Charles Filmore Burton

Boot camp at Parris Island with 13th Recruit Battalion. Outposted to Quantico, VA, for duty with Marine Corps Schools. Messman for Reserve Officers’ Class through summer 1943.

Joined Charlie Company, First Battalion, 24th Marines at Camp Pendleton, California, on 8 September 1943.

Outfit: C/1/24th Marines (3 Platoon)
Rank: Private First Class
MOS: 745 (Rifleman)

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Outfit: C/1/24th Marines (3 Platoon)
Rank: Private First Class
MOS: 675 (Messenger)
Important Events: 
July 8, 1944 – killed in action (gunshot, chest); exact circumstances unknown

Awarded the Bronze Star Medal for actions up to and including his date of death.

For heroic achievement while serving with a battalion of a Marine division, during the assault and occupation of enemy Japanese-held Saipan Island, in the Marianas, from 15Jun – 8Jul44. Repeatedly exposing himself to the enemy’s concentrated barrages, Pfc. Burton performed his duties as company runner of an assault battalion skillfully and with fearless determination throughout the entire Saipan operation. Intercepted by two Japanese snipers while carrying a message to an assault platoon under heavy fire in the front lines, he engaged the enemy aggressively and succeeded in killing one soldier. Pfc. Burton’s cool courage and resolute conduct in the face of extreme peril and his zealous devotion to duty throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

July 9, 1944 – buried in Plot E, Row 9, Grave 9, Second Marine Division Cemetery

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