Arley Hubert Yoder
PFC Arley H. Yoder served with King Company, Third Battalion, 25th Marines.
He drowned in a training accident at San Onofre Beach, California, on 19 November 1943.
Branch
Marine Corps Reserve
Service Number 413761
Current Status
Remains Not Recovered
CONUS Loss
Because this individual died within the limits of the continental United States, they are not tracked by the DPAA.
Capsule History
Pre-War Life
Birth
February 3, 1922
at Englewood, TN
Parents
Albert Dewey Yoder
Lillie Ester (Adams) Yoder
Education
Through 8th grade
(details unknown)
Occupation & Employer
H. B. McIntire & Son
Service Life
Entered Service
July 30, 1942
at Nashville, TN
Home Of Record
3900 14th Avenue
Chattanooga, TN
Next Of Kin
Father, Mr. A. D. Yoder
Military Specialty
—
Primary Unit
K/3/25th Marines
Campaigns Served
—
Individual Decorations
—
Additional Service Details
—
Loss And Burial
Circumstances Of Loss
In November 1943, infantry regiments of the 4th Marine Division began training specialized platoons with rubber boats (Landing Craft, Rubber, or LCRs) in the surf off San Onofre Beach. In theory, these units would serve as a light raiding force able to land stealthily behind enemy lines. In practice, however, the LCRs proved unwieldy and difficult to launch through breaking waves. It was not unusual for Marines to be launched through the air, or for weapons and equipment to be lost.
Despite poor results in daylight, the decision was made to run a practice at night – and this cost the life of PFC Arley Yoder. He was lost in the dark and rough waters during the training exercise, and his body was never found.
Burial Information or Disposition
None; remains not recovered.
Memorials
None known.
Next Of Kin Address
Address of father, Mr. A. D. Yoder.
Location Of Loss
Yoder drowned someplace offshore of San Onofre Beach.
