World War II – Fatal Casualties
Carteret County, North Carolina
|
|
Adams, Clemon Titus (34678724) 5' 8", 130 lbs, brown hair, blue eyes, ruddy complexion Private First Class, Killed in Action 314th Infantry Regiment, 79th Infantry Division Awarded: Silver Star, Purple Heart w/olc Born: 4/17/1925 Broad Creek, Carteret County, North Carolina Enlisted: 8/5/1943 Fort Bragg, North Carolina Died: 2/23/1945 Netherlands Buried: Broad Creek Community Cemetery, Carteret County, North Carolina Father: Fulford Lewis Mother: Letha Adams Spouse: Notes: Serving as a radio operator when his platoon was pinned down by German fire. He volunteered to locate and direct artillery fire on the enemy position. While successfully completing his mission he was mortally wounded. The previous October he was wounded by shrapnel in his arm, face and foot from which he recovered.
|
|
|
Atkinson, James Wallace (34032290) 5' 10", 160 lbs, brown hair, brown eyes, ruddy complexion Staff Sergeant, Died non-battle Awarded: Born: 6/17/1917 Baltimore, Baltimore County, Maryland Enlisted: 3/26/1941 Fort Bragg, North Carolina Died: 6/5/1943 Davidson County, Tennessee Buried: Bayview Cemetery, Morehead City, Carteret County, North Carolina Father: James W. Atkinson Mother: Grace Robinson Spouse: Margaret Van Horn, married 14 Dec 1940 at Virginia Beach, Virginia Notes: Killed, along with others, when the truck they were riding in was hit by a train.
|
|
|
Austin, Roy Harding (34313340) 5' 8", 148 lbs, red hair, blue eyes, freckled complexion. Staff Sergeant, Killed in Action 2nd Platoon, Company D, 506th Parachute Regiment, 101st Airborne Division Awarded: Silver Star, Purple Heart Born: 9/24/1921 Beaufort, Carteret County, North Carolina Enlisted: 7/28/1942 Fort Bragg, North Carolina Died: 1/15/1945 Noville, Belgium Buried: St. Paul's Episcopal Church Cemetery, Beaufort, Carteret County, North Carolina Father: Julian Austin Mother: Mable Noe Spouse: Notes: He was an original Toccoa man. He jumped into Normandy with the 2nd squad of 2nd Platoon, stick 63 jumping from plane 42-100846. He fought for the next five weeks. After the unit rested and refitted in England they jumped into Eindhoven, Holland where he fought for 70 days. The following is an excerpt from his Silver Star commendation. On 15 January 1945 in the vicinity of Noville, Belgium, during the advance toward the town, his platoon was halted by fire from an enemy machine gun located in a nearby house. Sergeant Austin skillfully deployed his platoon so that the maximum fire could be delivered on the enemy gun. Afer neuteralizing the enemy gun, he led his platoon into the town. While advancing at the head of his platoon, enemy machine gun fire opened up on the left flank. He quickly reconnoitered the location of the enemy fire and again deployed his troops so as to obtain the maximum fire power. After sending men around to the rear of the gun he personally led an assault on the gun from the front. During his heroic assault, he was mortally wounded. Inspired by his leadership the platoon succeeded in clearing the enemy from the town.
|
|
|
Barbour, Royall Maxime (14107079) 6' 1", 170 lbs, brown hair, blue eyes, light complexion Sergeant, Died non-battle US Army Air Corps Awarded: Born: 10/1/1921 Beaufort, Carteret County, North Carolina Enlisted: Died: 3/26/1944 Brevard County, Florida Buried: Ocean View Cemetery, Beaufort, Carteret County, North Carolina Father: Royall J. Barbour Mother: Letitia Robinson Spouse: Notes: B-24E Liberator (41-28525) crash, nine other crewman were also killed
|
|
|
Blake, William Dallas, Jr () 5' 11", 176 lbs, brown hair, black hair, brown eyes, ruddy complexion , Killed in Action 39th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division Awarded: Born: 6/25/1925 Carteret County, North Carolina Enlisted: Died: 9/20/1944 Hurtgen Forest, Germany Buried: Ocean View Cemetery, Beaufort, Carteret County, North Carolina Father: William D. Blake Sr. Mother: Ella Gray Chaplain Spouse: Notes:
|
|
|
Brooks, Livingston Ward (227034) Waterman 2nd Class, Missing in Action/Finding of Death CGC Alexander Hamilton Awarded: Purple Heart Born: 12/8/1918 Harkers Island, Carteret County, North Carolina Enlisted: Died: 1/29/1942 North Atlantic near Iceland Buried: Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial, Tablets of the Missing and cenotaph at Vergie Mae Cemetery, Harkers Island, Carteret County, North Carolina Father: James Gordie Brooks Mother: Nettie Lewis Spouse: Notes: The Hamilton was torpedoed by a German U-Boat (U-132) which had been patrolling the coast of Iceland near Reykjavík. Twenty men were killed in the initial explosion with a total loss of life of twenty six. Survivors made it off the ship and on the following day she capsized. Salvage attempts were abandoned and the destroyer USS Ericsson fired upon the wreck to sink her.
