Charles Dallas Walker
PFC Charles D. Walker served with Able Company, First Battalion, 2nd Marines.
He was reported missing in action at Betio, Tarawa atoll, on 20 November 1943.
Branch
Marine Corps Reserve
Service Number 465590
Current Status
Remains Not Recovered
Pursuit Category
This case is under Active Pursuit by the DPAA.
Capsule History
Pre-War Life
Birth
August 5, 1923
at Powellton, WV
Parents
John & Arlethea “Leafy” Walker
Education
Details unknown.
Occupation & Employer
Koppey’s Coal Company
Service Life
Entered Service
November 4, 1942
at Charleston, WV
Home Of Record
Powellton, WV
Next Of Kin
Mother, Mrs. Leafy Walker
Military Specialty
—
Primary Unit
A/1/2nd Marines
Campaigns Served
Tarawa
Individual Decorations
Purple Heart
Additional Service Details
—
Loss And Burial
Circumstances Of Loss
PFC Walker served with Company A, First Battalion, 2nd Marines during the invasion of Tarawa. His battalion constituted the regimental reserve, and was ordered to land against heavy opposition at Beach Red 2 on the morning of 20 November 1943.
Walker was reported as missing in action on the day of the landings; he was last seen “going toward Beach on Betio Island… while under heavy enemy fire.” No further details about his fate are known.
Burial Information or Disposition
No information recorded; missing in action.
A memorial marker was erected in Cemetery 33, Grave 10, Row 1, Plot 11.
Next Of Kin Address
Address of mother, Mrs. Leafy Walker.
Location Of Loss
PFC Walker was last seen in the surf near Betio’s Red Beaches.
