Donald Lester Short
PFC Donald L. Short served with How Company, Second Battalion, 25th Marines.
He drowned while swimming near Ennubirr (“Allen”) Island, Kwajalein, on 7 February 1944.
Branch
Marine Corps Reserve
Service Number 422319
Current Status
Remains Not Recovered
Pursuit Category
The DPAA has not publicized this information.
Capsule History
Pre-War Life
Birth
September 19, 1922
at Owego, NY
Parents
Lester Frank Short
Gertrude M. (Casterline) Short
Education
Details unknown
Occupation & Employer
Details unknown
Service Life
Entered Service
July 17, 1942
at Springfield, MA
Home Of Record
48 Ingraham Street
Bristol, CT
Next Of Kin
Parents, Lester & Gertrude Short
Military Specialty
Heavy machine gunner
(MOS 605)
Primary Unit
H/2/25th Marines
Campaigns Served
Marshall Islands
Individual Decorations
—
Additional Service Details
—
Loss And Burial
Circumstances Of Loss
PFC Donald Short served as a machine gunner in Operation Flintlock, the baptism of fire for the 4th Marine Division. His outfit was assigned to invade the tiny island of Ennubirr (codenamed “Allen”) on 31 January 1944. Japanese resistance was very light; the Marines quickly occupied “Allen” and set up a temporary garrison post.
Swimming was a popular pastime in the islands, but currents around northern Kwajalein could be treacherous. Short was out swimming at around 1300 hours on 7 January when he was caught in a riptide. The tide pulled him out to sea, “beyond swimming distance from land,” and all rescue attempts failed. He was reported as a non-battle death on the day of the incident.
Burial Information or Disposition
None; remains not recovered.
Next Of Kin Address
Address of parents, Lester & Gertrude Short.
Location Of Loss
PFC Short drowned while swimming near Ennubirr Island.