|
|
|
Campbell, James Matthews (6560776) Seaman 2nd Class, Missing in Action/Finding of Death USS Yorktown (CV-5) Awarded: Purple Heart Born: 7/4/1923 Florida Enlisted: 9/22/1941 Died: 6/4/1942 Midway Island Buried: Campbell Cemetery, Onslow County, North Carolina Father: James D. Campbell Mother: Ida G. Matthews Spouse: Notes:
|
|
|
Cannon, Frederick Bertram (33631864) 5' 11", 143 lbs, blonde hair, hazel eyes, light complexion Corporal, Died non-battle Battery A, 680th Glider Field Artillery Battalion, 17th Airborne Division Awarded: Born: 4/15/1917 Chesapeake City, Cecil County, Maryland Enlisted: 3/31/1943 Richmond, Viriginia Died: 12/25/1944 Dreux Airport, France Buried: Bayview Cemetery, Morehead City, Carteret County, North Carolina Father: Frederick S. Cannon Mother: Ann E. Phipps Spouse: Grace M. Christoph Notes: On December 16, 1944, the Germans launched a surprise offensive through the Ardennes Forest which caught the Allies completely by surprise. The 17th Division was still in England, but was quickly sent to reinforce Bastogne. From 23 to 25 December, elements of the Division were flown to the Reims area in France then hastily trucked into Belgium. During this time tragedy struck when a C-47 crashed on takeoff from Dreux Airport killing 6 members of Battery A including corporal Cannon.
|
|
|
Carawan, Richard Lawrence (34172462) 5' 10", 140 lbs, brown hair, brown eyes, dark complexion Private, Killed in Action Company F, 11th Infantry Regiment, 5th Infantry Division Awarded: Born: 1/28/1914 Pamlico County, North Carolina Enlisted: 10/15/1941 Died: 3/4/1945 Germany Buried: Sandhill Cemetery, Pamlico County, North Carolina Father: Joshua L. Carawan Mother: Dolly Flowers Spouse: Notes:
|
|
|
Cutler, Alonza Paul (33525401) 5' 8", 170 lbs, black hair, brown eyes, ruddy complexion Private, Killed in Action Company A, 30th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division Awarded: Born: 1/31/1924 Blount's Creek, Beaufort County, North Carolina Enlisted: 2/17/1943 Norfolk, Virginia Died: 11/6/1943 Italy Buried: Oakdale Cemetery, Beaufort County, North Carolina Father: John B. Cutler Mother: Annie Clark Spouse: Notes:
|
|
|
Dudley, Charles Wallace (6565573) 6' 1", 150 lbs, blonde hair, blue eyes, light complexion Seaman 2nd Class, Missing in Action/Finding of Death Awarded: Purple Heart Born: 6/24/1914 Core Creek, Carteret County, North Carolina Enlisted: 6/18/1942 Norfolk, Virginia Died: 11/12/1942 North Africa Buried: Turtle Grove United Methodist Church Cemetery, Carteret County, North Carolina Father: Robert T. Dudley Mother: Cora Eubanks Spouse: Notes:
|
|
|
Dudley, Roy Lee (2624241) Officers Cook 3rd class, Killed in Action Awarded: Born: 2/10/1920 Carteret County, North Carolina Enlisted: Died: 6/7/1943 Buried: Bayview Cemetery, Morehead City, Carteret County, North Carolina Father: Amos Harrison Dudley Mother: Charlotte Fenner Spouse: Notes:
|
|
|
Fulcher, Clarence (34110479) 5' 9", 128 lbs, black hair, grey eyes, ruddy complexion Tec4, Killed in Action 246th Field Artillery Battalion, American Division Awarded: Bronze Star, Purple Heart Born: 9/11/1919 Stacy, Carteret County, North Carolina Enlisted: 4/8/1941 Fort Bragg, North Carolina Died: 3/8/1944 Bougainville, Papau, New Guinea Buried: Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, Manila, Philippines, Plot N, Row 17, Grave 175 and centotaph at Stacy Cemetery, Carteret County, North Carolina Father: William "Babb" Fulcher Mother: Sadie Lewis Spouse: Notes:
|
|
|
Garner, Allen P (14028634) 5' 11", 139 lbs Staff Sergeant, Killed in Action Company B, 513th Parachute Regiment, 17th Airborne Division Awarded: Purple Heart Born: 1/12/1921 Newport, Carteret County, North Carolina Enlisted: 10/17/1940 Fort Bragg, North Carolina Died: 1/6/1945 Flamierge, Luxembourg Buried: Cedar Grove Cemetery, Newport, Carteret County, North Carolina Father: Johnnie Garner Mother: Spouse: Notes:
|
|
|
Garner, Leslie Glenn (44012700) 5' 10", 135 lbs, brown hair, grey eyes, light brown complexion Private, Killed in Action Awarded: Bronze Star, Purple Heart Born: 12/19/1919 Newport, Carteret County, North Carolina Enlisted: 9/21/1944 Fort Bragg, North Carolina Died: 5/12/1945 Luzon, Philippines Buried: Amariah Garner Memorial Cemetery, Newport, Carteret County, North Carolina Father: Charles H. Garner Mother: Elizabeth Quinn Spouse: Estelle Edwards, married 27 Jan 1945 in Frederick, Virginia Notes:
|
|
|
Gillikin, Carvie Douvel (44011279) 6' 1", 172 lbs, brown hair, hazel eyes, light complexion Private First Class, Killed in Action Awarded: Purple Heart Born: 6/10/1924 Bettie, Carteret County, North Carolina Enlisted: 8/24/1944 Fort Bragg, North Carolina Died: 4/8/1945 Lobach, Germany Buried: Welcome Home Freewill Baptist Church Cemetery, Beaufort, Carteret County, North Carolina Father: Harry L. Gillikin Mother: Blanche L. Salter Spouse: Mae Ebron Notes:
|
|
|
Gillikin, Walton (220608) Boatswains Mate 2nd Class, Missing in Action/Finding of Death USS Gregory (DD-82) Awarded: Purple Heart Born: 12/7/1920 Carteret County, North Carolina Enlisted: 8/3/1940 Died: 9/5/1942 Solomon Islands Buried: Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, Tablets of the Missing q Father: Delaware "Demmer" Gillikin Mother: Rebecca Gillikin Spouse: Notes: On 4 September, Gregory and Little were returning to their anchorage at Tulagi after transferring a Marine Raider Battalion to Savo Island. The night was inky-black with a low haze obscuring all landmarks, and the ships decided to remain on patrol rather than risk threading their way through the dangerous channel. As they steamed between Guadalcanal and Savo Island at 10 knots (19 km/h; 12 mph), Yūdachi, Hatsuyuki, and Murakumo entered the Slot undetected to deliver a "Tokyo Express" package of troops and supplies to Guadalcanal. While the two outgunned but gallant ships were debating whether to close for action or depart quietly and undetected, the decision was taken out of their hands. A Navy pilot had also seen the gunfire and, assuming it came from a Japanese submarine, dropped a string of five flares almost on top of the two APDs. Gregory and Little, silhouetted against the blackness, were spotted immediately by the Japanese destroyers, who opened fire at 0100. Gregory brought all her guns to bear but was desperately overmatched and less than 3 minutes after the fatal flares had been dropped was dead in the water and beginning to sink. Two boilers had burst and her decks were a mass of flames. At 0123, with all of Gregory's and most of Little's crew in the water, the Japanese ships began shelling again—aiming not at the crippled ships but at their helpless crews in the water. All but 11 of Gregory's crew survived, 6 of them swimming through the night all the way to Guadalcanal.
