James Arthur McCutcheon
Corporal James A. “Jimmy” McCutcheon served with Fox Company, Second Battalion, 1st Marines.
He was reported missing in action at Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 7 August 1942.
Branch
Marine Corps Regular
Service Number 279588
Current Status
Remains Not Recovered
Pursuit Category
The DPAA has not publicized this information.
Capsule History
Pre-War Life
Birth
May 25, 1919
at Union City, NJ
Parents
James Alexander McCutcheon
Annie M. (Braun) McCutcheon
Education
Hasbrouck Heights High School (1938)
Occupation & Employer
Details unknown
Service Life
Entered Service
January 2, 1940
at New York, NY
Home Of Record
254 Bell Avenue
Hasbrouck Heights, NJ
Next Of Kin
Parents, James & Anna McCutcheon
Military Specialty
—
Primary Unit
F/2/1st Marines
Campaigns Served
Solomon Islands / Guadalcanal
Individual Decorations
Purple Heart
Additional Service Details
—
Loss And Burial
Circumstances Of Loss
Corporal James A. McCutcheon was an NCO serving with Company F, 1st Marines, during the battle of Guadalcanal.
On 7 August 1942, 2/1st Marines was cutting its way inland from the landing beaches. The heat and exertion of moving through jungle and thick grass caused McCutcheon to pass out; he was left behind as his company continued on their path. When he did not rejoin his unit the next day, McCutcheon was listed as “missing.”
McCutcheon was never seen again, and is likely the first missing Marine of the Guadalcanal campaign. He was declared dead on 9 August 1943.
Burial Information or Disposition
None recorded; missing in action, and no identifiable remains recovered.
Memorials
Next Of Kin Address
Address of parents, James & Annie McCutcheon.
Location Of Loss
Corporal McCutcheon was last seen in the jungle near Guadalcanal’s Red Beach.
