Kenneth Wayne Mosty

Marine Corps Regular | Service Number 842206

Born

February 8, 1925
in Macon, MO

Parents

Loyal Richard Mosty
Rosella E. “Rose” (Arnett) Mosty

School

Details unknown

Pre-War Employment

Kansas City Quartermaster Depot

Entered Service

April 29, 1943
at St. Louis, MO

Joined First Battalion

August 26, 1943
from Infantry Battalion, Camp Elliott

Left First Battalion

July 31, 1944
Killed in action at Tinian

Left Service

July 31, 1944
Killed in action

Home Address and Next of Kin

Route 2, Macon, MO – home of parents, Loyal & Rose Mosty

Service & Campaigns

Before joining battalion

Boot camp at MCRD San Diego. Outposted to infantry school, TC Camp Elliott.

Transferred to First Battalion, 24th Marines on 26 August 1943.

Roi-Namur

Outfit: B/1/24th Marines
Rank: PFC
MOS: 745 (Rifleman)

Campaign Narrative

Saipan

Outfit: B/1/24th Marines
Rank: PFC
MOS: 746 (BARman)

Campaign Narrative

Tinian

Outfit: B/1/24th Marines
Rank: PFC
MOS: 746 (BARman)
Important Events:
July 31, 1944 – killed in action (gunshot or shrapnel, left chest) while attacking Japanese strong point.

Awarded Bronze Star Medal for actions up to and including this date.

For meritorious achievement as an Automatic Rifleman in a platoon serving with the First Battalion, Twenty-Fourth Marines, Fourth Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan and Tinian Islands, Marianas, from 15 June to 30 July 1944. When his platoon discovered a number of the enemy concealing themselves in a cave along the beaches at Tinian, PFC Mosty immediately advanced on the Japanese and, courageously engaging in hand-to-hand combat, waged a fierce battle until he was killed by a hostile hand grenade. His outstanding devotion to duty and cool conduct under fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Campaign Narrative

Individual Decorations

Medal
Bronze Star
Purple Heart

Campaign
Tinian (July 31, 1944)
Tinian (July 31, 1944)

Citation
See above
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Service Stories

Please share a story if you knew this Marine.

The company had driven through Tinian Town the day before. Our objective, the end of the island, was in sight and we all knew a final showdown with them was near. Then it happened. Your son, Kenneth, had been in the lead of the squad whose flank was on the west beach of the island. We were hit by heavy machine gun and mortar fire from two strong points where the Japs had decided to make a last stand. Kenneth was hit and died immediately. It was all over before I could get over to him from the left flank.

I only took over for the Tinian campaign, so I didn't know any of my men very closely. But I must say that while serving together, Kenneth displayed those fine qualities of courage, devotion to duty, and leadership constantly.