Columbus Jefferson Kelton
PFC “C. J.” Kelton served with Able Company, 5th Tank Battalion (Fifth Marine Division).
He was killed in action at Iwo Jima on 24 February 1945.
Branch
Marine Corps Reserve
Service Number 870869
Current Status
Remains Not Recovered
Pursuit Category
This case is under Active Pursuit by DPAA
Capsule History
Pre-War Life
Birth
December 31, 1924
in Kanima, OK
Parents
Willis T. Kelton
Lillie Florence (Clark) Kelton
Education
Crowell High School (1943)
Occupation & Employer
Family farm
Service Life
Entered Service
August 14, 1943
at El Paso, TX
Home Of Record
Gilliland, TX
Next Of Kin
Parents, Willis & Lillie Kelton
Military Specialty
Tank Crewman
(MOS 736)
Individual Decorations
Navy Cross
Purple Heart (Iwo Jima)
Loss And Burial
Circumstances Of Loss
Columbus Jefferson Kelton – known universally as “CJ” – served as an assistant driver and bow gunner in a medium tank belonging to Able Company, Fifth Tank Battalion. His M4 landed at Iwo Jima on 19 February 1945 – and almost immediately ran afoul of the ash-like sand on Iwo’s Red Beaches, breaking a track before getting over the first terrace. Repairing the tank took two days, with the crew under fire almost the entire time.
Kelton’s tank got into action on 22 February, supporting an attack by BLT 3-26. A Japanese 47mm gun opened fire, setting a platoon commander’s tank ablaze. Kelton opened his escape hatch, ran to the stricken vehicle, collected two wounded crewmen, and carried them back to his own tank for evacuation. “I know the one boy who was burning wouldn’t have a chance to live if it hadn’t been for Kelton” said 2Lt. Obert Richardson, Kelton’s tank commander. “And I doubt if the other would have come through the heavy fire the Japs were unloading. That guy Kelton is a real hero.”
Two days later, on 24 February, all available tanks from the Third, Fourth, and Fifth Tank Battalions were ordered to make a massed armor assault. Able Company, 5th Tanks attacked along a taxi strip connecting Motoyama Airfields #1 and #2. The Japanese defenders sowed mines along this route, and the command tank suddenly lurched to a stop with its left tread ripped from the suspension. Lieutenant Richardson pulled around the stricken M4 and took the lead. His crew drove full speed into a gauntlet of anti-tank fire, mortars, and heavy artillery, closing on the airfield at about twenty miles per hour. Their rushing attack was brought up short in a massive explosion.
Two members of the tank crew received posthumous Navy Crosses: Lieutenant Obert Richardson for leading the charge against the airfield, and PFC Kelton for his actions on 22 February 1945.
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class C. J. Kelton (MCSN: 870869), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with the Fifth Tank Battalion, Division Service Troops, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces at Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on 22 February 1945. With his platoon command tank struck and set afire by hostile shellfire during a perilous advance northward against a fanatic, determined enemy, Private First Class Kelton promptly dismounted from his own vehicle and braved the enemy’s shattering 47-mm. antitank, mortar and small-arms fire in a valiant attempt to rescue the entrapped crew. Boldly pressing forward under the withering barrage, he crossed the 25-yard open area and unhesitatingly entered the blazing tank and then, working tirelessly and with superb courage, personally extricated two of the three wounded men from the tank and carried them back to his own vehicle despite the incessant shellfire. By his daring initiative, outstanding fortitude and grave concern for the safety of others at great risk to his own life, Private First Class Kelton contributed to the saving of three fellow Marines who otherwise might have perished and his self-sacrificing efforts throughout upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Burial Information or Disposition
None; identifiable remains not recovered. The company repair officer, 2Lt. Robert E. Swackhamer, described the experience of salvaging the Richardson tank.
PFC Dale Plummer was evacuated, recovered, and returned to duty in April 1945; he passed away in 2002.
The rest of the crew were initially buried in the Fifth Marine Division Cemetery, identified, and returned to their families.
Corporal William Barnett – Grave 608, on 2 March 1945. Final burial in Vicksburg National Cemetery.
Sergeant J. L. Howard – Grave 635, on 2 March 1945. Final burial in Eureka Cemetery.
Lieutenant Obert Richardson – Grave 668, on 3 March 1945. Final burial in Forest Lawn Memorial Park. Also received Navy Cross.
Next Of Kin Address
Address of parents, Willis & Lillie Kelton
Location Of Loss
Kelton’s company was advancing near Motoyama Airfield #2
