 1919, Grace was graduated from Glassboro Teachers college in 1942 and enlisted in October of that year. In December, 1943, he was ordered to duty as officer in charge of the Navy patrol base at the New York Shipbuilding Corp., serving until February, 1946. He is now serving as instructor in industrial arts at the Burlington High school.
Camden Reservist Honored by Navy For Heroism
Camden Courier-Post —
A Camden naval reserve lieutenant and Burlington High school teacher received a gold star and a citation for courageous service in War II, Monday night at the Naval Militia Armory.
Lt. Vyron Grace, of 1450 Kaighn avenue, who was the commanding officer of the USS LCI (G) 440, fire-support gunboat, before, during and after the assault on Okinawa from March 25 to June 1, 1945, received the award. Conferring the citation was Lt. Cmdr. John H. Mohrfeld 3d., of Camden, public information officer of Battalion 4-2, U. S. Naval Reserve.
The citation says Grace maneuvered his ship through heavily mined enemy waters for three days prior to the assault, and landed American troops successfully on April 1.
The gold star was presented in lieu of a second bronze star. Grace received his first bronze star early in 1944, when he was executive officer on the same type of vessel. The ship was hit by one of our destroyers under enemy fire. Grace was responsible for saving four lives and leading details to extinguish fires caused by the crash. He also received the Purple Heart in the same engagement.
Lt. Cmdr. G. B. Waugh, of Millville, commanding officer of the Organized Surface Division 4-4, Naval Reserve, congratulated Grace for his outstanding service, skill, determination and leadership.
The citation signed by Secretary of the Navy Francis P. Mathews added that his activities in the South Pacific “reflected the highest credit upon Lieutenant Grace and the U. S. Naval service.”