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Jeoze Gonsalves Molles

PFC Jeoze G. “Joe” Molles served with Love Company, Third Battalion, 2nd Marines.
He was reported missing in action at Betio, Tarawa atoll, on 20 November 1943.

Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Branch

Marine Corps [Regular / Reserve]
Service Number XXXXXX

Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Current Status

Remains Not Recovered

Pursuit Category

This case is under Active Pursuit by the DPAA.

Capsule History

Pre-War Life

Birth

April 17, 1923
at Artesia, CA

Parents

Jeronimo Gonçalves Molles
Maria (Loureiro) Molles

Education

Excelsior Union High School (1940)

Occupation & Employer

Details unknown

Service Life

Entered Service

December 12, 1942
at Los Angeles, CA

Home Of Record

400 South Shoemaker Ave.
Artesia, CA

Next Of Kin

Mother, Mrs. Maria Molles

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 Jeoze Molles served with Love Company, 2nd Marines during the battle of Tarawa.

On 20 November 1943, Molles’ 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%.”

Joe Molles was last seen alive during this landing operation. He was reported as missing in action after the battle; several weeks later, when it was clear he could not have survived, his status was changed to killed in action as of 20 November. Further details of his death are not known.

Burial Information or Disposition

None recorded; reported as missing in action, and no identifiable remains were recovered.

A memorial marker was erected in Cemetery 33, Grave 12, Row 1, Plot 11.

Next Of Kin Address

Address of mother, Mrs. Maria Molles

Location Of Loss

Molles’ battalion was engaged in the vicinity of Beach Red One.

Betio Casualties From This Company​

(Recently accounted for or still non-recovered)
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