***
Dr. Fay Broughton Begor
Service #: NSN: 0-182912
Rank: Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Medical Corps, United States Naval Reserve
Entered Service From: Maryland
Date of Death: 09 September 1943, At sea near Buna, New Guinea aboard LST 464 from severe shrapnel wounds received when his ship LCI (L) 339 was bombed and strafed by six Japanese planes on 04 September 1943.
Buried: Moriah Union Cemetery, Moriah, Essex County, New York – Plot L, Grave 600
Awards: Navy Cross, Purple Heart
Fay Broughton Begor, born on 15 October 1916 in Moriah, New York, earned a bachelor’s degree from Union College, Schenectady, N.Y., in June 1937. During Begor’s medical studies at McGill University in Montreal, Canada, where he participated in intercollegiate wrestling. He worked as an examiner and first aid man for the Aluminum Company of America, Massina, N.Y. during July and August 1940. Earning his MD in May 1941, he began an internship at Montreal General Hospital on 01 July 1941; he served there as a resident intern in gynecology.
Joining the Navy “in hopes of obtaining sea duty,” Begor received an appointment as assistant surgeon, with the rank of lieutenant (jg) on 22 July 1942, completed his internship in Montreal on 01 August 1942, and executed his oath of office on 04 September 1942. Three days later he reported to the Third Naval District for active duty at the New York Navy Yard. A little less than a month later, on 03 October 1942, he was detached from the yard and transferred to the Landing Craft Group, Naval Operating Base, Norfolk, Va., for duty in Tank Landing Craft Flotilla 18, reporting for duty three days later.
With each change of station, Begor had asked for sea duty. On 11 February 1943, he again sought it. “I would like to see some action,” he wrote, to “use some of my professional knowledge.” The duty to which he had been assigned training with the U.S. Army, seemed likely to continue, and he reasoned that he would “obtain no professional duties or see any action as long as I am here…” If the Bureau of Naval Personnel could not send him to sea, he asked for duty with the Fleet Marine Force. Inside of two months, Begor received his desired orders. Detached on 6 April from his duty with Flotilla “A,” he soon found himself en-route to the receiving ship at San Francisco, thence, in succession, to Tank Landing Craft Group 22 in the Pacific, and Infantry Landing Craft (LCI) Flotilla 7.
Source: Naval History and Heritage Command – Ship History – Begor (APD-127)
WWII Navy Muster Rolls – U.S.S. LCI (L) 339 – 31 July 1943 Lt. (jg) Fay B. Begor, Medical Corps was received on board on 08 July 1943 as the Staff Doctor.
Lieutenant (jg) Begor was serving as the group’s medical officer on board infantry landing craft LCI(L)-339 as it neared the beach in Operation “Postern,” the landing of 3780 Australians from the 20th Brigade, 9th Division on the beaches of the Huon Peninsula, 12 miles east of Lae, New Guinea, on 4 September 1943. The initial Landing Force at Red Beach was comprised of 14 waves of landing craft scheduled to arrive at 15-minute intervals. His ship was a member of the 5th Echelon (second wave of 7 LCI (L)’s). “At approximately 0705, LCI (L) 339 was approaching the beach approximately 150 yards off. The anchor had been dropped and the ship was unmaneuverable. Three Japanese dive bombers and 3 Japanese fighter planes approached on our port at an altitude of about 1500 feet. The order was given to open fire when the planes came into range. At the same time our guns began firing we were severely strafed by the three fighter planes, causing considerable casualties to troops aboard. The bombers then released their bombs, which at first appeared to be passing well over us. The bombs however, began a more vertical descent and we suffered one near miss on port, one direct hit just forward of the pilot house and another near miss on starboard. Many casualties were cause among the troops – 20 Australians soldiers were killed and many more wounded; 9 of the ship’s crew were wounded among them the ship’s doctor, Lt.(jg). Fay B. Begor.
There was serious damage to the ship. The strafing attack riddled the ship from bow to stern with bullet holes. The bomb penetrated the main deck on the port side just forward of the bridge structure, and blew a hole in the bottom and side of the hull. “a large hole had been blasted in the deck and we were taking waster rapidly. The bulkheads below deck were ruptured and water was entering Troop Compartments numbers 1, 2 and 3.” The ship was beached and as it “was in a sinking condition” the order was given to abandon ship. Source: WWII War Diaries USS LCI (L) 339 – Report of loss of ship, Lae, New Guinea, 04 September 1943, page 3.
“Though his ship was attacked repeatedly by enemy aircraft, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Begor courageously continued to care for the wounded in the face of enemy bombing and strafing attacks, with total disregard for his personal safety, until he was fatally wounded.” Lt(jg) Fay B. Begor MC-V (G) USNR “suffered large shrapnel wounds in both thighs, few small shrapnel wounds, and some shock.”
