James Dennis Rougeaux
Private James D. “Jimmie” Rougeaux served with Charlie Company, First Battalion, 8th Marines.
He was killed in action at Guadalcanal on 25 November 1942.
Branch
Marine Corps Reserve
Service Number 399194
Current Status
Remains Not Recovered
Pursuit Category
The DPAA has not publicized this information.
Capsule History
Pre-War Life
Birth
October 6, 1920
in Basile, LA
Parents
Joseph N “Luma” Rougeau
Cora (Aguillard) Rougeau
Education
Basile High School (1940)
Occupation & Employer
Civilian Conservation Corps
*Note: the family name is Rougeau. It is not clear why James served under the name "Rougeaux."
Service Life
Entered Service
June 18, 1942
at New Orleans, LA
Home Of Record
Basile, LA
Next Of Kin
Parents, Luma & Cora Rougeau
Military Specialty
—
Individual Decorations
Purple Heart
Loss And Burial
Circumstances Of Loss
On 25 November 1942, the First Battalion, 8th Marines held defensive positions along a ridge west of Guadalcanal’s Matanikau River. Frontal assaults over the previous days had failed to crack the powerful Japanese line, and Marine and Army units were limited to sending out combat patrols to knock out the more troublesome enemy emplacements. The rifle companies burned through ammunition at an alarming rate, and the humid weather sapped a man’s strength by the minute. Working parties were sent back to the battalion’s forward supply dump to collect food, water, and ammo for the front lines. Unfortunately, Japanese artillery managed to land a few shells directly on the dump at about 1430 hours, disrupting the operation and causing fourteen casualties – ten wounded and four killed in action, according to an 8th Marines situation report.
One of the dead was Private James Rougeaux, a Louisianian who had been in uniform for just over five months. Left to mourn were not only his family at home in Basile, but three friends who enlisted at the same time and served in the same battalion.
In 1999, former Private Hillary J. LeJeune addressed a gathering at the American Legion James Rougeau Post in Basile.
Near the end of November that same year, James was killed. He was sent out on a working party to load ammunition, water, and rations for the company. He was killed by enemy artillery or coastal guns that hit the ammunition he was helping to load.... I was asked to identify James' body, but when I was told how bad he was blown up, I couldn't bring myself to see him that way.
Burial Information or Disposition
Rougeaux was reportedly buried in the field at coordinates (70.1 – 200.1) on the standard Map 104 of Guadalcanal’s northern coast. Post-war searches reported the location lay “at the end of a narrow grassy ridge. Area is difficult to reach and there have been few if any main changes made since the fighting occurred.” Despite the lack of construction or occupation, Rougeaux’s grave could not be found.
Memorials
Manila American Cemetery and Memorial
The American Legion “James Rougeau” Post 261 in Basile, Louisiana, was named in his honor.
Next Of Kin Address
Address of parents, Luma and Cora Rougeau.
Location Of Loss
Approximate location of Rougeaux’s field grave, now part of Honiara.
