James Hugh Clemons
Corporal James H. Clemons served with Charlie Company, Second Amphibian Tractor Battalion.
He was reported missing in action at Betio, Tarawa atoll, on 20 November 1943.
Branch
Marine Corps Reserve
Service Number 293942
Current Status
Remains Not Recovered
Pursuit Category
This case is under Active Pursuit by the DPAA.
Capsule History
Pre-War Life
Birth
October 8, 1922
at Marshall, NC
Parents
Willie & Robbie Clemons
Education
Details unknown
Occupation & Employer
Western Union Telegraph Company
Service Life
Entered Service
September 4, 1940
at Charlotte, NC
Home Of Record
1230 Westmorehead Street
Charlotte, NC
Next Of Kin
Father, Mr. Willie Clemons
Military Specialty
Amphibian Tractor Crewman
Primary Unit
C/2nd Amphtrac Bn.
Campaigns Served
Tarawa
Individual Decorations
Purple Heart
Additional Service Details
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Loss And Burial
Circumstances Of Loss
Corporal James Clemons served as an amphibian tractor crewman during the invasion of Betio, Tarawa atoll. His vehicle, an LVT-1 “Alligator,” arrived at the battle aboard the USS Virgo and carried Marines of the first assault wave – either 2/2nd Marines to Red Beach 2, or 2/8th Marines to Red Beach 3.
Clemons was reported as missing in action on 20 November 1943, the day of the initial landings on Betio. He was later declared dead as of that date. No further details of his death are known.
Burial Information or Disposition
No burial information recorded; body not recovered.
A memorial marker was erected in Cemetery 33, Grave 12, Row 2, Plot 5.
Next Of Kin Address
Address of father, Mr. Willie Clemons.
Location Of Loss
Corporal Clemons was last seen during landing operations at Betio Island.
