John Eugene Phillips
Corporal John E. Phillips served with Dog Company, Second Battalion, 18th Marines.
He died of wounds received in action at Betio, Tarawa atoll, on 20 November 1943.
Branch
Marine Corps Regular
Service Number 376737
Current Status
Remains Not Recovered
Pursuit Category
This case is under Active Pursuit by the DPAA.
Capsule History
Pre-War Life
Birth
September 21, 1920
at Anniston, AL
Parents
John & Gladys Phillips
Education
Anniston High School
(thorough grade 11)
Occupation & Employer
Electrician
Robbins Lightning Protection
Service Life
Entered Service
March 19, 1942
at Birmingham, AL
Home Of Record
218 McKibbon Street
Oxford, AL
Next Of Kin
Mother, Mrs. Gladys Phillips
Military Specialty
Pioneer (Communications)
Primary Unit
18th Marines (D/2)
Campaigns Served
Tarawa
Individual Decorations
Purple Heart
Additional Service Details
—
Loss And Burial
Circumstances Of Loss
Corporal John E. Phillips participated in the amphibious assault of Betio, Tarawa atoll, on 20 November 1943. As a member of the 3rd Platoon of D/2/18th Marines, he landed on Beach Red One in support of the Third Battalion, 2nd Marines.
Phillips suffered “injuries, multiple, extreme” shortly after coming ashore, and died shortly thereafter. No further details of his death are known.
Burial Information or Disposition
Primary sources disagree about Corporal Phillips’ burial. Some records indicate that his remains were not recovered from the field; others state that he was buried at sea from the USS Ashland.
While confirmed burials at sea are not unaccounted for, the DPAA lists Phillips as an active case.
A memorial marker was erected in Cemetery 11, Grave 8, Row 3, Plot 3.
Next Of Kin Address
Address of mother, Mrs. Gladys Phillips
Location Of Loss
Corporal Phillips suffered fatal wounds in the vicinity of Beach Red One.