Dr. Begor and the other crew casualties (9 men) were taken aboard LCI (L) 338. All patients were given treatment and constant medical attention was given to Dr. Begor and RM2/c Kenneth William Smith (shrapnel wounds, possible fractured shoulder) though out the day. The casualties were then transferred (via ambulance) to the U.S. Army 87th Station Hospital at Buna, New Guinea “due to the fact that LST 464 had not arrived at Buna as yet”. On 07 September, he was transferred via ambulance to the tank landing ship LST 464 that had been converted to serve as a hospital ship. Sadly, while on board LST-464, Dr. Begor’s condition worsened, and he died of his wounds (and complications that developed – gas gangrene infection) during the morning watch on 9 September 1943.
additional information courtesy of SteveS (#47126287)
M.D., McGill University, Montreal, Canada.
Dr. Begor was killed in action on board a landing craft in the Pacific while assisting injured soldiers and seamen. He was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for his gallantry under fire on the beaches of Lae, New Guinea in September, 1943.
additional information courtesy of Arborist (#47209972)
Navy Cross Citation
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant, Junior Grade (MC) Fay Broughton Begor (NSN: 0-182912), United States Naval Reserve, for distinguished service in the line of his profession, extraordinary courage, and disregard of personal danger while serving as Medical Officer on board the Infantry Landing Craft U.S.S. LCI(L), THREE HUNDRED THIRTY-NINE (LCI(L)-339), that beached in the vicinity of Japanese occupied Lae, New Guinea, on 4 September 1943. Though his ship was attacked repeatedly by enemy aircraft, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Begor courageously continued to care for the wounded in the face of enemy bombing and strafing attacks, with total disregard for his personal safety, until he was fatally wounded. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Begor's professional ability, courage, and inspiring devotion to duty upheld the highest traditions of the Medical Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country. Contributor: BarryC (47806468)
He was first buried in US Army Temporary Cemetery, Soputa #1A – Grave 5, then interred at 6911 USAF Finschhafen #2, British New Guinea. After the war (between 15th May 1947 & 07 December 1947) his remains (along with 11,000 other American soldiers from the five Finschaffen cemeteries) were disinterred and brought to the American Graves Registration Service Manila Mausoleum. From there, according to the wishes of his next of kin, (wife, Mrs. Katherine A. Begor), Doctor Fay Broughton Begor’s body was returned to the US and he was buried in his final resting place in the Moriah Union Cemetery, Moriah, Essex County, New York – Plot L, Grave 600.
In 1944, USS Begor (APD-127) was named in his honor. It was launched on 25 May 1944 and sponsored by Mrs. Katherine A. Begor, widow of the late Lieutenant (jg) Begor.
Of the 563 destroyer escorts built, 479 remained in service with the US Navy. These ships were named for American naval heroes, particularly those from the early years of WWII. Forty-four destroyer escorts were named for men from the state of New York, more than any other state in the country.
SHIP: USS BEGOR DE711/APD127 (5 Battle Stars)
SERVICEMAN: Fay Broughton Begor
BIRTHDATE: 15 October 1916
BIRTHPLACE: Moriah
additional information courtesy of sticksandstones #46888135
***
Of the 563 destroyer escorts built, 479 remained in service with the US Navy. These ships were named for American naval heroes, particularly those from the early years of WWII. Forty-four destroyer escorts were named for men from the state of New York, more than any other state in the country.
SHIP: USS BEGOR DE711/APD127 (5 Battle Stars)
SERVICEMAN: Fay Broughton Begor
BIRTHDATE: 15 October 1916
BIRTHPLACE: Moriah
additional information courtesy of sticksandstones #46888135
**
M.D., McGill University, Montreal, Canada.
Dr. Begor was killed in action on board a landing craft in the Pacific while assisting injured soldiers and seamen.
He was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for his gallantry under fire on the beaches of Lae, New Guinea in September, 1943.
additional information courtesy of Arborist (#47209972)
***
Navy Cross Citation
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant, Junior Grade (MC) Fay Broughton Begor (NSN: 0-182912), United States Naval Reserve, for distinguished service in the line of his profession, extraordinary courage, and disregard of personal danger while serving as Medical Officer on board the Infantry Landing Craft U.S.S. LCI(L), THREE HUNDRED THIRTY-NINE (LCI(L)-339), that beached in the vicinity of Japanese occupied Lae, New Guinea, on 4 September 1943. Though his ship was attacked repeatedly by enemy aircraft, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Begor courageously continued to care for the wounded in the face of enemy bombing and strafing attacks, with total disregard for his personal safety, until he was fatally wounded. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Begor's professional ability, courage, and inspiring devotion to duty upheld the highest traditions of the Medical Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Contributor: BarryC (47806468)
Dr. Fay Broughton Begor
Service #: NSN: 0-182912
Rank: Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Medical Corps, United States Naval Reserve
Entered Service From: Maryland
Date of Death: 09 September 1943, At sea near Buna, New Guinea aboard LST 464 from severe shrapnel wounds received when his ship LCI (L) 339 was bombed and strafed by six Japanese planes on 04 September 1943.
