Richard Louis Symons
PFC Richard L. Symons served with Able Company, First Battalion, 4th Marines.
He was killed in action at Corregidor on 6 May 1942.
Branch
Marine Corps Regular
Service Number 282248
Current Status
Remains not recovered.
Pursuit Category
The DPAA has not publicized this information.
Capsule History
Pre-War Life
Birth
February 21, 1923
at Coldwater, MI
Parents
John Tedrow “J. T.” Symons
Florence Myra (Freer) Symons
Education
Coldwater High School
Occupation & Employer
High school student
Service Life
Entered Service
February 3, 1940
at Detroit, MI
Home Of Record
129 East Pearl Street
Coldwater, MI
Next Of Kin
Parents, J. T. & Florence Symons
Military Specialty
—
Primary Unit
A/1/4th Marines
Campaigns Served
Philippine Islands / Corregidor
Individual Decorations
Purple Heart
Additional Service Details
—
Loss And Burial
Circumstances Of Loss
PFC Richard Symons, a pre-war China Marine, participated in the defense of the Philippine Islands as a member of Company A, 4th Marines. His company held positions at “Tailside” – the eastern sector of the vital island of Corregidor.
On the night of 5 May 1942, Japanese forces landed on Corregidor and overwhelmed the garrison, which surrendered at noon the following day. PFC Symons was killed in action during the fighting; no details of his final moments are currently known.
Burial Information or Disposition
Symons’ body was seen on the battlefield; Platon Sergeant Alvin Case testified as much, and the information was used to confirm the Marine’s death. However, no particulars concerning burial were reported.
Next Of Kin Address
Address of parents, J. T. & Florence Symons.
Location Of Loss
Symons was last seen at an unspecified location on Corregidor.
![Detail of Corregidor's "Tailside." Note arrows indicating the direction of Japanese attack, and "defence [sic] position taken after landing." Philippine Archives Collection.](https://i0.wp.com/missingmarines.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/corregidor_map_monkey_point_detail.jpg?fit=1522%2C900&ssl=1){kind=link}
