George Anthony Hannigan
Private George A. Hannigan served with the Second Tank Battalion, Company C.
He was reported missing in action at Betio, Tarawa atoll, on 26 November 1943.
Branch
Marine Corps Reserve
Service Number 452365
Current Status
Remains Not Recovered
Pursuit Category
This case is under Active Pursuit by the DPAA.
Capsule History
Pre-War Life
Birth
October 6, 1916
at White Plains, NY
Parents
George Anthony Hannigan (d. 1925)
Anastasia (Bolger) Hannigan (d. 1940)
Education
Los Angeles High School (1935)
Occupation & Employer
Riveter
Lockheed Aircraft Corporation
Service Life
Entered Service
September 14, 1942
at Los Angeles, CA
Home Of Record
929 North Glendale Avenue
Glendale, CA
Next Of Kin
Sister, Mrs. Margaret A. Johnson
Military Specialty
—
Primary Unit
2nd Tank Battalion
Company C
Campaigns Served
Tarawa
Individual Decorations
Purple Heart
Additional Service Details
—
Loss And Burial
Circumstances Of Loss
Private George Hannigan served with Company C, 2nd Tank Battalion, during the Tarawa campaign. His unit was equipped with M3A1 light tanks; while Hannigan’s exact role within the company is not known, his pre-war experience as a riveter for Lockheed may have meant he was a mechanic or maintenance man.
Hannigan arrived at Betio aboard the USS Sheridan and disembarked for combat operations on 21 November 1943. He survived the heaviest fighting, and after a few days was doubtless ready to leave the island behind. Unfortunately for Private Hannigan, he suffered gunshot wounds in the left shoulder and right leg “in action against Japanese forces” on 26 November 1943. He received emergency medical treatment, prepared for evacuation – and essentially disappeared.
According to unit muster rolls, Hannigan was evacuated to an unnamed destroyer, on which (it was presumed) he was transported to a Naval hospital. Telegrams were sent to his sister, Mrs. Margaret Johnson of Los Angeles, informing her of this fact. However, as months passed without further word from George, Margaret grew worried. Her letters to the Marine Corps sparked an investigation into Hannigan’s whereabouts –and only then was it discovered that he had never arrived at any medical facility.
Burial Information or Disposition
A finding of presumptive death was issued on 27 November 1944.
Next Of Kin Address
Address of sister, Mrs. Margaret Johnson.
Location Of Loss
Private Hannigan was last seen alive at an unspecified location on Betio Island.
