Homer Roy Goehri

Homer Goehri was born in the small village of Roy, New Mexico, on 30 July 1919. He spent his childhood moving from state to state, spending time in Arkansas and Missouri before his family finally settled in Washington State, outside of Spokane. As a boy, Homer enjoyed fishing and hunting; he was also quite athletic, and lettered in track at West Valley High School.

Before the war, Homer was employed by the Inland Empire Paper Company in Millwood, Washington.

Goehri enlisted in the Marine Corps on 31 July 1942. After completing boot camp at MCRD San Diego, he was assigned duty as a truck driver with the transport company of the Third Marine Division. In early 1943, Private Goehri transferred to a replacement battalion and shipped overseas.

In the spring of 1943, Goehri volunteered for the Raiders and became a member of Company F, Second Marine Raider Battalion. He trained with them during the summer of 1943, and made his first amphibious landing at Bougainville in early November.

PFC Goerhi was killed in action along the Piva Trail on 9 November 1943. On that date, his company was attached to the Third Raider Battalion and instructed to push out beyond a road block. However, the Japanese defenders managed to spoil the Marine attack and caused several casualties early in the day’s fighting. Company F in particular was subjected to “heavy, short-range rifle and machine-gun fire from concealed Japanese positions.”

PFC Goerhi was one of two Marines from F Company to die in action along the Piva Trail. His remains were buried in the field “in Isolated Grave #2” – however, no specific location was noted.

Goehri’s gravesite was lost in the ensuing campaign and occupation of Bougainville. Postwar searchers had little more than a general idea of where to look, and were unable to find any traces of his burial.

CENOTAPHS
Manila American Cemetery and Memorial