Harold Joseph Ellis
Assistant Cook Harold J. Ellis served with Item Company Company, Third Battalion, 25th Marines.
He was killed in action at Iwo Jima on 20 February 1945.
Branch
Marine Corps Reserve
Service Number 453143
Current Status
Remains Not Recovered
Pursuit Category
This case is under Active Pursuit by DPAA
Capsule History
Pre-War Life
Birth
June 27, 1922
in Keene, NH
Parents
Arthur Ward Ellis (d. 1932)
Mary Louise (Swain) Ellis
Education
Keene High School
Occupation & Employer
Princess Shoe Company
Service Life
Entered Service
September 10, 1942
at Boston, MA
Home Of Record
25 Rule Street
Keene, NH
Next Of Kin
Mother, Mrs. Mary L Ellis
Military Specialty
Messenger
(MOS 675)
Individual Decorations
Purple Heart (Iwo Jima)
Loss And Burial
Circumstances Of Loss
On 20 February 1945, Item Company 25th Marines organized a detail to hand-carry ammunition from the BLT 3-25 dump to their front line. Mortar ammunition was in short supply, and Assistant Cook Harold Ellis grabbed as much as he could carry. Ellis had served in the Marshall Islands and the Marianas as a platoon runner; he had only qualified as a cook in January, and probably hoped this new role would provide at least a modicum of safety.
First Sergeant Roy N. Dixon was watching Ellis struggle along with his heavy load when mortar shells began landing in the area. One scored a direct hit on Ellis, touching off the ammunition he carried. Dixon stated that Ellis “was completely torn apart” by the blast, and no remains could be recovered.
Burial Information or Disposition
None; identifiable remains not recovered.
Memorials
Next Of Kin Address
Address of mother, Mrs. Mary L. Ellis
Location Of Loss
Ellis’ battalion was operating in the Blue Beach area of Iwo Jima.
