Kelly Amon Wynne
Private Kelly A. Wynne served with Depot Company A, 4th Base Depot, during the campaign for the Solomon Islands.
He was killed in the bombing of LST-448 at Vella Lavella, 1 October 1943
Branch
Marine Corps Reserve
Service Number 471833
Current Status
Remains Not Recovered
Pursuit Category
The DPAA has not publicized this information.
Capsule History
Pre-War Life
Birth
April 17, 1921
at Rentz, GA
Parents
Newton Ashley B.Wynne
Buena (Barron) Wynne
Education
Details unknown
Occupation & Employer
Bibb Manufacturing Mill #2
Service Life
Entered Service
October 27, 1942
at Macon, GA
Home Of Record
920 New Street
Macon, GA
Next Of Kin
Wife, Mrs. Effie L. Wynne
Military Specialty
—
Primary Unit
4th Base Depot (Co A)
Campaigns Served
New Georgia / Vella Lavella
Individual Decorations
Purple Heart
Additional Service Details
—
Loss And Burial
Circumstances Of Loss
On 1 October 1943, Private Wynne’s company was assigned to help with salvage operations aboard LST-448 at Narowai Beach, Vella Lavella. The ship, hit by three Japanese bombs earlier in the day, was a smoking ruin but still carried much valuable cargo needed ashore.
As the depot men worked, another Japanese plane appeared overhead and planted another bomb on the LST at about 1430 hours. The ship erupted in flame once again; several Marines were wounded and a handful displayed great gallantry by persisting in their work despite the danger.
Private Kelly Wynne did not report back ashore following this second attack; he was initially listed as missing, but his status was soon updated to killed in action.
Burial Information or Disposition
None; remains not recovered.
Next Of Kin Address
Address of wife, Mrs. Effie Lou (Foster) Wynne.
