Frank John Brown
Sergeant Frank J. Brown served with Company B, 10th Amphibian Tractor Battalion.
He was reported missing in action at Iwo Jima on 20 February 1945.
Branch
Marine Corps Reserve
Service Number 361361
Current Status
Remains Not Recovered
Pursuit Category
This case is under Active Pursuit by DPAA
Capsule History
Pre-War Life
Birth
May 20, 1920
in Boone, IA
Parents
Wyatt Franklin “Frank” Brown
Edna Charlotte (Hedman) Brown
Education
Details unknown
Occupation & Employer
“Nailer” (building box cars)
Pullman-Standard Manufacturing Co.
Service Life
Entered Service
January 20, 1942
at Des Moines, IA
Home Of Record
607 8th Street
Boone, IN
Next Of Kin
Parents, Frank & Edna Brown
Military Specialty
Amphibian Tractor Crewman
(MOS 997)
Individual Decorations
Purple Heart (Iwo Jima)
Loss And Burial
Circumstances Of Loss
The first day of fighting for Iwo Jima left most infantry units desperately short of ammunition and other supplies. Amphibian tractor units took advantage of the nighttime hours to set up supply dumps nearer to the front lines. Company B, 10th Amphibian Tractor Battalion, was assigned this task in support of RCT-23.
At approximately 0300 on 20 February, Japanese mortars launched a heavy barrage against the Yellow Beaches, catching at least one tractor in the middle of unloading and sending the crew scattering for cover. After a few minutes, they turned the tractor around and headed back to the beach. Darkness and overcrowding made driving difficult, and it took “a lot of time” to make the 50-yard trip. Only when they reached the beach did they notice a missing man.
Sergeant Frank J. Brown, a combat veteran of the Marshall Islands, Saipan, and Tinian, was last seen at the forward supply dump before the barrage. No identifiable trace of him was ever found; he was reported as missing in action that day, and ultimately declared dead on 21 February 1946.
Burial Information or Disposition
None; identifiable remains not recovered.
Next Of Kin Address
Address of parents, Frank & Edna Brown
Location Of Loss
Brown was last known to be at a forward supply dump in the 4th Marine Division sector.
