Vernon William Paul Patrick
PFC Vernon W. P. Patrick served with Easy Company, Second Battalion, 8th Marines.
He was killed in action at Guadalcanal on 22 November 1942.
Branch
Marine Corps Reserve
Service Number 322206
Current Status
Remains Not Recovered
Pursuit Category
The DPAA has not publicized this information.
Capsule History
Pre-War Life
Birth
December 4, 1919
in Cape Girardeau, MO
Parents
William Newton Patrick
Lorene F. (Scherf) Patrick
Education
Cape Girardeau Central High School
Occupation & Employer
Delivery man
Blechle’s Grocery
Service Life
Entered Service
September 5, 1941
at St. Louis, MO
Home Of Record
61 North Hanover Street
Cape Girardeau, MO
Next Of Kin
Parents, William & Lorene Patrick
Military Specialty
—
Individual Decorations
Purple Heart
Loss And Burial
Circumstances Of Loss
On 21 November, the 164th and 182nd Infantry Regiments pushed westward along Guadalcanal’s north coast and took positions on ridges beyond Point Cruz. A gap developed between 3/164 and 2/182, and General Edmund Sebree requested a Marine unit to connect the two battalions. Easy Company, 8th Marines was tapped for the task and moved out at approximately 1700 hours. Reports of sniper activity only arrived after they departed, and the route itself was extremely difficult. “Due to the rough terrain, it was 2200 before this company was in position covering this gap,” noted the regiment’s report. Easy Company reported three men killed and seven wounded during the night of 21-22 November.
In the morning, the rest of 2/8 crossed the Matanikau River and took up positions in assembly areas behind the Army regiments. While few enemy contacts were reported, Easy and Fox Companies suffered several additional casualties. One of the dead was PFC Vernon Patrick, who suffered fatal gunshot wounds to the head. The exact circumstances of his death are not currently known.
Burial Information or Disposition
PFC Patrick was reportedly buried in the field at coordinates (69.3-199.3), Gudalcanal Map #104. Several other E/2/8 personnel, including PhM2c Harvey C. Hall, Corporal Robert Fransen, PFC Edward M. Spear, and Private Patrick Quinn – are also at these coordinates, suggesting Easy Company established a small field cemetery at this location.
Memorials
Next Of Kin Address
Address of parents, William & Lorene Patrick
Location Of Loss
Approximate area where Patrick was reportedly buried.
My Grandfather’s brother any more information found would be appreciated