Elmer Leon Martin
Corporal Elmer L. “Leon” Martin served with Baker Company, First Battalion, 2nd Marines.
He was killed in action at Betio, Tarawa atoll, on 20 November 1943.
Branch
Marine Corps Regular
Service Number 290561
Current Status
Remains Not Recovered
Pursuit Category
This case is under Active Pursuit by the DPAA.
Capsule History
Pre-War Life
Birth
March 23, 1920
at Shawnee, OK
Parents
Elmer W. Martin
Nora (Dennis) Martin
Education
Webb City High School
Occupation & Employer
Details unknown
Service Life
Entered Service
August 5, 1940
at Oklahoma City, OK
Home Of Record
Route 1
Webb City, MO
Next Of Kin
Mother, Mrs. Nora Martin
Military Specialty
—
Primary Unit
B/1/2nd Marines
Campaigns Served
Pearl Harbor
Tarawa
Individual Decorations
Purple Heart
Additional Service Details
—
Loss And Burial
Circumstances Of Loss
Corporal Martin served with Company B, 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.
At some point during the landings or shortly thereafter, Martin suffered fatal gunshot wounds to his left side. No further details of his death are currently known.
Burial Information or Disposition
No information recorded; remains not recovered.
A memorial marker was erected in Cemetery 33, Grave 11, Row 3, Plot 1.
Next Of Kin Address
Address of mother, Mrs. Nora Martin.
Elmer’s wife, Mrs. Betty Eaton Martin, lived in Oakland Corners, Missouri.
Location Of Loss
Corporal Martin was killed in action at an unspecified location on Betio.
