George Emerson Conklin

George Emerson Conklin was born in Hamlin, Pennsylvania, 3 January 1921.

Marine Corps career
Conklin enlisted in the United States Marine Corps 13 February 1942.

Awarded the Navy Cross
Although mortally wounded in action on Guadalcanal 5 October 1942, Conklin remained at his gun until he could no longer man it, then disassembled it and scattered its parts so as to make it useless to the enemy before he died. For this heroic devotion to duty, he was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross.

Namesake
Conklin (DE-439) was named in his honor. She was launched 13 February 1944 by Federal Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Co., Newark, New Jersey; sponsored by Mrs. Theresa Conklin; and commissioned 21 April 1944, Commander D. C. Brown, USNR, in command.