Glenn Edward Powell
PFC Glenn E. Powell served with Item Company, Third Battalion, 2nd Marines.
He was killed in action at Betio, Tarawa atoll, on 20 November 1943.
Branch
Marine Corps Regular
Service Number 371184
Current Status
Remains Not Recovered
Pursuit Category
This case is under Active Pursuit by the DPAA.
Capsule History
Pre-War Life
Birth
July 4, 1919
at Manhattan, KS
Parents
Clyde A. Powell
Mary Belle (Miller) Powell
Education
Manhattan High School
Occupation & Employer
Plumber
C. A. Powell & Sons
Service Life
Entered Service
February 24, 1942
at Kansas City, MO
Home Of Record
331 Moro Street
Manhattan, KS
Next Of Kin
Wife, Mrs. Nyla (Wertzberger) Powell
Military Specialty
—
Primary Unit
I/3/2nd Marines
Campaigns Served
Solomon Islands
Tarawa
Individual Decorations
Purple Heart
Additional Service Details
—
Loss And Burial
Circumstances Of Loss
PFC Glenn E. Powell served with Item Company, 2nd Marines in the Solomon Islands and the Tarawa campaign.
On 20 November 1943, Powell’s battalion was assigned the task of spearheading the assault on Betio’s Beach Red One – a curved stretch of sand running several hundred yards from the “bird’s beak” in the west to Red Two in the east. The natural shape of the beach created a crossfire for the defenders, and the area became known as “the Pocket.” Slow-moving landing craft were quickly targeted from multiple angles, and many were knocked out as they approached the shore. Hundreds of men were killed or wounded before stepping foot on dry land. Those who survived faced a network of obstacles manned by determined Japanese defenders, and the fighting was close-in and savage.
Powell was killed in action during the landing operations. No specifics of his death are known.
Burial Information or Disposition
No information recorded; identifiable remains not recovered.
A memorial marker was erected at Cemetery 11, Grave 7, Row 1, Plot 5.
Next Of Kin Address
Address of wife, Mrs. Nyla Powell.
Location Of Loss
PFC Powell’s battalion was engaged in the vicinity of Beach Red One.
