Robert Henry Wharton
Gunnery Sergeant Robert H. Wharton served with Headquarters and Service Company, Second Tank Battalion.
He was killed in action at Betio, Tarawa atoll, on 20 November 1943.
Branch
Marine Corps Reserve
Service Number 381689
Current Status
Remains Not Recovered
Pursuit Category
This case is under Active Pursuit by the DPAA.
Capsule History
Pre-War Life
Birth
June 6, 1916
at Joaquin, TX
Parents
Richard Henry Wharton (d. 1932)
Elizabeth Cora (Payne) Wharton
Education
Joaquin High School
Occupation & Employer
Truck Driver
Bright Truck Lines
Other Details
Twin brother of Richard W. Wharton
Service Life
Entered Service
May 19, 1942
at San Antonio, TX
Home Of Record
Joaquin, TX
Next Of Kin
Mother, Mrs. Elizabeth C. Wharton
Military Specialty
Gunnery Sergeant
Primary Unit
2nd Tank Battalion
H&S Company
Campaigns Served
Tarawa
Individual Decorations
Purple Heart
Additional Service Details
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Loss And Burial
Circumstances Of Loss
Gunnery Sergeant Robert Wharton served as a senior NCO with H&S Company, 2nd Tank Battalion during Operation GALVANIC.
At some point during the landings at Betio on 20 November 1943, Wharton was struck in the head by shell fragments – or in the stomach by a bullet, depending on the source. The wounds proved fatal; no further details of his death or the disposition of his remains are known.
Burial Information or Disposition
None reported; identifiable remains not recovered.
A memorial marker was erected in Cemetery 33, Plot 6, Row 1, Grave 3.
Next Of Kin Address
Address of brother, Mrs. Cora Wharton.
Location Of Loss
Gunnery Sergeant Wharton was killed at an unspecified location on Betio.
