Back From Tarawa: Penna, Vosmer, and Kines

The DPAA has announced the identification of three more Marines MIA since the battle of Tarawa.

Private Frank Francis Penna of Canistota, New York, served with Company E, Second Battalion, 8th Marines. He was killed in action on November 20, 1943, and was buried in the fifth grave of the 8th Marines Cemetery #2. Penna’s remains were found in the History Flight excavation of 2015. Read the press release.

Nearby lay PFC Ronald William Vosmer of Denver, CO. Vosmer also served with E/2/8, and like Frank Penna lost his life on November 20, 1943. He was buried a few feet from Penna in Grave #18 of the 8th Marines Cemetery. Read the press release.

Private Emmett Leonard Kines of Grafton, WV served with Company F, Second Battalion, 8th Marines. Although he served in the same battalion as Vosmer and Penna, and lost his life on the same day, Private Kines was reportedly buried in the East Division Cemetery. Read the press release.

Further details about the return and reburial of these three Marines will be announced in due time.
Welcome home and Semper Fi.