DD-712 USSGYATT

The Gyatt was named after marine private Edward Earl Gyatt, born in Syracuse, New York the 4th day of September 1921 and who enlisted in the U. S. Marine Corps on the 26th day of January 1942. Private Gyatt was awarded posthumously, in 1942, the Purple Heart, the Asiatic - Pacific Campaign Medal and the Silver Star for service set forth in the following citation:

"For Conspicious gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving
with the First Marine Raider Battalion during the seizure of Tulagi,
Solomon Islands, from enemy Japanese forces, on the night of August
7-8, 1942. Assigned to duty in a listening post to the right flank and
forward of his company position. Privte Gyatt reported the approach
of hostile counter-attack to his platoon commander and then, with
utter disregard for his own personal safety, remained at his post,
inflicting a heavy toll upon the infiltrating Japanese until he was
killed by an enemy hand grenade. By his skill, courage and
indomitable fighting spirit, he contributed to the eventual repulse
of the enemy and upheld the tradition of the U.S. Naval Service.
He gallantly gave his life in defense of his country."

From the USS GYATT web site: http://www.ussgyatt.org/index.htm

The first Captain of the USS Gyatt was Commander Albert D. Kaplan USN the elder brother of Raider Ervin Kaplan, MD Chairman, of he USMRA web site committee.