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Paul N. Ballew

NAME
Paul Nathaniel Ballew
NICKNAME
SERVICE NUMBER
409786
UNIT
Company C
Third Amphibian Tractor Battalion
HOME OF RECORD
Marietta, SC
NEXT OF KIN
Mother, Mrs. Rennie Ballew
DATE OF BIRTH
December 14, 1921
at Greenville, SC
ENTERED SERVICE
July 29, 1942
at Savannah, GA
DATE OF LOSS
May 15, 1943
REGION
Central Pacific
CAMPAIGN / AREA
Samoa / Tutuila
CASUALTY TYPE
Non-battle death

CIRCUMSTANCES OF LOSS
Private Paul N. Ballew was a tractor crewman who served with the Third Amphibian Tractor Battalion in American Samoa.

On 15 May 1943, several Marines wading in the surf of Faga’itua Bay were caught in a strong undertow and swept out to sea. Private Ballew hurried to the rescue, but lost his footing and was himself carried out into the bay. When the chaos died down, three men – including Ballew – had drowned.

The bodies of Sergeant Joseph W. Leary and Private William D. Atchley were recovered two days later and buried on Samoa. Private Ballew’s body was never found.

INDIVIDUAL DECORATIONS
LAST KNOWN RANK
Private
STATUS OF REMAINS
Not recovered.
MEMORIALS
Honolulu Memorial

Biography:
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