Alton Rae Corey
Private Alton R. Corey served with Able Company, First Battalion, 2nd Marines.
He was killed in action at Guadalcanal on 11 November 1942.
Branch
Marine Corps Reserve
Service Number 341754
Current Status
Remains Not Recovered
Pursuit Category
The DPAA has not publicized this information.
Capsule History
Pre-War Life
Birth
June 26, 1921
at Franklin, VT
Parents
George Dennis Corey
Elizabeth Rosalie (Levick) Corey
Education
Details unknown
Occupation & Employer
Details unknown
Service Life
Entered Service
January 16, 1942
at Portland, OR
Home Of Record
32 Willow Street
Richford, VT
Next Of Kin
Parents, George & Elizabeth Corey
Military Specialty
—
Primary Unit
A/1/2nd Marines
Campaigns Served
Solomon Islands / Guadalcanal
Individual Decorations
Purple Heart
Additional Service Details
—
Loss And Burial
Circumstances Of Loss
On 11 November 1942 – Armistice Day – the First Battalion, 2nd Marines moved back from the line on Guadalcanal’s northern coast to an assembly area situated on Government Track. They had been badly mauled the previous day, but the “strategic withdrawal” was not due to a local defeat – rather, they would be needed to defend the Lunga perimeter. Reports had a Japanese task force closing fast; “the only smart thing to do was to consolidate forces and await developments.” Being combat veterans, most opted to rest in the protection of a head-high gully while waiting for further orders.
“We were a rather subdued bunch recalling the tragic events of the previous day and wondering why we were now back where we started from a week earlier,” recalled William Rogal of Able Company. “Were we really giving up all the ground we had gained at such a huge price? And where were we going next?”
Later that day, information arrived at the command post. “Our questions were answered at about 1600 when we got orders to move farther east and set up a defensive line 500 yards west of the Matanikau,” continued Rogal.
I jumped into the gully and passed the word to get ready to move out. I found my pack and was putting it on when an unbelievable concussion almost knocked me to my knees. I was facing a kid named Alton Corey, who crumbled to the ground. Dazed, I looked down at Corey's prostrate form. He was lying on his back but I don't remember whether his eyes were open. That was of little consequence, for an immense, unsurvivable wound in the top of his right shoulder was emitting red blood and pink bubbles. A huge shell fragment had entered his shoulder and traveled downward into his chest. Private Corey died instantly.
Burial Information or Disposition
None; remains not recovered. The shelling killed Captain Jack Moran Miller, mortally hurt Captain Paul Wilhelm Fuhrhop, and wounded many other Marines. Corey’s body was reportedly “evacuated to the rear” and may have been buried in the First Marine Division Cemetery as an unknown.
Memorials
Next Of Kin Address
Address of parents, George & Elizabeth Corey.
Location Of Loss
Approximate location of the ambush site of 10 November 1942.