|
|
|
Glover, Claude Congleton (34300766) 6' 1", 167 lbs, brown hair, brown eyes, ruddy complexion Private First Class, Died non-battle Awarded: Born: 5/3/1907 Beaufort, Carteret County, North Carolina Enlisted: Died: 7/9/1944 Fort Polk, Vernon Parish, Louisiana Buried: Ocean View Cemetery, Beaufort, Carteret County, North Carolina Father: Joseph W. Glover Mother: Carrie Austin, married 8 Jan 1927 in Beaufort, Carteret County, North Carolina Spouse: Louise Lynch Notes: Accidental drowning in swimming pool at camp.
|
|
|
Gordon, Raleigh R (34606978) Private First Class, Died non-battle Awarded: Born: Enlisted: Died: Buried: Father: Mother: Spouse: Notes:
|
|
|
Gorham, Sidney Harris (14039231) Staff Sergeant, Killed in Action 2nd Chemical Survey Company Aviation Awarded: Purple Heart Born: 6/9/1923 Carteret County, North Carolina Enlisted: 2/5/1941 Fort Bragg, North Carolina Died: 6/30/1944 Philippines Buried: Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, Tablets of the Missing and cenotaph at Bayview Cemetery, Morehead City, Carteret County, North Carolina Father: William C. Gorham Mother: Irma Arthur Spouse: Notes: Captured in the Philippines, executed, by the Japanese, at Bilibid Prison while a Prisoner of War.
|
|
|
Guthrie, George Truitt (2623848) Pharmicist Mate 3rd Class, Missing in Action/Finding of Death Awarded: Born: 3/20/1918 Carteret County, North Carolina Enlisted: Died: 10/24/1944 225 miles east of Hong Kong Buried: Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, Tablets of the Missing and cenotaph at Bayview Cemetery, Morehead City, Carteret County, North Carolina Father: William E. Guthrie Mother: Emma V. Whealton Spouse: Notes: Captured on Corregidor and became a prisoner of war. He was on the Arisan Maru, which was torpedoed by USS Shark on October 24, 1944 about 225 miles east of Hong Kong. It was carrying 1,800 POWs at the time. Only nine POWs survived and one of those died within the next two weeks.
|
|
|
Guthrie, Ray McDonald (7457720) Seaman 1st Class, Missing in Action/Finding of Death USS Hull (DD-350) Awarded: Purple Heart Born: 6/19/1926 Carteret County, North Carolina Enlisted: Died: 12/18/1944 off Samar, Philippines Buried: Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, Tablets of the Missing, and cenotaph at Coastal Carolina State Veterans Cemetery, Jacksonville, Onslow County, North Carolina Father: Agnew Guthrie Mother: Clara Belle Sutton Spouse: Notes: After addition of equipment that made her more top-heavy, she was one of three destroyers sunk by heavy seas encountered in Typhoon Cobra. 11 officers of the Hull, including the executive officer, and 191 enlisted sailors perished in the sea.
|
|
|
Hamilton, Troy Wallace (6591347) 5' 10", 173 lbs, brown hair, brown eyes, ruddy face Coxswain, Missing in Action/Finding of Death USS Franklin (CV-13) Awarded: Purple Heart Born: 3/4/1922 Mesic, Pamlico County, North Carolina Enlisted: Died: 3/19/1945 50 miles off the coast of Japan Buried: Honolulu Memorial, Courts of the Missing and cenotaph at Atlantic Cemetery, Atlantic, Carteret County, North Carolina Father: John W. Hamilton Mother: Lillie Ives Spouse: Notes: Before dawn on 19 March 1945, Franklin, which had maneuvered to within 50 miles (80 km) of the Japanese mainland, closer than any other U.S. carrier during the war, launched a fighter sweep against Honshū and later a strike against shipping in Kure Harbor. A single Japanese aircraft approached Franklin without being detected by American forces. As Franklin was about halfway through launching a second wave of strike aircraft, the Japanese bomber pierced the cloud cover and dropped two semi-armor-piercing bombs before the ship's anti-aircraft gunners could fire. One bomb struck the flight deck centerline, penetrating to the hangar deck, causing destruction and igniting fires through the second and third decks, and knocking out the combat Information Center and air plot. The second hit aft, tearing through two decks. At the time she was struck, Franklin had 31 armed and fueled aircraft warming up on her flight deck, and these planes caught fire almost immediately. The 13 to 16 tons of high explosives aboard these planes soon began detonating. The explosion on the hangar deck ignited the fuel tanks on the aircraft, and a gasoline vapor explosion devastated the deck. Dense smoke soon filled the engineering spaces, which were ordered evacuated. Franklin was soon dead in the water, without radio communications, and broiling in the heat from enveloping fires. Several nearby ships approached to rescue survivors and Franklin remained afloat. In total losses amounted to 807 killed and more than 487 wounded. Franklin had suffered the most severe damage and highest casualties experienced by any U.S. fleet carrier that survived World War II.
