Photo Source: Martindale Family Tree, uploaded by user “plaxamate1”
A neat souvenir photo of four Baker Company Marines, probably taken late in 1943, and a good representation of the casualties suffered by 1/24 during the war. None of these four men was in combat for more than five cumulative days, yet two were killed and the other two received crippling wounds.
Standing at left is Edward Duclos of West Springfield, Massachusetts. PFC Duclos was killed on Saipan, June 16 1944.
Beside him is Homer L. “Drummer” Hager. Hager, a bazooka man, was wounded in action on Namur, February 1 1944. He returned to the company as a bazooka team leader in a demolitions squad, but was hit a second time, also on June 16, and was permanently removed from combat.
Squatting at left is Ellis Thomas. “Wiley” Thomas, a rifleman, was promoted to corporal following the battle of Namur. He was killed in action on Saipan on June 18, 1944.
And beside Thomas is Everett Tackett of Allen, Kentucky. PFC Tackett was leading a fire team on Saipan when he was hit on June 18, 1944. He was discharged for disability within a year.
It’s interesting to note the coincidence that each pair, standing and kneeling, were hit on the same day, and that in each case the leftmost man lost his life. It’s also easy to imagine that each pair, as buddies and probably squadmates, were fighting close together when they were hit during the first furious days on Saipan.
For good measure, here’s a nice portrait of Everett Tackett in his dress blues from the same source.
So many gone from battles such as these that very know about. Excellent tribute.
Reblogged this on Pacific Paratrooper and commented:
So that we will remember!
Thank you for the reblog!
“Drummer” Hager lived until 1989; Tackett until 1996. One hopes the painful memories of combat were somewhat tempered, if not mitigated, by decades of peace.
It is my pleasure to reblog here, they all deserve our thanks and remembrance. I appreciate the additional info.
Yes, excellent. It’s the price of freedom. Paid by our fathers and mothers, bravely and with scarcely a second thought.
Thank you, great tribute and remembrance!
Sobering.
Considering all the nameless photographs we see it’s good to see one where the men are named and remembered.
Excellent post on the deeds of these four Marines, the bond ships made in uniform, are truly remarkable and last a lifetime. Their short time in combat provides proof of the savagery of the actions they participated in.
Reblogged this on quirkywritingcorner.