Leroy Raymond Gerringer
PFC Leroy R. “Roy” Gerringer served with Love Company, Third Battalion, 6th Marines.
He was killed in action at Betio, Tarawa atoll, on 23 November 1943.
Branch
Marine Corps Reserve
Service Number 487494
Current Status
Remains Not Recovered
Pursuit Category
This case is under Active Pursuit by the DPAA.
Capsule History
Pre-War Life
Birth
December 16, 1921
at Columbia, OH
Parents
Ernest Paul Geringer
Theresa (Sloan) Geringer
Education
High school graduate
Occupation & Employer
Cleveland Automatic Machine Company
Other
Twin brother of Robert Gerringer
Note: The correct (civilian) spelling of the family name is "Geringer." Military documents use "Gerringer."
Service Life
Entered Service
November 8, 1942
at Cleveland, OH
Home Of Record
6517 Chestnut Road
Independence, OH
Next Of Kin
Mother, Mrs. Theresa Geringer
Military Specialty
—
Primary Unit
L/3/6th Marines
Campaigns Served
Tarawa
Individual Decorations
Purple Heart
Additional Service Details
—
Loss And Burial
Circumstances Of Loss
PFC Leroy Gerringer served with Love Company, 6th Marines, during the battle for Tarawa.
The Third Battalion, 6th Marines landed on Betio on the morning of 22 November 1943. They spent most of that day in reserve, following the advance of BLT 1-6 and traversing Betio from west to east. A Japanese banzai attack struck the First Battalion that night, and the following morning BLT 3-6 took the lead to continue – and conclude – the assault phase of the battle.
At some point during the operation, PFC Gerringer suffered a gunshot wound in the chest. It proved to be fatal, and he died at 2130 hours on 23 November 1943. No further details of his death, or the disposition of his remains, are currently known.
Burial Information or Disposition
“Buried Tarawa, Gilbert Islands, exact location unknown.”
A memorial marker was erected in Cemetery 33, Plot 16, Row 2, Grave 7.
Next Of Kin Address
Address of mother, Mrs. Theresa Gerringer.
Location Of Loss
PFC Gerringer’s battalion fought along Betio’s southern shore.