Buried: Moriah Union Cemetery, Moriah, Essex County, New York – Plot L, Grave 600
Awards: Navy Cross, Purple Heart
Fay Broughton Begor, born on 15 October 1916 in Moriah, New York, earned a bachelor’s degree from Union College, Schenectady, N.Y., in June 1937. During Begor’s medical studies at McGill University in Montreal, Canada, where he participated in intercollegiate wrestling. He worked as an examiner and first aid man for the Aluminum Company of America, Massina, N.Y. during July and August 1940. Earning his MD in May 1941, he began an internship at Montreal General Hospital on 01 July 1941; he served there as a resident intern in gynecology.
Joining the Navy “in hopes of obtaining sea duty,” Begor received an appointment as assistant surgeon, with the rank of lieutenant (jg) on 22 July 1942, completed his internship in Montreal on 01 August 1942, and executed his oath of office on 04 September 1942. Three days later he reported to the Third Naval District for active duty at the New York Navy Yard. A little less than a month later, on 03 October 1942, he was detached from the yard and transferred to the Landing Craft Group, Naval Operating Base, Norfolk, Va., for duty in Tank Landing Craft Flotilla 18, reporting for duty three days later.
With each change of station, Begor had asked for sea duty. On 11 February 1943, he again sought it. “I would like to see some action,” he wrote, to “use some of my professional knowledge.” The duty to which he had been assigned training with the U.S. Army, seemed likely to continue, and he reasoned that he would “obtain no professional duties or see any action as long as I am here…” If the Bureau of Naval Personnel could not send him to sea, he asked for duty with the Fleet Marine Force. Inside of two months, Begor received his desired orders. Detached on 6 April from his duty with Flotilla “A,” he soon found himself en-route to the receiving ship at San Francisco, thence, in succession, to Tank Landing Craft Group 22 in the Pacific, and Infantry Landing Craft (LCI) Flotilla 7.
Source: Naval History and Heritage Command – Ship History – Begor (APD-127)
WWII Navy Muster Rolls – U.S.S. LCI (L) 339 – 31 July 1943 Lt. (jg) Fay B. Begor, Medical Corps was received on board on 08 July 1943 as the Staff Doctor.
Lieutenant (jg) Begor was serving as the group’s medical officer on board infantry landing craft LCI(L)-339 as it neared the beach in Operation “Postern,” the landing of 3780 Australians from the 20th Brigade, 9th Division on the beaches of the Huon Peninsula, 12 miles east of Lae, New Guinea, on 4 September 1943. The initial Landing Force at Red Beach was comprised of 14 waves of landing craft scheduled to arrive at 15-minute intervals. His ship was a member of the 5th Echelon (second wave of 7 LCI (L)’s). “At approximately 0705, LCI (L) 339 was approaching the beach approximately 150 yards off. The anchor had been dropped and the ship was unmaneuverable. Three Japanese dive bombers and 3 Japanese fighter planes approached on our port at an altitude of about 1500 feet. The order was given to open fire when the planes came into range. At the same time our guns began firing we were severely strafed by the three fighter planes, causing considerable casualties to troops aboard. The bombers then released their bombs, which at first appeared to be passing well over us. The bombs however, began a more vertical descent and we suffered one near miss on port, one direct hit just forward of the pilot house and another near miss on starboard. Many casualties were cause among the troops – 20 Australians soldiers were killed and many more wounded; 9 of the ship’s crew were wounded among them the ship’s doctor, Lt.(jg). Fay B. Begor.
There was serious damage to the ship. The strafing attack riddled the ship from bow to stern with bullet holes. The bomb penetrated the main deck on the port side just forward of the bridge structure, and blew a hole in the bottom and side of the hull. “a large hole had been blasted in the deck and we were taking waster rapidly. The bulkheads below deck were ruptured and water was entering Troop Compartments numbers 1, 2 and 3.” The ship was beached and as it “was in a sinking condition” the order was given to abandon ship. Source: WWII War Diaries USS LCI (L) 339 – Report of loss of ship, Lae, New Guinea, 04 September 1943, page 3.
“Though his ship was attacked repeatedly by enemy aircraft, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Begor courageously continued to care for the wounded in the face of enemy bombing and strafing attacks, with total disregard for his personal safety, until he was fatally wounded.” Lt(jg) Fay B. Begor MC-V (G) USNR “suffered large shrapnel wounds in both thighs, few small shrapnel wounds, and some shock.”
