Tarawa Cemetery 14

The isolated grave of PFC James Lynn Hein (K/3/2nd Marines) of Lake Mills, Wisconsin. PFC Hein was killed in action on 20 November 1943; all additional details, from the nature of his death to the location of his burial, were not known to his battalion. Marine Corps Graves Registration reported him as “Disposition unknown,” while later casualty reports include references to Cemetery 14, “Grid Location KH 213085,” and Cemetery 37. The latter two are thought to be the result of confusion between James Hein and PFC Frank Hein (no relation).

James Hein’s remains were located by the 604th Quartermaster Graves Registration Company, and identified in the field. He was buried in Lone Palm Cemetery Plot 1, Row 1, Grave 16 on 18 March 1946, and ultimately returned to his family for burial in a cemetery near his hometown.