Lester David Huguet
Private Lester D. Huguet served with Able Company, Second Amphibian Tractor Battalion.
He was killed in action at Betio, Tarawa atoll, on 20 November 1943.
Branch
Marine Corps Reserve
Service Number 434211
Current Status
Remains Not Recovered
Pursuit Category
This case is under Active Pursuit by the DPAA.
Capsule History
Pre-War Life
Birth
June 24, 1923
at Washington, LA
Parents
Henry & Ezetta Huguet
Education
Washington High School
Occupation & Employer
Wolff’s Department Store
Service Life
Entered Service
September 26, 1942
at New Orleans, LA
Home Of Record
Washington, LA
Next Of Kin
Father, Mr. Henry Huguet Sr.
Military Specialty
Amphibian Tractor Crewman
Primary Unit
A/2nd Amphtrac Bn.
Campaigns Served
Tarawa
Individual Decorations
Purple Heart
Additional Service Details
Assigned duty with “A-1” Company, specializing in LVT-2 vehicles.
Loss And Burial
Circumstances Of Loss
Private Huguet served as an amphibian tractor crewman during the assault on Betio, Tarawa atoll. His vehicle, a new LVT-2 “Buffalo” model, carried troops of 2/2nd Marines from the USS Zeilin to land on Beach Red 2.
The slow-moving, lightly-armored LVT units suffered tremendous losses during the landings – both in vehicles and men. Private Huguet was one of the casualties; he was killed in action by gunshot wounds on 20 November 1943.
Burial Information or Disposition
“Location of grave unknown.”
A memorial marker was erected in Cemetery 33, Grave 16, Row 2, Plot 15.
Next Of Kin Address
Address of father, Mr. Henry Huguet Sr.
Location Of Loss
Private Huguet’s battalion was engaged in landing operations at Beach Red 2
