Joseph D. Healy facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Joseph D. Healy
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Greenland c. 1943
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| Born | April 29, 1912 |
| Died | July 1, 1971 (aged 59) |
| Occupation | Farmer |
| Known for | Antarctic exploration, namesake of Cape Healy, My Gal Sal (aircraft) rescue mission |
Denis Joseph "Joe" Healy (born April 29, 1912 – died July 1, 1971) was an American explorer. He was an important member of the United States Antarctic Service Expedition.
Contents
Growing Up and Learning
Joe Healy was born in Scituate, Massachusetts. This area is a small seaside community called Minot. He was the third of ten children. His parents, Hannah and John Healy, were immigrants from Ireland. Joe went to local schools. Later, he studied at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy.
Exploring the World
Joe Healy was a skilled dog driver. He first worked with famous explorer Richard E. Byrd. This was during Byrd's Second Antarctic Expedition. Because of his experience, Joe was chosen for the United States Antarctic Service Expedition.
Antarctic Adventures
On this expedition, Joe Healy was a dog driver again. He and Lytton Musselman were part of a special team. This team explored the Southeastern-Eternity Range. Their leader was J. Glenn Dyer. They left their base on November 6, 1940. They explored for many weeks. The team returned to base on December 11.
Rescue Missions
After his Antarctic journey, Joe Healy joined the Army Air Corps in May 1941. He served in Greenland. There, he worked under another famous polar explorer, Bernt Balchen. Joe helped with several search and rescue missions. One famous mission was rescuing 20 men from a B-17 plane called My Gal Sal. By the end of the war, Joe had become a master sergeant.
Life After Exploring
After leaving the military, Joe Healy settled down. He moved to Pembroke, Massachusetts. He spent the rest of his life working as a poultry farmer. Joe Healy passed away suddenly on July 1, 1971. He died from a heart attack.
A Place Named for Him
A special place in Antarctica is named after Joe Healy. It is called Cape Healy. This cape is located at the entrance to Lamplugh Inlet. It is on the east coast of Palmer Land, Antarctica.
Awards and Honors
Joe Healy received an important award for his work.
- U.S. Antarctic Service Medal: Gold