|
|
|
Haskett, Quinton Theodore (2623579) Machinist Mate 2nd Class, Missing in Action/Finding of Death USS Vincennes (CA-44) Awarded: Purple Heart Born: 2/13/1920 Newport, Carteret County, North Carolina Enlisted: 6/19/1939 Norfolk, Virginia Died: 8/9/1942 off Savo Island Buried: Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, Tablets of the Missing and cenotaph at Cedar Grove Cemetery, Newport, Carteret County, North Carolina Father: Ivah W. Haskett Mother: Ruth Garner Spouse: Notes: USS Vincennes was part of Task Force 18 escorting the USS Hornet which carried the Doolittle Raiders in April 1942. Vincennes then returned to Pearl Harbor on 25 April 1942. In late May 1942 Vincennes headed toward Midway Island and by 4 June was just north of Midway when the battle began. Vincennes participated in the battle of Midway and then returned again to Pearl Harbor for repairs and alterations. Vincennes then participated in the Guadalcanal Landings in early August 1942. On August 9th a powerful enemy force headed in their direction. Within a minute, however, Japanese shells bracketed the ship and Vincennes shuddered under the impact of Japanese eight-inch armor-piercing shells. The bridge, carpenter shop, "battle II," and radio antenna trunks all were hit by the first salvo. Some of the shells in this group set fire to the volatile aircraft in Vincennes' hangar space, and the resultant flames became uncontrollable. A direct hit knocked the aft antiaircraft director overboard. At 0200, Vincennes heeled to starboard in an attempt to evade enemy gunfire, only to be hit by Japanese torpedoes. In moments the report came "Both engine rooms are black and dead. Hit at least 85 times by 8 in (200 mm) and 5 in (130 mm) shells, the ship gradually began to list. The crew began abandoning ship and shortly the Vincennes rolled over and sank. 332 crewmen did not survive and are officially recorded as killed in action in the loss of Vincennes.
|
|
|
Hill, George Edward () Technician 5th Class, Killed in Action Awarded: Purple Heart Born: 11/21/1922 Princess Anne County, Virginia Enlisted: 6/5/1940 Fort Bragg, North Carolina Died: 12/25/1944 English Channel Buried: Bayview Cemetery, Morehead City, Carteret County, North Carolina Father: Thomas Hill Mother: Minnie L. Dabbs Spouse: Florence Lawrence, married 21 Apr 1943 in Morehead City, Carteret County, North Carolina Notes:
|
|
|
Hill, Robert Daniel (4059893) Ships Cook 1st Class, Missing in Action/Finding of Death USS Albacore (SS-21) Awarded: Purple Heart Born: 8/24/1924 Carteret County, North Carolina Enlisted: Died: 11/17/1944 off northern Japan Buried: Honolulu Memorial Cemetery, Courts of the Missing and cenotaph at North River Methodist Church Cemetery, Beaufort, Carteret County, North Carolina Father: George D. Hill Mother: Mary E. Pelletier Spouse: Notes: Sunk by mine, all hands lost, body never recovered
|
|
|
Johnson, Wellman Lenal (2627940) Storekeeper 1st Class, Died of Wounds Awarded: Born: 12/12/1923 Carteret County, North Carolina Enlisted: 1/1/1941 Died: 2/27/1945 Buried: National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Section F, site 33, Grave 338 Father: Mother: Spouse: Margaret M. Chadwick, married 19 Jun 1943 in Straits, Carteret County, North Carolina Notes: Served on the USS Cincinnati (CL-6) until 1943 when he was transferred to the Pacific Fleet. Originally interred in Guam Cemetery #2, Marianas Islands.
|
|
|
Lashley, James McFarland "Mack" (453713) 5' 7", 175 lbs, brown hair, blue eyes, ruddy complexion Private First Class, Battery A, 3rd Special Weapons Battalion, 3rd Marine Division Awarded: Born: 10/18/1923 Greensboro, Guilford County, North Carolina Enlisted: Died: 9/25/1943 Solomon Islands Buried: Raleigh National Cemetery, Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina Father: David H. Lashley Mother: Iona Richardson Spouse: Notes:
|
|
|
Lawrence, James Bryan (34665093) 5' 10", 145 lbs, brown hair, brown eyes, light complexion Private, Killed in Action Awarded: Born: 11/7/1922 Straits, Carteret County, North Carolina Enlisted: 1/29/1943 Fort Bragg, North Carolina Died: 1/21/1945 Belgium Buried: Alfred Lafayette Gillikin Family Cemetery, Otway, Carteret County, North Carolina Father: Augustus Lawrence Mother: Bethany Gillikin Spouse: Moira Goodwin Pake Notes:
|
|
|
Lawrence, Robert Lee (34670759) 5' 8", 140 lbs, brown hair, blue eyes, ruddy complexion Private First Class, Killed in Action Company I, 13th Infantry Regiment, 8th Infantry Division Awarded: Born: 3/29/1925 Salter Path, Carteret County, North Carolina Enlisted: 3/27/1943 Died: 12/11/1944 Vicinity of Brandenberg, Hürtgenwald, Germany Buried: Gales Creek Community Cemetery, Carteret County, North Carolina Father: James F. Lawrence Mother: Ella Guthrie Spouse: Notes: Although the mission was one of holding, still several sharp offensive engagements occurred while the Regiment was in the vicinity of Brandenberg. The first of these took place on the 11th of December. In the sector on the left, the ground rose steeply from the Roer River for several hundred feet. On this thickly wooded slope there was a pocket of enemy which had not been eliminated prior to the time that the 13th took over in the area, and which constituted a threat to the flank. Company I, commanded by Captain Paul Marks was given the mission of clearing out the pocket. Attacking through the darkness at 0330, Company I encountered heavy opposition. However, by shifting the direction of attack and attacking again at 0730 Company I drove the enemy from its dug-in positions and captured 200 prisoners.
