William Walter Keller
PFC William W. Keller served with Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 18th Marines.
He was reported as wounded and evacuated from Betio, Tarawa atoll, on 21 November 1943, and ultimately declared dead on 22 November 1944.
Branch
Marine Corps Reserve
Service Number 356725
Current Status
Remains Not Recovered
Pursuit Category
This case is under Active Pursuit by the DPAA.
Capsule History
Pre-War Life
Birth
May 29, 1922
at Milwaukee, WI
Parents
William & Maud Keller
Education
West Allis High School, 1940
Occupation & Employer
Details not known
Service Life
Entered Service
January 19, 1942
at Milwaukee, WI
Home Of Record
6302 West Beloit Road
West Allis, WI
Next Of Kin
Father, Mr. William Keller
Military Specialty
Pioneer (Radioman)
Primary Unit
18th Marines (F/2)
Campaigns Served
Guadalcanal
Tarawa
Individual Decorations
Purple Heart
Additional Service Details
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Loss And Burial
Circumstances Of Loss
PFC Keller participated in the amphibious assault of Betio, Tarawa atoll. He was reported as wounded in action and evacuated on 21 November 1943 for treatment aboard an unknown Navy vessel. However, later checks of medical facilities failed to show any record of Keller’s presence.
His status was updated to missing in action in February 1944, and he was eventually declared dead on 22 November 1944. Keller’s ultimate fate and the disposition of his remains is a mystery to this day.
Burial Information or Disposition
No information available: missing in action.
Next Of Kin Address
Address of Mr. William Keller.
Location Of Loss
PFC Keller was last known to be on the island of Betio, wounded and awaiting evacuation.