Dr. Begor and the other crew casualties (9 men) were taken aboard LCI (L) 338. All patients were given treatment and constant medical attention was given to Dr. Begor and RM2/c Kenneth William Smith (shrapnel wounds, possible fractured shoulder) though out the day. The casualties were then transferred (via ambulance) to the U.S. Army 87th Station Hospital at Buna, New Guinea “due to the fact that LST 464 had not arrived at Buna as yet”. On 07 September, he was transferred via ambulance to the tank landing ship LST 464 that had been converted to serve as a hospital ship. Sadly, while on board LST-464, Dr. Begor’s condition worsened, and he died of his wounds (and complications that developed – gas gangrene infection) during the morning watch on 9 September 1943.
additional information courtesy of SteveS (#47126287)
M.D., McGill University, Montreal, Canada.
Dr. Begor was killed in action on board a landing craft in the Pacific while assisting injured soldiers and seamen. He was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for his gallantry under fire on the beaches of Lae, New Guinea in September, 1943.
additional information courtesy of Arborist (#47209972)
Navy Cross Citation
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant, Junior Grade (MC) Fay Broughton Begor (NSN: 0-182912), United States Naval Reserve, for distinguished service in the line of his profession, extraordinary courage, and disregard of personal danger while serving as Medical Officer on board the Infantry Landing Craft U.S.S. LCI(L), THREE HUNDRED THIRTY-NINE (LCI(L)-339), that beached in the vicinity of Japanese occupied Lae, New Guinea, on 4 September 1943. Though his ship was attacked repeatedly by enemy aircraft, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Begor courageously continued to care for the wounded in the face of enemy bombing and strafing attacks, with total disregard for his personal safety, until he was fatally wounded. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Begor's professional ability, courage, and inspiring devotion to duty upheld the highest traditions of the Medical Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country. Contributor: BarryC (47806468)
He was first buried in US Army Temporary Cemetery, Soputa #1A – Grave 5, then interred at 6911 USAF Finschhafen #2, British New Guinea. After the war (between 15th May 1947 & 07 December 1947) his remains (along with 11,000 other American soldiers from the five Finschaffen cemeteries) were disinterred and brought to the American Graves Registration Service Manila Mausoleum. From there, according to the wishes of his next of kin, (wife, Mrs. Katherine A. Begor), Doctor Fay Broughton Begor’s body was returned to the US and he was buried in his final resting place in the Moriah Union Cemetery, Moriah, Essex County, New York – Plot L, Grave 600.
In 1944, USS Begor (APD-127) was named in his honor. It was launched on 25 May 1944 and sponsored by Mrs. Katherine A. Begor, widow of the late Lieutenant (jg) Begor.
Of the 563 destroyer escorts built, 479 remained in service with the US Navy. These ships were named for American naval heroes, particularly those from the early years of WWII. Forty-four destroyer escorts were named for men from the state of New York, more than any other state in the country.
SHIP: USS BEGOR DE711/APD127 (5 Battle Stars)
SERVICEMAN: Fay Broughton Begor
BIRTHDATE: 15 October 1916
BIRTHPLACE: Moriah
additional information courtesy of sticksandstones #46888135
***
Of the 563 destroyer escorts built, 479 remained in service with the US Navy. These ships were named for American naval heroes, particularly those from the early years of WWII. Forty-four destroyer escorts were named for men from the state of New York, more than any other state in the country.
SHIP: USS BEGOR DE711/APD127 (5 Battle Stars)
SERVICEMAN: Fay Broughton Begor
BIRTHDATE: 15 October 1916
BIRTHPLACE: Moriah
additional information courtesy of sticksandstones #46888135
**
M.D., McGill University, Montreal, Canada.
Dr. Begor was killed in action on board a landing craft in the Pacific while assisting injured soldiers and seamen.
He was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for his gallantry under fire on the beaches of Lae, New Guinea in September, 1943.
additional information courtesy of Arborist (#47209972)
***
Navy Cross Citation
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant, Junior Grade (MC) Fay Broughton Begor (NSN: 0-182912), United States Naval Reserve, for distinguished service in the line of his profession, extraordinary courage, and disregard of personal danger while serving as Medical Officer on board the Infantry Landing Craft U.S.S. LCI(L), THREE HUNDRED THIRTY-NINE (LCI(L)-339), that beached in the vicinity of Japanese occupied Lae, New Guinea, on 4 September 1943. Though his ship was attacked repeatedly by enemy aircraft, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Begor courageously continued to care for the wounded in the face of enemy bombing and strafing attacks, with total disregard for his personal safety, until he was fatally wounded. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Begor's professional ability, courage, and inspiring devotion to duty upheld the highest traditions of the Medical Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Contributor: BarryC (47806468)
***
Dr. Fay Broughton Begor
Service #: NSN: 0-182912
Rank: Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Medical Corps, United States Naval Reserve
Entered Service From: Maryland
Date of Death: 09 September 1943, At sea near Buna, New Guinea aboard LST 464 from severe shrapnel wounds received when his ship LCI (L) 339 was bombed and strafed by six Japanese planes on 04 September 1943.
