Joseph Griffon
PFC Joseph “Joe” Griffon served with How Company, Second Battalion, 8th Marines.
He was killed in action at Betio, Tarawa atoll, on 20 November 1943.
Branch
Marine Corps Reserve
Service Number 479054
Current Status
Remains Not Recovered
Pursuit Category
This case is under Active Pursuit by the DPAA.
Capsule History
Pre-War Life
Birth
July 4, 1921
at Bolger, PA
Parents
John Germain Griffon
Delasia “Della” (Ganio) Griffon
Education
Avella High School
Occupation & Employer
Bethlehem Steel Corporation
Service Life
Entered Service
November 2, 1942
at Pittsburgh, PA
Home Of Record
Avella, PA
Next Of Kin
Father, Mr. John G. Griffon
Military Specialty
—
Primary Unit
H/2/8th Marines
Campaigns Served
Tarawa
Individual Decorations
Purple Heart
Additional Service Details
—
Loss And Burial
Circumstances Of Loss
PFC Joseph Griffon served with How Company, 8th Marines during the battle of Tarawa. As a member of the Second Battalion’s weapons company, he likely served as a crewman for a water-cooled machine gun or 81mm mortar.
The amphibious assault on Betio, Tarawa atoll – Operation GALVANIC – commenced on 20 November 1943. The Second Battalion 8th Marines was given the job of assaulting the easternmost of three landing beaches – “Red 3” – and, once ashore, moving inland to quickly secure the airfield that covered much of the tiny island’s surface. A heavy and morale-boosting naval bombardment convinced many Marines that the task would be a simple one, and spirits were high at 0900 when their amphibious tractors started paddling for the beach.
The Japanese were quick to recover. Shells began bursting over the LVTs. “As the tractors neared the shore the air filled with the smoke and fragments of shells fired from 3-inch guns,” notes A Brief History of the 8th Marines. “Fortunately, casualties had been light on the way to the beach, but once the men dismounted and struggled to get beyond the beach, battle losses increased dramatically.” Most of the beach defenses were still intact, and these were supported by row after row of pillboxes, rifle pits, and machine gun nests.
PFC Griffon was one of hundreds of Marines to lose his life at Tarawa. Officially, he was reported as killed in action on 20 November 1943 – but a letter from a buddy suggests that Griffon’s end came early the next morning.
Gradually, men began getting up and, usually without heroics, just a quiet "OK fellows, let's go," they dashed over the parapet. Those men who went first were hit hard, many wounded, many killed. Among them was that wing back, your son, Joe Griffon.
There were no cheers this time, no ovation from a crowd for a game well played. But the drive started then kept rolling, gathering momentum on its way until nothing could stand before it and our flag was raised on the battered little island.
Was it worth the sacrifice? My own loss, the loss of my best buddy, is small compared to the sacrifices you have made as Joe's family. But may I say, I loved Joe as a brother. He was one of the finest guys I ever had the privilege of knowing, and I have been lonely since he left.
You may be proud of your son, as a man and as a Marine. He died that we might live. No sacrifice is as great as that of a man who gives his life for his friend. I am sure Joe is enjoying the reward he so richly deserved. It may sound like flag waving, but I do not believe he died in vain.
Burial Information or Disposition
“Division Cemetery, Tarawa.” No specific location recorded.
A memorial marker was erected in Cemetery 33, Plot 3, Row 1, Grave 8.
Next Of Kin Address
Address of father, Mr. John G. Griffon.
Location Of Loss
Griffon’s battalion landed on and fought in the vicinity of Beach Red 3.
