Raymond Alphonse Rosalik

PFC Raymond A. Rosalik served with Able Company, First Battalion, 5th Marines.
He was killed in action at Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 13 August 1942.

Branch

Marine Corps Regular
Service Number 353798

Current Status

Remains Not Recovered

Pursuit Category

The DPAA has not publicized this information.

Capsule History

Pre-War Life

Birth

December 25, 1923
at Detroit, MI

Parents

John James Rosalik
Sophia Bridget (Jacek) Rosalik

Education

Holy Redeemer High School

Occupation & Employer

Details unknown

Service Life

Entered Service

January 8, 1942
at Detroit, MI

Home Of Record

1630 Ferdinand Street
Detroit, MI

Next Of Kin

Mother, Mrs. Sophia Rosalik

Military Specialty

Rifleman

Primary Unit

A/1/5th Marines

Campaigns Served

Solomon Islands / Guadalcanal

Individual Decorations

Purple Heart

Additional Service Details

—

Loss And Burial

Circumstances Of Loss

Early in the morning of 13 August 1942, Sergeant Charles Arndt – a member of Colonel Frank Goettge‘s patrol – reported a disastrous ambush and requested help from the 5th Marines. Able Company, which included PFC Rosalik, quickly boarded boats and headed out to find survivors. Unfortunately, because nobody knew that Goettge landed in the wrong place, the rescuers headed for the patrol’s planned landing site and came ashore about ten miles west of Kukum.

Captain Kaempfer’s company secured the area; then, reinforced by Marines from Company L, began working their way west towards Lunga. Late in the afternoon, they encountered a fortified Japanese encampment near Horahi along the Matanikau River. After a short firefight, Kaempfer’s men withdrew back to friendly lines. American casualties were light – but unfortunately, PFC Ray Rosalik was killed in action during this skirmish at about 1730 hours. He was the first man from his company to die on Guadalcanal.

9 September 1942
Dear Mrs. Rosalik,

It is with my deepest regret that circumstances do not permit me to personally explain to you the great sacrifice which your son made for our country here on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands. While Death can never be satisfactorily explained away to beloved ones, I know that my own mother and father would have some of their grief, at least, transformed into pride if I ever respond to the Lord’s call in the same heroic manner that your son has done. That is why I am writing to you now.

Ray was killed in the front line while firing at the enemy. He was protecting the forward advance of other members of his squad so that he and they could drive the enemy from an entrenched position. The enemy was later driven out. To the last Ray obeyed the military orders of his country until a greater order came from Above. More could not be expected of any Marine.

I have talked with those who fought at the side of your son. It is my hope that someday you may do the same. If you do, that which I have so inadequately expressed here will develop into its fullest meaning. My company and I salute your son and yourself.

With heartfelt sympathy and soldierly pride, I am,
Sincerely yours,
W. P. Kaempfer
Capt. USMC
Commanding Co. "A"

Burial Information or Disposition

Due to battlefield conditions, Ray Rosalik’s body was left in the field along the eastern Matanikau. He was not seen again until six days later, when other elements of the 5th Marines assaulted a Japanese camp at Horahi. PFC Nicholas Sileo (L/3/5th Marines) recalled seeing “the body of a Marine – one of a group ambushed a week or two ago” as he approached the village on 19 August; although he didn’t recognize the man, it was almost certainly PFC Rosalik.

Rosalik was reportedly buried “on East bank of Matanikau River, near beach” on 19 August. This area was heavily fought over in the months that followed, and any temporary marker over his grave was likely destroyed. Post-war searches were unable to discover any trace of Ray Rosalik’s remains.