James Edward Thompson
PFC James E. “Jimmie” Thompson served with Love Company, Third Battalion, 2nd Marines.
He was reported missing in action at Betio, Tarawa atoll, on 20 November 1943.
Branch
Marine Corps Reserve
Service Number 422819
Current Status
Remains Not Recovered
Pursuit Category
This case is under Active Pursuit by the DPAA.
Capsule History
Pre-War Life
Birth
July 24, 1924
at Bedford, IN
Parents
James Harrison Thompson
Lena (DeFord) Thompson
divorced 1935
Education
Details unknown
Occupation & Employer
Student
Service Life
Entered Service
July 2, 1942
at Indianapolis, IN
Home Of Record
Route 2
Bedford, IN
Next Of Kin
Father, Mr. James H. Thompson
Military Specialty
—
Primary Unit
L/3/2nd Marines
Campaigns Served
Tarawa
Individual Decorations
Purple Heart
Additional Service Details
—
Loss And Burial
Circumstances Of Loss
PFC James Thompson served with Company L, 2nd Marines during the battle of Tarawa.
On 20 November 1943, Thompson’s battalion was assigned the task of spearheading the assault on Betio’s Beach Red One – a curved stretch of sand running several hundred yards from the “bird’s beak” in the west to Red Two in the east. The natural shape of the beach created a crossfire for the defenders, and the area became known as “the Pocket.” Slow-moving landing craft were quickly targeted from multiple angles, and many were knocked out as they approached the shore. Hundreds of men were killed or wounded before stepping foot on dry land. Those who survived faced a network of obstacles manned by determined Japanese defenders, and the fighting was close-in and savage.
Love Company, designated as the battalion reserve and embarked in boats instead of tractors, faced an especially horrific ordeal. “LCVs grounded on the reef about 500 yards from the beach and [the men] disembarked into the water,” states the battalion report. “They were heavily hit both by machine gun and large caliber fire while in the water. Most of the fire came from the left, so as a consequence, the company landed on the right half of Beach Red 1. The casualties to this company at this time amounted to about 35%.”
PFC Thompson was making his way to shore when he was hit. A nearby buddy, PFC Tommy L. Johnson, recalled:
"The last time I saw PFC James E. Thompson was on D-day, approximately 200 yards off shore when he was hit. The bullet grazed his chin and hit his right shoulder. After being hit, he turned about toward an amphitractor [sic] which was picking up casualties. I do not know whether he made it to the tractor or fell in the water."
Burial Information or Disposition
Jimmie Thompson was presumed to have been evacuated from Betio to a transport ship, and then to a rear-area hospital. This information was recorded on his military paperwork, and his family was notified by telegram.
As weeks and months passed without further word of Thompson’s progress or whereabouts, the Marine Corps launched an investigation into his whereabouts – and only then was it discovered that he was not on the rolls of any medical facility. In fact, nobody could confirm whether he had ever escaped Betio at all. Jimme Thompson was re-designated as missing in action; on 21 November 1944, in accordance with official policy, he was declared dead
Next Of Kin Address
Address of father, Mr. James H. Thompson.
Location Of Loss
PFC Thompson’s battalion was engaged in the vicinity of Beach Red One.