|
|
|
Layton, Garland Junior (34965099) 5' 10", 180 lbs, blonde hair, grey eyes, ruddy complexion Private, Died of Wounds 162nd Infantry Regiment, 41st Infantry Division Awarded: Purple Heart Born: 12/23/1925 Guilford County, North Carolina Enlisted: 3/24/1944 Fort Bragg, North Carolina Died: 3/18/1945 Mindanao Buried: Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, Plot N., Row 7, Grave 36 Father: Rez T. Layton Mother: Swannie B. Smith Spouse: Notes:
|
|
|
McCabe, Edwin Bonner (2618471) Water Tender 1st Class, Missing in Action/Finding of Death USS Oklahoma (BB-37) Awarded: Purple Heart Born: 10/30/1914 Enlisted: Died: 12/7/1941 Pearl Harbour, Honolulu, Hawaii Buried: National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Section P Site 991, cenotaph same location Court of the Missing, Honolulu, Hawaii and cenotaph at Wildwood Community Cemetery, Carteret County, North Carolina Father: William Z. McCabe Mother: Annie V. Teasley Spouse: Rebecca Thelma Russell Notes: He joined the crew of Oklahoma on 25 Mar 1935. WASHINGTON — The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that Navy Water Tender 1st Class Edwin B. McCabe, 27, of Newport, North Carolina, killed during World War II, was accounted for on Nov. 26, 2018. On Dec. 7, 1941, McCabe was assigned to the battleship USS Oklahoma, which was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when the ship was attacked by Japanese aircraft. The USS Oklahoma sustained multiple torpedo hits, which caused it to quickly capsize. The attack on the ship resulted in the deaths of 429 crewmen, including McCabe. From December 1941 to June 1944, Navy personnel recovered the remains of the deceased crew, which were subsequently interred in the Halawa and Nu’uanu Cemeteries. In September 1947, tasked with recovering and identifying fallen U.S. personnel in the Pacific Theater, members of the American Graves Registration Service (AGRS) disinterred the remains of U.S. casualties from the two cemeteries and transferred them to the Central Identification Laboratory at Schofield Barracks. The laboratory staff was only able to confirm the identifications of 35 men from the USS Oklahoma at that time. The AGRS subsequently buried the unidentified remains in 46 plots at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, known as the Punchbowl, in Honolulu. In October 1949, a military board classified those who could not be identified as non-recoverable, including McCabe. In April 2015, the Deputy Secretary of Defense issued a policy memorandum directing the disinterment of unknowns associated with the USS Oklahoma. On June 15, 2015, DPAA personnel began exhuming the remains from the Punchbowl for analysis. To identify McCabe’s remains, scientists from DPAA used anthropological analysis, as well as circumstantial and material evidence. Additionally, scientists from the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System used mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and autosomal DNA (auSTR) analysis.
|
|
|
Moore, Walter (34118829) 6' 2", 164 lbs, brown hair, grey eyes, light complexion Private First Class, Killed in Action 109th Engineer Battalion, 34th Infantry Division Awarded: Born: 11/20/1915 Straits, Carteret County, North Carolina Enlisted: 8/16/1941 Fort Bragg, North Carolina Died: 3/30/1943 North Africa Buried: Vergie Mae Cemetery, Harkers Island, Carteret County, North Carolina Father: Allen Moore Mother: Maude Guthrie Spouse: Notes:
|
|
|
Murdoch, James Frederick (13014974) Private, Killed in Action 751st Tank Battalion Awarded: Born: 2/18/1925 Norfolk, Virginia Enlisted: 2/7/1941 Died: 3/27/1943 North Africa Buried: Wildwood Community Cemetery, Carteret County, North Carolina Father: Alexander Murdoch Mother: Catherine J. McClennan Spouse: Notes: Birth year also listed as 18 Feb 1922
|
|
|
Norwood, Evan Wilkins, Jr. (34451777) 5' 7", 120 lbs, brown hair, brown eyes, freckled complexion Sergeant, Died non-battle 396th AAF Service Squadron, 12th Survey Group Awarded: Born: 6/21/1921 Goldsboro, North Caolina Enlisted: 9/14/1942 Fort Bragg, North Carolina Died: 1/25/1944 Assam, India Buried: National Memorial and Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl), Plot A, 118 Father: Evan Wilkins Norwood Sr. Mother: Emma Wilson Spouse: Notes: B-24D Liberator #41-23889 departed Kunming, China for a re-supply mission to Barrackpore, India. The airplane ran into turbulent and poor visibility weather and crashed near Jorhat, Assam, India. All twenty-two occupants aboard perish
|
|
|
O'Bryan, Nelson Taylor (0) 5' 7", 130 lbs, brown hair, brown eyes, ruddy complexion Ensign, Missing in Action/Finding of Death Supply Corps, USNR Awarded: Born: 12/13/1921 Beaufort, Carteret County, North Carolina Enlisted: Died: 2/13/1944 Gilbert Islands Buried: National Memorial and Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl) and cenotaph at St. Paul's Epicopal Church Cemetery, Beaufort, Carteret County, North Carolina Father: Allen D. O'Bryan Mother: Elizabeth Sidney Taylor Spouse: Virginia Marlowe Notes:
