The Fourth Row
How a row of thirty graves on Betio was laid out and then lost, forgotten and then found.
Author: missingmarines
The 2019 MCHF Awards
In which I dine with generals, laugh at the Commandant’s jokes, and receive an award.
An Anniversary
Alva Jackson Cremean – “Jack” to friends and family – was twenty-one years old on 7 December 1941. The former high school student and JC Penney clerk from Rocky Ford, … Continue reading An Anniversary
Recovery Recap
Above, a member of the 604th Quartermaster Graves Registration Company excavates a suspected burial site. Location unknown, c. 1947-1949. NARA. Back when I started MissingMarines (ye gods, nearly seven … Continue reading Recovery Recap
Accounted For: PFC Paul David Gilman
This morning, the DPAA announced that PFC Paul David Gilman has been accounted for as of 17 May 2018. Paul was born on 11 January 1924, one of seven children … Continue reading Accounted For: PFC Paul David Gilman
Silver Stars
They were not friends in life, these men. They were not even passing strangers. Each spent the short arc of his life in total ignorance of the other’s existence. Outwardly, … Continue reading Silver Stars
Memorial Day: the story repeats
Note: This is a repost from Memorial Day 2016… and 2013…. which, sadly, is still relevant. I wear a set of dog tags every day. If I don’t know you … Continue reading Memorial Day: the story repeats
CV-2
Yesterday, Microsoft co-founder turned philanthropist/explorer Paul Allen announced the discovery of the aircraft carrier USS Lexington (CV-2), lost at the battle of the Coral Sea on May 8, 1942. The Lexington was struck … Continue reading CV-2
Back From Tarawa: James, Newell, and Murray
Note: Post updated to include PFC Murray, announced 20 June. Today, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency today released the news that two more Marines killed in action at Tarawa have … Continue reading Back From Tarawa: James, Newell, and Murray
State of the Site Update
A couple of site updates to ring in the new year. First and most importantly: the number of unaccounted-for Marines has just decreased by five. I have a regular (at … Continue reading State of the Site Update
Brothers & Namesakes
Nicholas Cancilla entered the world on December 6, 1924. He was the second son of Frank and Maria (Arcordia) Cancilla, born two years after his brother, Frank Junior. Though their … Continue reading Brothers & Namesakes
Identified: Warren G. Nelson
The DPAA has just announced the positive identification of Field Music 1c Warren Gordon Nelson – a member of Company E, Second Battalion, 8th Marines, who until today was listed … Continue reading Identified: Warren G. Nelson
