Phillip Isom Doss
PFC Phillip I. Doss served with Baker Company, First Battalion, 2nd Marines.
He was reported missing in action at Betio, Tarawa atoll, on 20 November 1943.
Branch
Marine Corps Regular
Service Number 342300
Current Status
Remains Not Recovered
Pursuit Category
This case is under Active Pursuit by the DPAA.
Capsule History
Pre-War Life
Birth
March 24, 1921
at Rockford, NC
Parents
Abram Garfield Doss
Ellen (King) Doss
Education
Details unknown
Occupation & Employer
Details unknown
Service Life
Entered Service
December 27, 1941
at Raleigh, NC
Home Of Record
Route 3
High Point, NC
Next Of Kin
Mother, Mrs. Ellen Doss
Military Specialty
—
Primary Unit
B/1/2nd Marines
Campaigns Served
Guadalcanal
Tarawa
Individual Decorations
Purple Heart
Additional Service Details
—
Loss And Burial
Circumstances Of Loss
PFC Doss served with Company B, First Battalion, 2nd Marines during the invasion of Tarawa. His battalion constituted the regimental reserve, and was ordered to land against heavy opposition at Beach Red 2 on the morning of 20 November 1943.
Many of the lading vehicles were “Alligator” LVTs – ponderously slow, lightly armored vehicles – which had already made several trips to the beach. Japanese gunfire and mechanical strain disabled or sank many in the water; when this happened, the men aboard had to wade ashore as best they could. This fate may have befallen PFC Doss. He was last seen alive in the water off Red Beach 2, approximately fifty feet behind an LVT that stopped 50 yards from shore.
Phillip Doss’ remains were never found or identified, and he was ultimately declared dead effective 20 November 1943.
Burial Information or Disposition
No information recorded; remains not recovered.
A memorial marker was erected in Cemetery 33, Grave 5, Row 2, Plot 6.
Next Of Kin Address
Address of mother, Mrs. Ellen Doss.
Location Of Loss
PFC Doss was last seen near a stalled LVT in the water, approximately 50 yards from Red Beach 2.
