James Lee Elrod

James Elrod enlisted in the Marine Corps in the summer of 1942, shortly after graduating from the University of New Mexico. He earned his commission at Quantico, studied field artillery, and was assigned to the Fourth Battalion, 14th Marines in 1943. Elrod served as a battery liaison and reconnaissance officer at Kwajalein, Saipan, and Tinian, and received the Bronze Star Medal for “aggressiveness in seeking observation positions and his never-ceasing efforts to maintain communication.”

At Iwo Jima, the 14th Marines planned to land an advance party to scout potential battery locations before bringing their pieces ashore. Furious combat made it impossible to land any guns on D-Day, but by the afternoon of 20 February, enough progress had been made to call for the howitzers. These weapons were pre-loaded in DUKW amphibious trucks and could theoretically roll out of LST-1032 and be ashore in a few minutes.

The weather, however, was rapidly worsening – and the heavily loaded trucks had very little freeboard to counter heavy seas. One sank immediately; six suffered engine failures, and the remainder struggled to reach the control boat handling traffic to the Yellow Beaches. The six DUKWs with engine trouble returned to the LST – but getting them aboard was next to impossible. First Lieutenant Elrod’s truck was shipping water quickly; he sent his men to safety but remained aboard to operate the vehicle. The LST was hauling Elrod’s truck aboard when the line snapped, “causing the DUKW to plunge into the sea, taking Lt. Elrod with it.” Four other trucks foundered, but all hands were rescued.

James Elrod was reported as “drowned – killed in action” approximately 1.5 miles from Iwo Jima. His remains were never found.

Note: Lieutenant Elrod received the Bronze Star medal after the battle for Saipan. He was later awarded a second Bronze Star. While no citation has been found, it is presumed the second decoration was for service at Iwo Jima.