By Andy Weddington
Tuesday, 22 May 2018
"Every place on the island can be covered by direct rifle and machine-gun fire." Colonel Merritt Edison, USMC (describing Betio)
Yesterday on social media was posted a photograph of the headstone of my maternal grandparents - "Pop-Pop" and "Nanny" to their grandchildren and great grandchildren.
They were flag-waving patriots. And as big as they come for love of country.
On 20 November 1943 "Pop-Pop" was 30.
His life at that age unknown to me (known is my mother was 6 and oldest with seven more to come) but he did not serve in uniform.
Recalling family history, disqualifying health reasons come to mind. A brother or two served.
Too yesterday I learned ...
Thomas Jesse Murphy was 22 on 20 November 1943.
He was in uniform.
A U. S. Navy pharmacist mate second class, already combat tested, Murphy was assigned to Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marines (Hq Co, 3/8).
20 November was a Saturday - the first day of fighting the Battle of Tarawa (20-23 November).
U. S. Marine fires on a Japanese pillbox.
Wikipedia photograph
Pharmacist Mate Murphy died by gunshot wound on Betio (note today's opening quote).
His remains were not officially identified by the Navy until 2017.
He amongst other fallen warriors were discovered in Cemetery 27 - The Lost Cemetery on Tarawa - unearthed under a parking lot during a construction project.
Before falling asleep last evening, PhM2c Murphy and the warriors of Tarawa were last conscious thoughts.
During research this morning over coffee came an important website: www.chiefrickstone.com
Chief Stone's work is identifying Tarawa's (unknown) casualties.
Considerable time already this morning I've devoted to learning more about Marine Corps history and a little about the young men who fought the Battle of Tarawa. PhM2c Murphy amongst them.
On the "In Memoriam" link the black and white photograph and brief biography of PFC Lyle Ellis Charpilloz, USMC jaw-dropping.
To say more would be great disservice - to the casualties and to the remarkable and noteworthy work of Chief Stone and his Foundation.
So please spend some time on the website. Visit all links. Pass along to Marines, Sailors, and everyone.
This Memorial Day, PhM2c Murphy (his 96th year) will be laid to rest, with long overdue military honors, in Ohio. A Sailor I know will be there.
To close ...
John Clay Kirk, Sr. was "Pop-Pop" to three Marines, a Coast Guardsman, and a Soldier and (great "Pop-Pop") to two Marines (I think that accounts for all bloodline to date).
Today his 105th - "Happy Birthday, Pop-Pop!"
Fittingly, he has family, military, residing in Ohio.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment