Grover Clyde Cunningham
Sergeant Grover C. Cunningham served with Able Company, 2nd Amphibian Tractor Battalion.
He was reported missing in action at Betio, Tarawa atoll, on 20 November 1943.
Branch
Marine Corps Regular
Service Number 288195
Current Status
Remains Not Recovered
Pursuit Category
This case is under Active Pursuit by the DPAA.
Capsule History
Pre-War Life
Birth
June 12, 1919
at Towns County, GA
Parents
Clyde Cunningham (d. 1941)
Ida Ingram (d.1919)
Education
Details unknown
Occupation & Employer
Details unknown
Other
Grew up in home of paternal grandparents, Charles & Mary Cunningham
Service Life
Entered Service
July 16, 1940
at Macon, GA
Home Of Record
Warne, NC
Next Of Kin
Father, Mr. Clyde R. Cunningham
Military Specialty
Amphibious Tractor Crewman
Primary Unit
A/2nd Amphtrac Bn.
Campaigns Served
Solomon Islands
Tarawa
Individual Decorations
Purple Heart
Additional Service Details
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Loss And Burial
Circumstances Of Loss
Sergeant Cunningham served as an amphibian tractor crewman during the assault on Betio, Tarawa atoll. His vehicle carried troops of 2/2nd Marines from the USS Zeilin to land on Beach Red 2.
The slow-moving, lightly-armored LVT units suffered tremendous losses during the landings – both in vehicles and men. Sergeant Cunningham was wounded in the assault; he reportedly received medical treatment and was slated for evacuation to a transport ship. However, he never arrived at any military hospital.
Cunningham’s status was changed from “wounded” to “missing” in April 1944, and he was ultimately declared dead on 21 November 1944.
Burial Information or Disposition
Burial information not known – remains not recovered.
Next Of Kin Address
Address of Mr. Clyde R. Cunningham
Location Of Loss
Sgt. Cunningham was last seen in the vicinity of Beach Red 2