Buried: Moriah Union Cemetery, Moriah, Essex County, New York – Plot L, Grave 600
Awards: Navy Cross, Purple Heart
Fay Broughton Begor, born on 15 October 1916 in Moriah, New York, earned a bachelor’s degree from Union College, Schenectady, N.Y., in June 1937. During Begor’s medical studies at McGill University in Montreal, Canada, where he participated in intercollegiate wrestling. He worked as an examiner and first aid man for the Aluminum Company of America, Massina, N.Y. during July and August 1940. Earning his MD in May 1941, he began an internship at Montreal General Hospital on 01 July 1941; he served there as a resident intern in gynecology.
Joining the Navy “in hopes of obtaining sea duty,” Begor received an appointment as assistant surgeon, with the rank of lieutenant (jg) on 22 July 1942, completed his internship in Montreal on 01 August 1942, and executed his oath of office on 04 September 1942. Three days later he reported to the Third Naval District for active duty at the New York Navy Yard. A little less than a month later, on 03 October 1942, he was detached from the yard and transferred to the Landing Craft Group, Naval Operating Base, Norfolk, Va., for duty in Tank Landing Craft Flotilla 18, reporting for duty three days later.
With each change of station, Begor had asked for sea duty. On 11 February 1943, he again sought it. “I would like to see some action,” he wrote, to “use some of my professional knowledge.” The duty to which he had been assigned training with the U.S. Army, seemed likely to continue, and he reasoned that he would “obtain no professional duties or see any action as long as I am here…” If the Bureau of Naval Personnel could not send him to sea, he asked for duty with the Fleet Marine Force. Inside of two months, Begor received his desired orders. Detached on 6 April from his duty with Flotilla “A,” he soon found himself en-route to the receiving ship at San Francisco, thence, in succession, to Tank Landing Craft Group 22 in the Pacific, and Infantry Landing Craft (LCI) Flotilla 7.
Source: Naval History and Heritage Command – Ship History – Begor (APD-127)
WWII Navy Muster Rolls – U.S.S. LCI (L) 339 – 31 July 1943 Lt. (jg) Fay B. Begor, Medical Corps was received on board on 08 July 1943 as the Staff Doctor.
Lieutenant (jg) Begor was serving as the group’s medical officer on board infantry landing craft LCI(L)-339 as it neared the beach in Operation “Postern,” the landing of 3780 Australians from the 20th Brigade, 9th Division on the beaches of the Huon Peninsula, 12 miles east of Lae, New Guinea, on 4 September 1943. The initial Landing Force at Red Beach was comprised of 14 waves of landing craft scheduled to arrive at 15-minute intervals. His ship was a member of the 5th Echelon (second wave of 7 LCI (L)’s). “At approximately 0705, LCI (L) 339 was approaching the beach approximately 150 yards off. The anchor had been dropped and the ship was unmaneuverable. Three Japanese dive bombers and 3 Japanese fighter planes approached on our port at an altitude of about 1500 feet. The order was given to open fire when the planes came into range. At the same time our guns began firing we were severely strafed by the three fighter planes, causing considerable casualties to troops aboard. The bombers then released their bombs, which at first appeared to be passing well over us. The bombs however, began a more vertical descent and we suffered one near miss on port, one direct hit just forward of the pilot house and another near miss on starboard. Many casualties were cause among the troops – 20 Australians soldiers were killed and many more wounded; 9 of the ship’s crew were wounded among them the ship’s doctor, Lt.(jg). Fay B. Begor.
There was serious damage to the ship. The strafing attack riddled the ship from bow to stern with bullet holes. The bomb penetrated the main deck on the port side just forward of the bridge structure, and blew a hole in the bottom and side of the hull. “a large hole had been blasted in the deck and we were taking waster rapidly. The bulkheads below deck were ruptured and water was entering Troop Compartments numbers 1, 2 and 3.” The ship was beached and as it “was in a sinking condition” the order was given to abandon ship. Source: WWII War Diaries USS LCI (L) 339 – Report of loss of ship, Lae, New Guinea, 04 September 1943, page 3.
“Though his ship was attacked repeatedly by enemy aircraft, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Begor courageously continued to care for the wounded in the face of enemy bombing and strafing attacks, with total disregard for his personal safety, until he was fatally wounded.” Lt(jg) Fay B. Begor MC-V (G) USNR “suffered large shrapnel wounds in both thighs, few small shrapnel wounds, and some shock.”
