Ralph Louis Hudson
PFC Ralph L. Hudson served with Dog Company, Second Battalion, 18 Marines.
He was reported missing in action at Betio, Tarawa atoll, on 20 November 1943.
Branch
Marine Corps Regular
Service Number 341969
Current Status
Remains Not Recovered
Pursuit Category
This case is under Active Pursuit by the DPAA.
Capsule History
Pre-War Life
Birth
October 6, 1921
at St. Louis, MO
Parents
William & Dorothy Hudson
Education
Roosevelt High School
Occupation & Employer
Clerk
Security National Bank
Service Life
Entered Service
January 4, 1942
at St. Louis MO
Home Of Record
3636-A Tennessee Avenue
St. Louis, MO
Next Of Kin
Mother, Mrs. Dorothy Hudson
Military Specialty
Pioneer (Communications)
Primary Unit
18th Marines (D/2)
Campaigns Served
Tarawa
Individual Decorations
Purple Heart
Additional Service Details
—
Loss And Burial
Circumstances Of Loss
PFC Ralph L. Hudson, a communications specialist with D/2/18th Marines, was assigned to the Third Platoon (Captain Richard W. Vincent) for Operation GALVANIC. He participated in the amphibious assault of Betio, Tarawa atoll, in support of the Third Battalion, 2nd Marines.
Hudson was reported missing in action following the battle, and was declared dead as of 20 November 1943. No further details of his fate are known.
Burial Information or Disposition
Burial information not known – remains not recovered.
A memorial marker was erected in Cemetery 33, Grave 10, Row 1, Plot 10.
Next Of Kin Address
Address of Mrs. Dorothy Hudson.
Location Of Loss
PFC Hudson was last seen during landing operations on Beach Red One.
