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George Terry Darby

PFC George T. Darby served with Easy Company, Second Battalion, 2nd Marines.
He was reported missing in action at Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 10 November 1942.

Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Branch

Marine Corps Regular
Service Number 340005

Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Current Status

Remains Not Recovered

Pursuit Category

The DPAA has not publicized this information.

Capsule History

Pre-War Life

Birth

June 24, 1918
at Woodward, OK

Parents

Oliver Edward Darby
Gladys Louise (Sain) Darby
later Gladys L. Jamison

Education

Grammar school

Occupation & Employer

Grocery clerk

Service Life

Entered Service

December 21, 1941
at Denver, CO

Home Of Record

413 Madison Street
Monte Vista, CO

Next Of Kin

Mother, Mrs. Gladys L. Jamison

Military Specialty

Primary Unit

E/2/2nd Marines

Campaigns Served

Solomon Islands / Guadalcanal

Individual Decorations

Purple Heart

Additional Service Details

George’s younger brother, Sergeant Howard O. Darby, was killed in action at Tarawa.

Loss And Burial

Circumstances Of Loss

PFC George Darby served with Easy Company, 2nd Marines during the Guadalcanal campaign.

On the morning of 10 November 1942 – the Marine Corps birthday – the 2nd Marines launched an attack against Japanese positions to the west of Point Cruz. Despite a heavy mortar and artillery preparation, the Marines faced “stubborn resistance from Japanese MG and mortar fire all along the front.” Casualties were heavy in the First and Second Battalions, especially in E/2/2.

Private Daniel McCarthy described the day’s events:

“We were on a patrol in enemy territory. Suddenly a Jap machine gun let loose about 30 yards away. One of the bullets caught me in the hand. It was an explosive bullet that explodes when it hits. I consider myself pretty lucky – only seven of the boys escaped being wounded, and several of them were killed.”

The Marines reached their objective by evening and set about accounting for their casualties. Easy Company suffered four killed and four missing during the day’s attack; PFC Darby was one of the missing. No trace of his remains was ever located, and he was ultimately declared dead on 11 November 1943.

Burial Information or Disposition

None reported; missing in action.

Next Of Kin Address

Address of mother, Mrs. Gladys Jamison.

Location Of Loss

PFC Darby’s battalion was engaged in action near Guadalcanal’s Poha River.

Related Profiles

Non-recovered Easy Company Marines from the attack on 10 November 1942.
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