Nick Carl Kavanaugh, Jr.

Nick Kavanaugh enlisted in the Marine Corps from Phoenix, Arizona, on 6 May 1942. After completing boot camp at MCRD San Diego and spending a few months with the post’s service battalion, Private Kavanaugh deployed overseas as an infantryman with Item Company, Third Battalion, 6th Marines. He would see combat in the Guadalcanal campaign and the battle for Tarawa as a platoon messenger.

On 15 June 1944, PFC Kavanaugh’s battalion led the attack on Saipan’s Red Beach 1. “As the assault waves started over the reef, it seemed to explode,” records A Brief History of the 6th Marines. “Well registered artillery and mortar shells from hidden and camouflaged enemy guns turned the barrier into an inferno of fire, thunder, and water cascades. The LVTs moved relentlessly on, leaving many of their numbers either broached or destroyed.” The Third Battalion, 6th Marines, suffered heavy casualties but managed to secure their beachhead and tie in with friendly forces before nightfall.

PFC Kavanaugh was one of those who fell during the landing operation. He was simply listed as “killed in action,” with no further information about his cause of death or possible burial.