William Carroll Donaldson
Private William C. Donaldson served with the Second Tank Battalion, Company C (Medium).
He was reported missing in action at Betio, Tarawa atoll, on 20 November 1943.
Branch
Marine Corps Reserve
Service Number 486589
Current Status
Remains Not Recovered
Pursuit Category
This case is under Active Pursuit by the DPAA.
Capsule History
Pre-War Life
Birth
July 1, 1922
at Covington, KY
Parents
William Forrest Donaldson
Catherine “Kate” (Daggalt) Donaldson
Education
Details unknown
Occupation & Employer
The Kentucky Enquirer
Service Life
Entered Service
November 16, 1942
at Cincinnati, OH
Home Of Record
4516 Valley View Lane
Covington, KY
Next Of Kin
Wife, Mrs. Anna Donaldson
Military Specialty
—
Primary Unit
2nd Tank Battalion
Company C (Medium)
Campaigns Served
Tarawa
Individual Decorations
Purple Heart
Additional Service Details
—
Loss And Burial
Circumstances Of Loss
Private William Donaldson served with Company C (Medium), 2nd Tank Battalion, during the Tarawa campaign. His exact role and responsibilities in the unit are not known.
On 20 November 1943, Charlie Company launched three platoons of M4A2 medium tanks from the USS Ashland in support of landing operations on the island of Betio. Reconnaissance guides led the way through the water on foot, while support personnel found themselves mixed up with the assault infantry. Unfortunately, because there are no known eyewitness accounts of Private Donaldson’s final moments, the circumstances and exact location of his death are unclear. He was initially reported as missing following the battle; in January 1944, his status was changed to killed in action as of 20 November 1943.
Burial Information or Disposition
None reported; identifiable remains not recovered.
A memorial marker was erected in Cemetery 33, Plot 9, Row 1, Grave 17.
Next Of Kin Address
Address of wife, Mrs. Anna Donaldson.
Location Of Loss
Private Donaldson was killed in action at an unspecified location on Betio.
