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Elmer Gustaf Berg

Sergeant Elmer G. Berg served with Love Company, Third Battalion, 8th Marines.
He was reported missing in action at Guadalcanal on 11 November 1942.

Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Branch

Marine Corps Regular
Service Number 269330

Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Current Status

Remains Not Recovered

Pursuit Category

The DPAA has not publicized this information

Capsule History

Pre-War Life

Birth

March 29, 1914
at Starkweather, ND

Parents

Carl Gustav Berg (d. 1937)
Emma Christine (Dahlstrom) Berg

Education

Details unknown

Occupation & Employer

Professional Marine

Service Life

Entered Service

December 10, 1938
at Seattle, WA

Home Of Record

Starkweather, ND

Next Of Kin

Mother, Mrs. Emma Berg

Military Specialty

Primary Unit

L/3/8th Marines

Campaigns Served

Solomon Islands / Guadalcanal

Individual Decorations

Purple Heart

Additional Service Details

Loss And Burial

Circumstances Of Loss

Sergeant Elmer Berg arrived at Guadalcanal on 4 November 1942; his unit – L/3/8th Marines – spent a few days acclimatizing to the island. Unfortunately, they received “inadequate indoctrination in combat methods” specific to the Solomons, and as a result “many of the lessons [were] learned the hard way.” Their first operation – a general attack west of the Matanikau River, part of the offensive to take the village of Kokumbona – started on 10 November, and the recently-arrived Marines struggled with heavy packs, little water, and intense heat.

The attack continued at 0800 on 11 November (Armistice Day), and was met by “heavy mortar, sniper, and machine gun fire from their front and left flank.”  By noon, 3/8th Marines had gained only 400 yards – and within hours were ordered to withdraw back to the Matanikau River.

Six Marines from 3/8 were killed or reported missing on 11 November. Sergeant Berg and Private Lindesay Vance (Company K) were last seen near coordinates (67.4-200.5), Guadalcanal Map #104. Neither Marine returned to his organization, and nothing more was ever heard from them.

Burial Information or Disposition

None; remains not recovered. Berg and Vance were declared dead on 12 November 1943.

Memorials

Manila American Cemetery and Memorial
Trinity-Bergen Cemetery, Starkweather, North Dakota

Namesake of American Legion “Elmer Berg” Post 275 in Starkweather, North Dakota.

Next Of Kin Address

Address of mother, Mrs. Emma Berg.

Location Of Loss

Approximate area where Berg was last seen on Guadalcanal.

Related Profiles

Members of the Third Battalion, 8th Marines non-recovered from Guadalcanal
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