Jack Weldon Mang
PFC Jack W. Mang served with Dog Company, First Battalion, 6th Marines.
He was killed in action at Betio, Tarawa atoll, on 22-23 November 1943.
Branch
Marine Corps Regular
Service Number 402639
Current Status
Remains Not Recovered
Pursuit Category
This case is under Active Pursuit by the DPAA.
Capsule History
Pre-War Life
Birth
June 17, 1924
at Gonzales TX
Parents
Charles Fred Mang
Mildred (Wilkes) Mang
Education
Details unknown
Occupation & Employer
Details unknown
Service Life
Entered Service
May 25, 1942
at San Antonio, TX
Home Of Record
Gonzales, TX
Next Of Kin
Mother, Mrs. Mildred Mang
Military Specialty
—
Primary Unit
D/1/6th Marines
Campaigns Served
Guadalcanal
Tarawa
Individual Decorations
Bronze Star Medal (not confirmed)
Purple Heart
Additional Service Details
—
Loss And Burial
Circumstances Of Loss
PFC Jack W. Mang served with Dog Company, the heavy weapons unit of the First Battalion, 6th Marines, in the Solomon Islands and the battle of Tarawa.
On the night of 22 November 1942, the Dog Company gunners helped repel a trio of determined Japanese banzai attacks that hit the battalion’s line along the southern shore of Betio Island. The Japanese garrison was almost eliminated in the futile attempt, but also inflicted heavy casualties on the Marines. Nineteen-year-old Jack Mang was one who fell; shrapnel fragments pierced his abdomen, shattered his right leg, and sent him into a state of shock.
While no eyewitness accounts of Jack’s final moments are known, evidence seems to suggest that he died while awaiting evacuation for medical treatment. Primary sources give conflicting dates of death – either 22 November or 23 November.
Burial Information or Disposition
PFC Mang was buried in Grave #8, Cemetery C (also known as 2nd Marines Cemetery #1) on 23 November. This grave site, situated near Green Beach on Betio’s western end, was a considerable distance from the banzai charge – and was near the 6th Marines’ landing point and rear echelon, which also suggests that Mang lived long enough to receive some treatment for his wounds.
Cemetery C was obliterated during base construction in 1944, and has never been found to this day. The remains of thirteen Marines – including Jack Mang – were not recovered.
Next Of Kin Address
Address of mother, Mrs. Mildred Mang.
Location Of Loss
PFC Mang was killed at an unspecified location on Betio, and buried in the vicinity of Green Beach.