Dr. Begor and the other crew casualties (9 men) were taken aboard LCI (L) 338. All patients were given treatment and constant medical attention was given to Dr. Begor and RM2/c Kenneth William Smith (shrapnel wounds, possible fractured shoulder) though out the day. The casualties were then transferred (via ambulance) to the U.S. Army 87th Station Hospital at Buna, New Guinea “due to the fact that LST 464 had not arrived at Buna as yet”. On 07 September, he was transferred via ambulance to the tank landing ship LST 464 that had been converted to serve as a hospital ship. Sadly, while on board LST-464, Dr. Begor’s condition worsened, and he died of his wounds (and complications that developed – gas gangrene infection) during the morning watch on 9 September 1943.
additional information courtesy of SteveS (#47126287)
M.D., McGill University, Montreal, Canada.
Dr. Begor was killed in action on board a landing craft in the Pacific while assisting injured soldiers and seamen. He was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for his gallantry under fire on the beaches of Lae, New Guinea in September, 1943.
additional information courtesy of Arborist (#47209972)
Navy Cross Citation
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant, Junior Grade (MC) Fay Broughton Begor (NSN: 0-182912), United States Naval Reserve, for distinguished service in the line of his profession, extraordinary courage, and disregard of personal danger while serving as Medical Officer on board the Infantry Landing Craft U.S.S. LCI(L), THREE HUNDRED THIRTY-NINE (LCI(L)-339), that beached in the vicinity of Japanese occupied Lae, New Guinea, on 4 September 1943. Though his ship was attacked repeatedly by enemy aircraft, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Begor courageously continued to care for the wounded in the face of enemy bombing and strafing attacks, with total disregard for his personal safety, until he was fatally wounded. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Begor's professional ability, courage, and inspiring devotion to duty upheld the highest traditions of the Medical Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country. Contributor: BarryC (47806468)
He was first buried in US Army Temporary Cemetery, Soputa #1A – Grave 5, then interred at 6911 USAF Finschhafen #2, British New Guinea. After the war (between 15th May 1947 & 07 December 1947) his remains (along with 11,000 other American soldiers from the five Finschaffen cemeteries) were disinterred and brought to the American Graves Registration Service Manila Mausoleum. From there, according to the wishes of his next of kin, (wife, Mrs. Katherine A. Begor), Doctor Fay Broughton Begor’s body was returned to the US and he was buried in his final resting place in the Moriah Union Cemetery, Moriah, Essex County, New York – Plot L, Grave 600.
In 1944, USS Begor (APD-127) was named in his honor. It was launched on 25 May 1944 and sponsored by Mrs. Katherine A. Begor, widow of the late Lieutenant (jg) Begor.
Of the 563 destroyer escorts built, 479 remained in service with the US Navy. These ships were named for American naval heroes, particularly those from the early years of WWII. Forty-four destroyer escorts were named for men from the state of New York, more than any other state in the country.
SHIP: USS BEGOR DE711/APD127 (5 Battle Stars)
SERVICEMAN: Fay Broughton Begor
BIRTHDATE: 15 October 1916
BIRTHPLACE: Moriah
additional information courtesy of sticksandstones #46888135
***
Of the 563 destroyer escorts built, 479 remained in service with the US Navy. These ships were named for American naval heroes, particularly those from the early years of WWII. Forty-four destroyer escorts were named for men from the state of New York, more than any other state in the country.
SHIP: USS BEGOR DE711/APD127 (5 Battle Stars)
SERVICEMAN: Fay Broughton Begor
BIRTHDATE: 15 October 1916
BIRTHPLACE: Moriah
additional information courtesy of sticksandstones #46888135
**
M.D., McGill University, Montreal, Canada.
Dr. Begor was killed in action on board a landing craft in the Pacific while assisting injured soldiers and seamen.
He was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for his gallantry under fire on the beaches of Lae, New Guinea in September, 1943.
additional information courtesy of Arborist (#47209972)
***
Navy Cross Citation
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant, Junior Grade (MC) Fay Broughton Begor (NSN: 0-182912), United States Naval Reserve, for distinguished service in the line of his profession, extraordinary courage, and disregard of personal danger while serving as Medical Officer on board the Infantry Landing Craft U.S.S. LCI(L), THREE HUNDRED THIRTY-NINE (LCI(L)-339), that beached in the vicinity of Japanese occupied Lae, New Guinea, on 4 September 1943. Though his ship was attacked repeatedly by enemy aircraft, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Begor courageously continued to care for the wounded in the face of enemy bombing and strafing attacks, with total disregard for his personal safety, until he was fatally wounded. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Begor's professional ability, courage, and inspiring devotion to duty upheld the highest traditions of the Medical Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Contributor: BarryC (47806468)
Dr. Fay Broughton Begor
Service #: NSN: 0-182912
Rank: Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Medical Corps, United States Naval Reserve
Entered Service From: Maryland
Date of Death: 09 September 1943, At sea near Buna, New Guinea aboard LST 464 from severe shrapnel wounds received when his ship LCI (L) 339 was bombed and strafed by six Japanese planes on 04 September 1943.
