Harry Cronkhite
PFC Harry Cronkhite served with Able Company, First Battalion, 2nd Marines.
He was reported missing in action at Betio, Tarawa atoll, on 21 November 1943.
Branch
Marine Corps Regular
Service Number 353496
Current Status
Remains Not Recovered
Pursuit Category
This case is under Active Pursuit by the DPAA.
Capsule History
Pre-War Life
Birth
April 14, 1924
at State Line, IL
Parents
Unknown
Education
Details unknown
Occupation & Employer
Farmhand
Mr. James Cole, Vermilion, IL
Service Life
Entered Service
January 26, 1942
at Danville, IL
Home Of Record
Olivet, IL
Next Of Kin
Guardian, Mr. Henry Moore
Military Specialty
—
Primary Unit
A/1/2nd Marines
Campaigns Served
Guadalcanal
Tarawa
Individual Decorations
Purple Heart with Gold Star
Additional Service Details
Cronkhite received a gunshot wound in the left foot during combat operations on Guadalcanal, 10 November 1942.
Loss And Burial
Circumstances Of Loss
PFC Harry Cronkhite served with Company A, First Battalion, 2nd Marines during the invasion of Tarawa. His battalion constituted the regimental reserve, and was ordered to land against heavy opposition at Beach Red 2 on the morning of 20 November 1943.
Cronkhite survived the first day’s fighting, and on the following morning was seen “on Beach Red 2 under heavy enemy fire.” His company moved out to continue the advance against Betio’s airfield; in the chaos, PFC Cronkhite went missing. He was not seen alive again, and was eventually declared dead as of 21 November 1943.
Burial Information or Disposition
No information recorded; missing in action.
A memorial marker was erected in Cemetery 33, Grave 17, Row 1, Plot 5.
Next Of Kin Address
Address of guardian, Mr. Henry Moore.
Location Of Loss
PFC Cronkhite was last seen under fire on Beach Red 2, Betio.
