Robert Joseph Griffin
Private Robert J. Griffin served with Baker Company, First Battalion, 2nd Marines.
He was killed in action at Betio, Tarawa atoll, on 20 November 1943.
Branch
Marine Corps Reserve
Service Number 509953
Current Status
Remains Not Recovered
Pursuit Category
This case is under Active Pursuit by the DPAA.
Capsule History
Pre-War Life
Birth
October 24, 1925
at Westwego, LA
Parents
Lawrence Opte Griffin
Lydia (Rodrigue) Griffin
Education
Details unknown
Occupation & Employer
Student
Service Life
Entered Service
December 14, 1924
at New Orleans, LA
Home Of Record
437 Celestine Street
Westwego, LA
Next Of Kin
Mother, Mrs. Lydia Griffin
Military Specialty
—
Primary Unit
B/1/2nd Marines
Campaigns Served
Tarawa
Individual Decorations
Purple Heart
Additional Service Details
Robert’s older brother, PFC Lawrence J. Griffin, was killed in action aboard the USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor.
Loss And Burial
Circumstances Of Loss
Private Griffin served with Company B, First Battalion, 2nd Marines during the invasion of Tarawa. His battalion constituted the regimental reserve, and was ordered to land against heavy opposition at Beach Red 2 on the morning of 20 November 1943.
At some point during the landings or shortly thereafter, Griffin suffered fatal gunshot wounds to his right side. No further details of his death are currently known.
Burial Information or Disposition
No information recorded; remains not recovered.
A memorial marker was erected in Cemetery 33, Grave 16, Row 2, Plot 3.
Next Of Kin Address
Address of mother, Mrs. Lydia Griffin.
Location Of Loss
Private Griffin was killed in action at an unspecified location on Betio.
