Edward John Ciazinski

Ed Ciazanski enlisted in the Marine Corps after graduating from high school, and spent most of his time in the service as a member of Easy Company, 5th Marines. He saw combat at Tulagi and on Guadalcanal, and was slightly wounded in action along the Matanikau River on 26 September 1942. He was evacuated for treatment at the Division field hospital, where doctors mended a gunshot wound in his right hand. After a few days respite, PFC Ciazinski was back on the line.

On 7 October 1942, the Marines made another push from the Lunga perimeter towards the Matanikau. The Second Battalion, 5th Marines moved west along a ridge until they overlooked the river, then headed downhill to secure the eastern riverbank. A command post was established behind Easy Company’s line, but attracted the attention of Japanese troops. “At 1400 mortar fire was received in the vicinity of the CP, and one man was killed and two wounded,” noted the 2/5 combat report.

PFC Ciazanski was the only man in Easy Company killed during the day’s action. While his unit muster roll notes that he died of gunshot wounds, it seems likely that a mortar shell was the real culprit. Four other men were evacuated with concussions caused by the shelling.