Robert Edward Coloske
Private Robert E. Coloske served with Dog Company, Second Battalion, 18th Marines.
He was reported killed in action at Betio, Tarawa atoll, on 20 November 1943.
Branch
Marine Corps Reserve
Service Number 460304
Current Status
Remains Not Recovered
Pursuit Category
This case is under Active Pursuit by the DPAA.
Capsule History
Pre-War Life
Birth
June 7, 1925
at Forestville, CT
Parents
Edward & Lillian Coloske
Education
Unknown
Occupation & Employer
Unknown
Service Life
Entered Service
November 5, 1942
at Springfield, MA
Home Of Record
69 Preston Street
Forestville, CT
Next Of Kin
Mother, Mrs. Lillian M. Coloske
Military Specialty
Pioneer
Primary Unit
18th Marines (D/2)
Campaigns Served
Tarawa
Individual Decorations
Purple Heart
Additional Service Details
—
Loss And Burial
Circumstances Of Loss
Private Robert E. Coloske landed on Betio, Tarawa atoll, on 20 November 1943. His unit of pioneers was detailed to support assault troops trying to gain a foothold on one of the island’s Red Beaches.
Coloske was reported as missing in action immediately after the battle; his status was later updated to killed in action by gunshot wounds as of the date of the landings. 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 6, Row 2, Plot 7.
Next Of Kin Address
Address of Mrs. Lillian Coloske.
Location Of Loss
Private Coloske was killed at an unspecified location on Betio, Tarawa atoll.
