Ray Benson Francisco
PFC Ray B. “Frisco” Francisco served with Easy Company, Second Battalion, 2nd Marines.
He was reported missing in action at Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 10 November 1942.
Branch
Marine Corps Regular
Service Number 330844
Current Status
Remains Not Recovered
Pursuit Category
The DPAA has not publicized this information.
Capsule History
Pre-War Life
Birth
December 8, 1922
at Newman, CA
Parents
Manuel Joseph Francisco
Mary Elise (Halcomb) Francisco
Education
Chico High School (ex-1942)
Occupation & Employer
High school student
Service Life
Entered Service
December 13, 1941
at San Francisco, CA
Home Of Record
Paradise, CA
Next Of Kin
Father, Mr. Manuel Francisco
Military Specialty
—
Primary Unit
E/2/2nd Marines
Campaigns Served
Solomon Islands / Guadalcanal
Individual Decorations
Purple Heart
Additional Service Details
—
Loss And Burial
Circumstances Of Loss
PFC Ray Francisco served with Easy Company, 2nd Marines during the Guadalcanal campaign.
On the morning of 10 November 1942 – the Marine Corps birthday – the 2nd Marines launched an attack against Japanese positions to the west of Point Cruz. Despite a heavy mortar and artillery preparation, the Marines faced “stubborn resistance from Japanese MG and mortar fire all along the front.” Casualties were heavy in the First and Second Battalions, especially in E/2/2.
Private Daniel McCarthy described the day’s events:
“We were on a patrol in enemy territory. Suddenly a Jap machine gun let loose about 30 yards away. One of the bullets caught me in the hand. It was an explosive bullet that explodes when it hits. I consider myself pretty lucky – only seven of the boys escaped being wounded, and several of them were killed.”
The Marines reached their objective by evening and set about accounting for their casualties. Easy Company suffered four killed and four missing during the day’s attack; PFC Francisco was one of the missing. No trace of his remains was ever located, and he was ultimately declared dead on 11 November 1943.
Burial Information or Disposition
None reported; missing in action.
Next Of Kin Address
Address of father, Mr. Manuel J. Francisco.
Location Of Loss
PFC Darby’s battalion was engaged in action near Guadalcanal’s Poha River.