Buried: Moriah Union Cemetery, Moriah, Essex County, New York – Plot L, Grave 600
Awards: Navy Cross, Purple Heart
Fay Broughton Begor, born on 15 October 1916 in Moriah, New York, earned a bachelor’s degree from Union College, Schenectady, N.Y., in June 1937. During Begor’s medical studies at McGill University in Montreal, Canada, where he participated in intercollegiate wrestling. He worked as an examiner and first aid man for the Aluminum Company of America, Massina, N.Y. during July and August 1940. Earning his MD in May 1941, he began an internship at Montreal General Hospital on 01 July 1941; he served there as a resident intern in gynecology.
Joining the Navy “in hopes of obtaining sea duty,” Begor received an appointment as assistant surgeon, with the rank of lieutenant (jg) on 22 July 1942, completed his internship in Montreal on 01 August 1942, and executed his oath of office on 04 September 1942. Three days later he reported to the Third Naval District for active duty at the New York Navy Yard. A little less than a month later, on 03 October 1942, he was detached from the yard and transferred to the Landing Craft Group, Naval Operating Base, Norfolk, Va., for duty in Tank Landing Craft Flotilla 18, reporting for duty three days later.
With each change of station, Begor had asked for sea duty. On 11 February 1943, he again sought it. “I would like to see some action,” he wrote, to “use some of my professional knowledge.” The duty to which he had been assigned training with the U.S. Army, seemed likely to continue, and he reasoned that he would “obtain no professional duties or see any action as long as I am here…” If the Bureau of Naval Personnel could not send him to sea, he asked for duty with the Fleet Marine Force. Inside of two months, Begor received his desired orders. Detached on 6 April from his duty with Flotilla “A,” he soon found himself en-route to the receiving ship at San Francisco, thence, in succession, to Tank Landing Craft Group 22 in the Pacific, and Infantry Landing Craft (LCI) Flotilla 7.
Source: Naval History and Heritage Command – Ship History – Begor (APD-127)
WWII Navy Muster Rolls – U.S.S. LCI (L) 339 – 31 July 1943 Lt. (jg) Fay B. Begor, Medical Corps was received on board on 08 July 1943 as the Staff Doctor.
Lieutenant (jg) Begor was serving as the group’s medical officer on board infantry landing craft LCI(L)-339 as it neared the beach in Operation “Postern,” the landing of 3780 Australians from the 20th Brigade, 9th Division on the beaches of the Huon Peninsula, 12 miles east of Lae, New Guinea, on 4 September 1943. The initial Landing Force at Red Beach was comprised of 14 waves of landing craft scheduled to arrive at 15-minute intervals. His ship was a member of the 5th Echelon (second wave of 7 LCI (L)’s). “At approximately 0705, LCI (L) 339 was approaching the beach approximately 150 yards off. The anchor had been dropped and the ship was unmaneuverable. Three Japanese dive bombers and 3 Japanese fighter planes approached on our port at an altitude of about 1500 feet. The order was given to open fire when the planes came into range. At the same time our guns began firing we were severely strafed by the three fighter planes, causing considerable casualties to troops aboard. The bombers then released their bombs, which at first appeared to be passing well over us. The bombs however, began a more vertical descent and we suffered one near miss on port, one direct hit just forward of the pilot house and another near miss on starboard. Many casualties were cause among the troops – 20 Australians soldiers were killed and many more wounded; 9 of the ship’s crew were wounded among them the ship’s doctor, Lt.(jg). Fay B. Begor.
There was serious damage to the ship. The strafing attack riddled the ship from bow to stern with bullet holes. The bomb penetrated the main deck on the port side just forward of the bridge structure, and blew a hole in the bottom and side of the hull. “a large hole had been blasted in the deck and we were taking waster rapidly. The bulkheads below deck were ruptured and water was entering Troop Compartments numbers 1, 2 and 3.” The ship was beached and as it “was in a sinking condition” the order was given to abandon ship. Source: WWII War Diaries USS LCI (L) 339 – Report of loss of ship, Lae, New Guinea, 04 September 1943, page 3.
“Though his ship was attacked repeatedly by enemy aircraft, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Begor courageously continued to care for the wounded in the face of enemy bombing and strafing attacks, with total disregard for his personal safety, until he was fatally wounded.” Lt(jg) Fay B. Begor MC-V (G) USNR “suffered large shrapnel wounds in both thighs, few small shrapnel wounds, and some shock.”