|
|
|
Oglesby, Hermon Leroy (33852980) 5' 9", 145 lbs, black hair, brown eyes, dark complexion Private, Killed in Action Company B, 34th Tank Battalion, 5th Armored Division Awarded: Born: 1/25/1920 Morehead City, Carteret County, North Carolina Enlisted: 1/11/1944 Richmond, Viriginia Died: 12/14/1944 Vicinity of Kufferath, Germany Buried: Bayview Cemetery, Morehead City, Carteret County, North Carolina Father: Daniel S. Oglesby Mother: L. Beeda Boyce Spouse: Notes:
|
|
|
Paylor, James William (2626146) Water Tender 2nd Class, Missing in Action/Finding of Death USS Pringle (DD-477) Awarded: Purple Heart Born: 1/24/1922 Carteret County, North Carolina Enlisted: Died: 4/16/1945 East China Sea Buried: Honolulu Memorial (Punch Bowl), Court of the Missing and cenotaph at Guthrie Family Cemetery, Harkers Island, Cartetet County, North Carolina Father: James Paylor Mother: Nancy Davis Spouse: Notes: Operating about 70 miles off Okinawa performing picket duty, Pringle was attacked by Kamikazes. Knocking down two, the third crashed into the bridge and through the superstructure. Either a single 1000lb or two 500lb bombs penetrated the decks and exploded violently, buckling the keel and splitting the ship in two. Six minutes later she sunk, leaving 69 dead and 258 survivors. For more details see: https://www.history.navy.mil/browse-by-topic/wars-conflicts-and-operations/world-war-ii/1945/battle-of-okinawa/destruction-of-pringle.html
|
|
|
Perry, John Leland (20409226) 5' 11", 185 lbs, red hair, brown eyes, ruddy complexion Private First Class, Died non-battle Battery H, 113th Field Artillery, National Guard Awarded: Born: 3/14/1921 Carteret County, North Carolina Enlisted: 9/20/1940 Died: 12/3/1942 Morehead City, Carteret County, North Carolina Buried: Oceanview Cemetery, Beaufort, Carteret County, North Carolina Father: Eugene F. Perry Mother: Lena Willis Spouse: Notes: Died from illness.
|
|
|
Rhue, Suthy Glennie (34996986) 5' 5", black hair, brown eyes, dark complexion Private First Class, Killed in Action Company B, 382nd Infantry Regiment, 96th Infantry Division Awarded: Born: 5/11/1925 Bogue, Carteret County, North Carolina Enlisted: 6/23/1944 Died: 5/17/1945 Okinawa Buried: Ocean View Cemetery, Beaufort, Carteret County, North Carolina Father: Haywood Rhue Mother: Glenie Wetherington Spouse: Notes:
|
|
|
Royal, Benjamin Franklin Jr. (0) 6', 160 lbs, brown hair, hazel eyes, light complexion 1st Lieutenant, Killed in Action Company L, 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division Awarded: Born: 8/20/1916 Carteret County, North Carolina Enlisted: Died: 6/22/1944 Saipan Buried: Arlington National Cemetery Father: Benjamin F. Royal Sr. Mother: Annie M. Adams Spouse: Notes:
|
|
|
Sanderson, Norfleet Mann (4063641) Machinist Mate 2nd Class, Missing in Action/Finding of Death USS Beatty (DD-640) Awarded: Born: 11/22/1917 Enlisted: 7/8/1941 Died: 11/6/1943 Mediteranean Buried: North Africa American Cemetery and Memorial, Tablets of the Missing, Carthage, Tunisia and cenotaph in New Bern National Cemetery, New Bern, Craven County, North Carolina Father: Samuel Sanderson Mother: Mattie Lean Rhodes Spouse: Mary Virginia Williams, married 25 Dec 1936 in Craven County, North Carolina Notes: As part of the defense of convoy KMF-25A she was sunk by German aircraft equipped with glider-bombs.
|
|
|
Schneider, Earle Caffrey "Penrod" (0) Commander, Missing in Action/Finding of Death USS Dorado (SS-248) Awarded: Silver Star, Purple Heart Born: 1/20/1912 Beaufort, Carteret County, North Carolina Enlisted: Died: 10/12/1943 Western Atlantic, possibly near Cuba Buried: East Coast Memorial, Tablets of the Missing, New York and St. Paul's Episcopal Church Cemetery, Beaufort, Carteret County, North Carolina Father: Earl G. Schneider Mother: Mary E. Caffrey Spouse: Stella "Sammy" Heath, married 20 Mar 1937 in Yuma, Arizona Notes: Schneider graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1933 and started out his commissioned career on board the USS Pennsylvania. A one year tour in this battleship was followed by 3 years in the USS Ranger. In June of 1937 he was in New London beginning the submarine course. Upon completion of instruction he reported to the USS Pompano and remained on board until November 1941. He then commissioned the famous USS Trigger in November 1941 as her Executive Officer and served on board until March of 1943, participating in three war patrols in Japanese controlled waters. It was during this time he was awarded the Silver Star. He was then ordered to the East Coast to fit out the USS Dorado as the Commanding Officer. Following the commissioning of USS Dorado sailed for Panama on 6 October 1943 enroute to the Pacific. They did not arrive in Panama nor they heard from at any time after sailing. A court of Inquiry was unable to establish firmly the reason for the USS Dorado's disappearance. It concluded that the loss could be attributed to an operational casualty, an enemy submarine, or a friendly plane.
