Owen Clayton Avant
Private Owen C. Avant served with the Second Tank Battalion, Company C (Medium).
He was reported missing in action at Betio, Tarawa atoll, on 20 November 1943.
Branch
Marine Corps Reserve
Service Number 474958
Current Status
Remains Not Recovered
Pursuit Category
This case is under Active Pursuit by the DPAA.
Capsule History
Pre-War Life
Birth
January 7, 1922
at Helmic, TX
Parents
Albert Verdie Avant
Nettie Bell (Walker) Avant
Education
Through seventh grade
Occupation & Employer
Family Farm
Service Life
Entered Service
October 5, 1942
at Dallas, TX
Home Of Record
Route 1
Eustace, TX
Next Of Kin
Mother, Mrs. Nettie Avant
Military Specialty
—
Primary Unit
2nd Tank Battalion
Company C (Medium)
Campaigns Served
Tarawa
Individual Decorations
Purple Heart
Additional Service Details
—
Loss And Burial
Circumstances Of Loss
Private Owen Avant served with Company C (Medium), 2nd Tank Battalion, during the Tarawa campaign. His exact role and responsibilities in the unit are not known.
On 20 November 1943, Charlie Company launched three platoons of M4A2 medium tanks from the USS Ashland in support of landing operations on the island of Betio. Reconnaissance guides led the way through the water on foot, while support personnel found themselves mixed up with the assault infantry. Unfortunately, because there are no known eyewitness accounts of Private Avant’s final moments, the circumstances and exact location of his death are unclear. He was initially reported as missing following the battle; in January 1944, his status was changed to killed in action as of 20 November 1943.
Burial Information or Disposition
None reported; identifiable remains not recovered.
A memorial marker was erected in Cemetery 33, Plot 3, Row 1, Grave 14.
Next Of Kin Address
Address of mother, Mrs. Nettie Avant.
Location Of Loss
Private Avant was killed in action at an unspecified location on Betio.
