Paul Philip Ratcliffe
Private Paul P. Ratcliffe served with Charlie Company, First Marine Raider Battalion (Edson’s Raiders).
He was reported missing in action after the battle of Edson’s Ridge, Guadalcanal, on 14 September 1942.
Branch
Marine Corps Regular
Service Number 359057
Current Status
Remains Not Recovered
Pursuit Category
The DPAA has not publicized this information.
History
Paul P. Ratcliffe was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on 6 November 1921. He was the oldest of three boys raised by Ray and Marine Ratcliffe. Paul went to St. Athanasius Parochial School as a child, and went on to attend Olney High School.
One of Paul’s closest friends in Philadelphia was Joseph Rushton of Cheltenham High. The two boys even ran away together in January of 1941, hoping to find careers in Florida or possibly join the Army. Their parents, while “not overly worried,” notified the police to be on the lookout for a conspicuously-dressed pair in red jackets and green pants. Both boys eventually returned home, and were in Philadelphia when Pearl Harbor was attacked.
The inseparable duo of Ratcliffe and Rushton joined the Marine Corps on 14 January 1942; both were sent to Parris Island for boot camp, and both were chosen for the First Marine Raider Battalion, commanded by Lt. Col. Merritt “Red Mike” Edson. The two friends were then assigned to the Second Platoon of Company C.
The Philadelphia boys fought in the invasion of Tulagi on 7 August 1942, and then a skirmish near Tasimboko, Guadalcanal on September 8. Their battalion moved inland to occupy a steep, nameless ridge – which would become a key defensive position for nearby Henderson Field.
On the night of 12 September 1942 the Raiders’ Company C – with Ratcliffe and Rushton – was ordered to take up a defensive position in the jungle, some distance from the main line. The position was across a lagoon; to cross, the men had to file over a fallen tree trunk.
Rushton, nursing a shrapnel wound in his backside, was not pleased with the situation. “As the long afternoon was drawing to a close it became apparent to even the dim-witted that we were in for big trouble,” he recalled. “If our positions became untenable we were then to withdraw back across the log, or that not being possible to fight our way out as best we could…. We were expendable.”
Private Ratcliffe was of the same opinion, though his reaction was different. Later that evening, he sought out Rushton for a visit and to share a smoke. Rushton was worried about his friend’s demeanor – he had a flat, apathetic tone in his voice and a faraway look in his eyes. The two shook hands as darkness fell, and Ratcliffe returned to his spot on the line.
Paul Ratcliffe was never seen alive again. He was reported as missing in action following the battle of the Ridge, and ultimately declared dead on 15 September 1943. No identifiable remains were ever recovered.
Paul’s younger brother, Donald, also joined the Marine Corps and served with the 4th Raider Battalion.
Ratcliffe, or one of his Raider comrades, may have been buried as Unknown X-8 in the First Marine Division Cemetery.
Next Of Kin Address
Address of mother, Mrs. Marie Ratcliffe.
Location Of Loss
Private Ratcliffe was killed in action in the vicinity of Edson’s Ridge.
Decorations
Purple Heart
For wounds resulting in his death in action, 14 September 1942.
