James Clinton Kneff
PFC James C. “Jake” Kneff 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 Reserve
Service Number 456558
Current Status
Remains Not Recovered
Pursuit Category
This case is under Active Pursuit by the DPAA.
Capsule History
Pre-War Life
Birth
December 15, 1920
at Driftwood, OK
Parents
Clinton & Maime Kneff
Education
Details unknown
Occupation & Employer
Worked for Ray Fuzzell, Okeene Milling Company shipping agent
Service Life
Entered Service
September 15, 1942
at Oklahoma City, OK
Home Of Record
Carmen, OK
Next Of Kin
Mother, Mrs. Mamie E. Kneff
Military Specialty
—
Primary Unit
A/1/2nd Marines
Campaigns Served
Tarawa
Individual Decorations
Purple Heart
Additional Service Details
—
Loss And Burial
Circumstances Of Loss
PFC Kneff 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.
Kneff 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 Kneff 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 16, Row 2, Plot 7.
Next Of Kin Address
Address of mother, Mrs. Mamie Kneff.
Location Of Loss
PFC Kneff was last seen alive near Betio’s Red Beach 2.