|
|
|
Simmons, Furnifold M (34665100) 5" 11", 150 lbs, brown hair, grey eyes, light complexion Staff Sergeant, Died non-battle 214th Base Unit, US Army Air Corps Awarded: Born: 10/19/1912 Jones County, North Carolina Enlisted: 1/29/1943 Fort Bragg, North Carolina Died: 4/5/1944 5 miles north of Peterson Field, Colorado Springs, Colorado Buried: Cedar Grove Cemetery, Newbern, Craven County, North Carolina Father: George R. Simmons Mother: Agnes DeBruhl Spouse: Notes: He was a crew member on B-24J Liberator (#42-73375) which made a crash landing due to engine failure
|
|
|
Swindell, Troy W (44011280) 5' 7", 158 lbs, brown hair, grey eyes, freckled complexion Private First Class, Killed in Action 334th Infantry Regiment, 84th Infantry Division Awarded: Born: 4/29/1926 Morehead City, Carteret County, North Carolina Enlisted: 8/25/1944 Died: 2/24/1945 Near Roer River, Belgium Buried: Bayview Cemetery, Morehead City, Cartetet County, North Carolina Father: Bryant Swindell Mother: Ethel Lawrence Spouse: Notes:
|
|
|
Taylor, Roy Donald (34851733) 5' 9", 147 lbs, brown hair, grey eyes, light complexion Private First Class, Killed in Action Company L, 23rd Infantry Regiment, Awarded: Bronze Star, Purple Heart Born: 7/16/1925 Carteret County, North Carolina Enlisted: 10/27/1943 Died: 8/3/1944 Vire, Normandy, France Buried: Bethlehem United Methodis Church Cemetery, Bogue, Carteret County, North Carolina Father: Aden D. Taylor Mother: May McCabe Spouse: Notes:
|
|
|
Thompson, Jessie Daniels (2627228) Cook 3rd Class, Missing in Action/Finding of Death USS Atik (AK-101) aka SS Carolyn Awarded: Born: 6/4/1921 Carteret County, North Carolina Enlisted: 10/6/1940 Norfolk, Virginia Died: 3/27/1942 Atlantic Ocean Buried: Gethsemane Memorial Park, Morehead City, Carteret County, North Carolina Father: J. Thompson Mother: Lola J. Isaacs Spouse: Notes: S.S. Carolyn, a tramp steamer built in 1912 was converted to a military cargo ship shortly after Pearl Harbor. Over the next few weeks tshe was given a main and secondary battery as well as sound gear; nevertheless, she appeared to be mere cargo ships. S.S. Carolyn became the USS Atik, and was given a cargo ship hull number, AK-101. She was to user her old identity when communicating with friendly vessels and stations; if enemy ships should challenge, reply should be made in accordance with International Procedure, using the identification SS Vill Franca, of Portuguese Registry, callsign CSBT. Atik (AK-101) was placed in commission at 16:45 on 5 March 1942, at the Portsmouth Navy Yard, Lieutenant Commander Harry Lynnwood Hicks, USN, in command. At the outset, all connected with the program apparently harbored the view that the ship "was expected to last longer than a month after commencement of [her] assigned duty." Atik's holds were packed with pulpwood, a somewhat mercurial material. If dry, "an explosive condition might well develop and, if wet, "rot, with resultant fire, might well take place." Despite these disadvantages, pulpwood was selected as the best obtainable material to assure "floatability." Atik's mission was to lure some unsuspecting U-boat into making a torpedo attack. According to the projected scenario, the submarine, having deemed the tramp unworthy of the expenditure of more torpedoes, would surface to sink the crippled foe with gunfire. The plan presupposed that supporting forces would come to the rescue whenever a Q-ship ran into difficulties. In March 1942, though, there was no such reserve available. The commanding officers of the two ships were told that they could expect little help if they got into trouble. Every available combatant ship and plane was employed in convoy and patrol duties. Following fitting out and brief sea trials, she got underway on 23 March 1942. Soon after leaving port, Atik On the night of 26–27 March, she was cruising about 300 mi (480 km) east of Norfolk, Virginia. Atik had attracted the attention of U-123, on her second war patrol off the eastern seaboard. The U-boat, on the surface, began stalking Atik at 17:00, and at 19:37 fired one torpedo from 700 yd (640 m) away which struck the ship on her port side, under the bridge. Fire broke out immediately, and the ship began to assume a slight list. Atik was not dead—yet. After U-123 turned to starboard, Atik gathered steerage way, paralleling her course by turning to starboard as well, and dropped her concealment, commencing fire from her main and secondary batteries. The first shell dropped short of the U-boat, as she made off presenting a small target; the others were off in deflection. A veritable hail of .50-caliber machine gun fire, though, ricochetted around the U-boat's decks as she put on speed to escape the trap into which Hardegen had fallen. One bullet mortally wounded a midshipman standing watch on U-123's bridge. U-123 submerged and again approached her opponent. At 21:29, the U-boat shot a torpedo into Atik's machinery spaces. Satisfied that this blow would be fatal, U-123 stood off and watched as Atik settled by the bow, her single screw now out of the water. U-123 surfaced at 22:27, confident that Atik was no longer a threat, and continued to watch until 22:50, when a cataclysmic explosion blew her to pieces. Atik's entire crew perished, either in the blast or during the severe gale that blew up soon after the ship disintegrated.
