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William Green Reynolds

Private William G. “Billie” Reynolds served with HQ Company, Second Battalion, 27th Marines.
He was reported missing in action at Iwo Jima on 19 February 1945.

Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Branch

Marine Corps Reserve
Service Number 557908

Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Current Status

Remains Not Recovered

Pursuit Category

DPAA has not publicized this information

Capsule History

Pre-War Life

Birth

August 13, 1926
at Dallas, TX

Parents

Green Reynolds, Jr.
Mary Florence (Hedleston) Reynolds

Education

Woodrow Wilson High School (1943)
Austin College (ex-1947)

Occupation & Employer

College student

Service Life

Entered Service

February 9, 1944
at Dallas, TX

Home Of Record

5019 Phillips Street
Dallas, TX

Next Of Kin

Parents, Green & Mary Reynolds

Military Specialty

Basic
(MOS 521)

Individual Decorations

Purple Heart (Iwo Jima)

Loss And Burial

Circumstances Of Loss

William Reynolds had barely started his studies at Austin College when he dropped out to enlist in the Marine Corps. After boot camp, he outposted to the newly-formed Fifth Marine Division as a member of the Second Battalion, 27th Marines. “Billie” bounced between several companies during 1944, appearing on the rolls of George and Dog before finally settling in Headquarters Company. His exact role isn’t known, but he was probably a junior member of the 81mm mortar section.

On 19 February 1945, members of the 81mm and communications platoons boarded their assigned tractor (an LVT(4) of the 11th Amphibian Tractor Battalion) and rumbled down the LST ramp into the sea. They were scheduled to land in the fifth wave – seventeen minutes after the first – and, as support troops, expected a slightly easier time than the rifle companies. Instead, the preceding waves had been enveloped in smoke and flame. The men from HQ/2/27 could plainly see what lay ahead on Beach Red 1.

Japanese artillery started targeting the approaching LVTs. Most of their shells fell harmlessly into the water – but one scored a direct hit on the HQ/2/27 tractor. The LVT sank quickly, and nearby boats picked up a few survivors. Eight men – including Private Reynolds – were never seen again.

All Marines aboard the LVT were initially reported as missing in action, then declared dead as of 20 February 1946.

Burial Information or Disposition

None; remains lost at sea. A 1948 Graves Registration Service review of the case stated “it is presumed that [he] was killed and carried out into [the] sea by the undertow which prevails in the water surrounding Iwo Jima.”

Next Of Kin Address

Address of parents, Green & Mary Reynolds

Location Of Loss

The LVT was hit approximately 400 yards from Beach Red One.

Related Profiles

Members of the Second Battalion, 27th Marines reported non-recoverable from Iwo Jima
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