Clarence Audy Barineau
Corporal Clarence A. Barineau served with Able Company, First Battalion, 1st Marine Parachute Regiment.
He was reported missing in action at Koiari, Bougainville, on 29 November 1943.
Branch
Marine Corps Regular
Service Number 318729
Current Status
Remains Not Recovered.
Pursuit Category
The DPAA has not publicized this information.
Capsule History
Pre-War Life
Birth
April 2, 1920
at Tallahassee, FL
Parents
Audy Lee Barineau
Azalee Nola (Grissett) Barineau
Education
Seminole High School
Occupation & Employer
Details unknown
Service Life
Entered Service
August 5, 1941
at Savannah, GA
Home Of Record
504 West 1st Street
Sanford, FL
Next Of Kin
Mother, Mrs. Azalee Barnieau
Military Specialty
Parachutist
Primary Unit
A/1st Paramarines
Campaigns Served
Bougainville
Individual Decorations
Silver Star
Purple Heart
Additional Service Details
—
Loss And Burial
Circumstances Of Loss
At 0300 on 29 November 1943, Corporal Clarence Barineau and his comrades in the First Parachute Battalion boarded landing craft from a Bougainville beach and set off for what they hoped would be a surprise amphibious assault on the Japanese rear.
The Marines planned to storm ashore near Koiari and establish a temporary base, from which they could conduct raids against Japanese communications, supplies, and artillery positions. Unfortunately, they landed in the middle of a well-guarded supply depot and the Japanese responded with overwhelming force. The Marines made a little headway but were outnumbered and outgunned from the outset. Casualties quickly began to mount.
Although he was new to combat, Corporal Barineau quickly distinguished himself early in the action – as reported by his subsequent Silver Star citation:
When close range sniper and machine gun fire had pinned down his platoon, Corporal Barineau charged forward with three other Marines and although subjected to terrific hostile fire, succeeded in putting one machine gun and several snipers out of action, thereby holding casualties in his platoon to a minimum. His valiant fighting spirit and gallant conduct in the face of grave peril were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Fighting raged for the rest of the day; by afternoon, the Marines realized that they were not going to be able to advance, and the Japanese were busily bringing up reinforcements. The Americans were taken off by landing boats under cover of darkness, and returned to their original bivouac. Fifteen men were killed, and another seven listed as missing – turning the Koiari Raid into a costly failure.
Burial Information or Disposition
Corporal Barineau was last seen alive at 1000 on 29 November 1943. Nothing further was learned of his fate, and he was ultimately declared dead on 30 November 1944.
Memorials
Next Of Kin Address
Address of mother, Mrs. Azalee Barineau.
Location Of Loss
Barineau was last seen in the vicinity of Koiari, Bougainville.