|
|
|
Vickers, Thurman Gomez Colonel, Died non-battle Awarded: Silver Star (during WWI) Born: 12 Dec 1887 Durham County, North Caolina Enlisted: Died: 14 Aug 1944 Yuma, Yuma County, Arizona Buried: Oakwood Cemetery, Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina Father: Hiram Vickers Mother: Alice Weston Spouse: Martha Lumsden, married 3 Apr 1912 Notes: Col Vickers served during both WWI and WWII. He served with distinction with the American Expeditionary Forces in the St. Die sector, Vosges Mouiltains, and the Meuse-Argonne offensive in France, and after the Armistice, with the Army of Occupation in Germany until July 1919. For meritorious service he was awarded the Silver Star, and also the Croix de Guerre by the French government. After his return to the pastorate, he was appointed Chaplain in the Reserve Corps, which position he held until he was ordered to active duty, May 1, 1941, as Senior Protestant" Chaplain, Third Air Forces, stationed at Tampa, Florida. Being transferred to the Tenth Air Force, he served as Senior Chaplain with the rank of Colonel in the Burma-China-India Theater from May 19, 1942 to August 18, 1943. Returning to the United States, he was assigned as Staff Chaplain of the Army Air Force, Western Flying Command, stationed at Santa Ana, California, where Colonel and Mrs. Vickers made their home until his death at the Yuma Air Base Hospital Arizona, of a heart attack. By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 {Bul. No. 43, W. D., 1918}, Chaplain Thurman G. Vickers, United States Army, is cited by the Commanding General, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Chaplain Vickers distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with the 324th Infantry, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near Manhuelles, France, 9 - 10 November 1918, in administering first aid to the wounded under heavy rifle, machine gun and artillery fire. (Source: Journal of the North Carolina Annual Conference of the Methodist Church 1944 page 129 written by B.T. Hurley)
|
|
|
Wade, Thomas Clifford (2636720) Radioman 3rd Class, Died of Wounds Sixth Beach Battalion Awarded: Born: 3/17/1925 Carteret County, North Carolina Enlisted: 12/29/1942 Died: 6/6/1944 Normandy, France Buried: Bayview Cemetery, Morehead City, Carteret County, North Carolina Father: Roy D. Wade Mother: Claudia B. Willis Spouse: Notes: WWII Naval Beach Battalions were indistinguishable from Army assault troops. While training at Fort Pierce, these Navy amphibians wore coveralls, field shoes, life belts, gas masks, leather gloves and full packs with rifles slung over their shoulders, engaging in joint maneuvers with the Army off the coast of Florida. Having been issued Thompson submachine guns and wearing steel helmets with a sky blue "6" (later a red arc) painted on the front, the 6th Naval Beach Battalion appeared more like soldiers than sailors. The 6th Beach Battalion was attached to the 5th Engineer Special Brigade 12 April 1944 in order to achieve a closer coordination between the Navy afloat and the Army ashore during the invasion landings. In support of the 16th Regimental Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Commander Carusi's amphibious unit had the mission of providing battlefield medicine, establishing shore-to-ship communications, marking sea lanes, making emergency boat repairs, assisting in the removal of underwater obstructions, directing the landings and evacuating the casualties in the eastern Omaha Beach sectors code-named Easy Red, Fox Green and Fox Red.
|
|
|
Watson, Clarence Levi (34451767) 5' 7", 140 lbs, brown hair, blue eyes, light complexion Private First Class, Killed in Action Awarded: Born: 7/5/1921 Wildwood, Carteret County, North Carolina Enlisted: 9/14/1942 Fort Bragg, North Carolina Died: 4/20/1945 1 mile west of Chemnitz, Germany Buried: Bayview Cemetery, Morehead City, Carteret County, North Carolina Father: Carlie Luten Watson Mother: Bessie L. Oglesby Spouse: Notes: He left Hartmannsdorf with his company to pick up a group of the enemy who had sent word in that they wished to surrender. They went armed in case it was a trap, which it was. Clarence was first scout of his squad and advancing ahead of his platoon toward the enemy position was struck by enemy small arms. The fire grew intense and pinned down most of the platoon so that it was impossible to reach him. Another man who was close by him, was also wounded and died later. But, before that he claimed that Clarence had been hit fatally. They made several searches but no trace of him could they find.
|
|
|
Willis, Fernie (34457715) 5' 5", 155 lbs, blonde hair, blue eyes, ruddy complexion Private, Killed in Action US Army Awarded: Purple Heart Born: 15 Jan 1917 Harkers Island, Carteret County, North Carolina Enlisted: 17 Oct 1942 Fort Bragg, North Carolina Died: 23 Aug 1944 France Buried: Arlington National Cemetery, Section 34 Site 4629 Father: Albert Willis Mother: Elena Willis Spouse: Notes:
|
|
|
Willis, Robert H. (34316337) Staff Sergeant, Missing in Action/Finding of Death 334th Bomb Squadron, 95th Bomb Group (H) Awarded: Air Medal w/ 2OCL and Purple Heart Born: Enlisted: Died: 9/15/1943 English Channel Buried: Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial, Tablets of the Missing Father: Mother: Spouse: Notes: Ball Turret Gunner on the Joseph Noyes Crew flying in Sittin' Bull (42-3266) lost over the English Channel while returning from a mission to Paris. Aircraft was seen to leave formation about 15 miles off Beachy Head, and in no apparent distress. Only the pilots body was ever recovered.
|
|
|
Woodruff, Rufus Jay Hugh Theodore (34845306) 5' 11", 148 lbs, black hair, brown eyes, light brown complexion Private First Class, Killed in Action Anti Tank Company, 330th Infantry Regiment, 83rd Infantry Division Awarded: Purple Heart Born: 7/20/1911 Halifax County, North Carolina Enlisted: 10/2/1943 Fort Jackson, Columbia, South Carolina Died: 4/10/1945 in the vicinity of Seesen, Germany Buried: Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial, Plot I, Row 13, Grave 3 and cenotaph at Cedar Grove Cemetery, Newport, Carteret County, North Carolina Father: Walter Woodruff Mother: Mary E. Coburn Spouse: Ruby H. Garner, married 24 Jan 1941 in Wake County, North Carolina Notes:
|
|
Researched and compiled by Joel Russell |