Dr. Begor and the other crew casualties (9 men) were taken aboard LCI (L) 338. All patients were given treatment and constant medical attention was given to Dr. Begor and RM2/c Kenneth William Smith (shrapnel wounds, possible fractured shoulder) though out the day. The casualties were then transferred (via ambulance) to the U.S. Army 87th Station Hospital at Buna, New Guinea “due to the fact that LST 464 had not arrived at Buna as yet”. On 07 September, he was transferred via ambulance to the tank landing ship LST 464 that had been converted to serve as a hospital ship. Sadly, while on board LST-464, Dr. Begor’s condition worsened, and he died of his wounds (and complications that developed – gas gangrene infection) during the morning watch on 9 September 1943.
additional information courtesy of SteveS (#47126287)
M.D., McGill University, Montreal, Canada.
Dr. Begor was killed in action on board a landing craft in the Pacific while assisting injured soldiers and seamen. He was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for his gallantry under fire on the beaches of Lae, New Guinea in September, 1943.
additional information courtesy of Arborist (#47209972)
Navy Cross Citation
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant, Junior Grade (MC) Fay Broughton Begor (NSN: 0-182912), United States Naval Reserve, for distinguished service in the line of his profession, extraordinary courage, and disregard of personal danger while serving as Medical Officer on board the Infantry Landing Craft U.S.S. LCI(L), THREE HUNDRED THIRTY-NINE (LCI(L)-339), that beached in the vicinity of Japanese occupied Lae, New Guinea, on 4 September 1943. Though his ship was attacked repeatedly by enemy aircraft, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Begor courageously continued to care for the wounded in the face of enemy bombing and strafing attacks, with total disregard for his personal safety, until he was fatally wounded. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Begor's professional ability, courage, and inspiring devotion to duty upheld the highest traditions of the Medical Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country. Contributor: BarryC (47806468)
He was first buried in US Army Temporary Cemetery, Soputa #1A – Grave 5, then interred at 6911 USAF Finschhafen #2, British New Guinea. After the war (between 15th May 1947 & 07 December 1947) his remains (along with 11,000 other American soldiers from the five Finschaffen cemeteries) were disinterred and brought to the American Graves Registration Service Manila Mausoleum. From there, according to the wishes of his next of kin, (wife, Mrs. Katherine A. Begor), Doctor Fay Broughton Begor’s body was returned to the US and he was buried in his final resting place in the Moriah Union Cemetery, Moriah, Essex County, New York – Plot L, Grave 600.
In 1944, USS Begor (APD-127) was named in his honor. It was launched on 25 May 1944 and sponsored by Mrs. Katherine A. Begor, widow of the late Lieutenant (jg) Begor.
Of the 563 destroyer escorts built, 479 remained in service with the US Navy. These ships were named for American naval heroes, particularly those from the early years of WWII. Forty-four destroyer escorts were named for men from the state of New York, more than any other state in the country.
SHIP: USS BEGOR DE711/APD127 (5 Battle Stars)
SERVICEMAN: Fay Broughton Begor
BIRTHDATE: 15 October 1916
BIRTHPLACE: Moriah
additional information courtesy of sticksandstones #46888135
***
Of the 563 destroyer escorts built, 479 remained in service with the US Navy. These ships were named for American naval heroes, particularly those from the early years of WWII. Forty-four destroyer escorts were named for men from the state of New York, more than any other state in the country.
SHIP: USS BEGOR DE711/APD127 (5 Battle Stars)
SERVICEMAN: Fay Broughton Begor
BIRTHDATE: 15 October 1916
BIRTHPLACE: Moriah
additional information courtesy of sticksandstones #46888135
**
M.D., McGill University, Montreal, Canada.
Dr. Begor was killed in action on board a landing craft in the Pacific while assisting injured soldiers and seamen.
He was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for his gallantry under fire on the beaches of Lae, New Guinea in September, 1943.
additional information courtesy of Arborist (#47209972)
***
Navy Cross Citation
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant, Junior Grade (MC) Fay Broughton Begor (NSN: 0-182912), United States Naval Reserve, for distinguished service in the line of his profession, extraordinary courage, and disregard of personal danger while serving as Medical Officer on board the Infantry Landing Craft U.S.S. LCI(L), THREE HUNDRED THIRTY-NINE (LCI(L)-339), that beached in the vicinity of Japanese occupied Lae, New Guinea, on 4 September 1943. Though his ship was attacked repeatedly by enemy aircraft, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Begor courageously continued to care for the wounded in the face of enemy bombing and strafing attacks, with total disregard for his personal safety, until he was fatally wounded. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Begor's professional ability, courage, and inspiring devotion to duty upheld the highest traditions of the Medical Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Contributor: BarryC (47806468)
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