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Lindesay Vance

Private Lindesay Vance served with King 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 Reserve
Service Number 364048

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

September 29, 1913
at Pinetop, KY

Parents

William Vance (d. 1916)
Mary (Honley) Vance (Mrs. Mary H. Baker)
Stepfather Sylvan Baker (d. 1941)

Education

Grammar school

Occupation & Employer

Mechanic
Boone Motor Company

Service Life

Entered Service

January 24, 1942
at Louisville, KY

Home Of Record

Jenkins, KY

Next Of Kin

Mother, Mrs. Mary Baker

Military Specialty

Primary Unit

K/3/8th Marines

Campaigns Served

Solomon Islands / Guadalcanal

Individual Decorations

Purple Heart

Additional Service Details

Loss And Burial

Circumstances Of Loss

Private Lindesay Vance arrived at Guadalcanal on 4 November 1942; his unit – K/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. Private Vance and Sergeant Elmer G. Berg (Company L) 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. Vance and Berg were declared dead on 12 November 1943.

Next Of Kin Address

Address of mother, Mrs. Mary Baker.

Location Of Loss

Approximate area where Vance was last seen on Guadalcanal.

Related Profiles

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