Photos by the First Battalion.
The men of First Battalion, 24th Marines went to war well prepared to document their adventures. Many carried personal cameras with them to training to capture as many moments as possible. Cameras were not allowed overseas, but there were ways around the rule; one man from Company A hid his camera in a gas mask bag, and the battalion surgeon built his own during the long voyage to Iwo Jima. Some even managed to take surreptitious shots on the battlefield, saving gruesome or triumphant moments for posterity.
These personal photographs provide unique snapshots of life in the Marine Corps; many have never been published before.
All photographs either from the author’s collection, or are shared with permission of named Marines or their families.
My dad Frank Celentano was on Roi and awarded the Navy Cross , does anyone here know him , sadly he passed on June 12 th of this year but he was a Marine and will always be proud to be one.
I would appreciate any info etc .
Thank You and
Semper Fi
Robert E Celentano
Hi Robert – thank you for writing. I’m sorry to hear about your dad’s passing, I’ve read some accounts of his actions during the Kwajalein operation and he was really incredibly brave.
I’m not currently in touch with any Charlie Company veterans, but there are some out there who may remember your dad. I’d suggest contacting the Fourth Marine Division Association – inform their newsletter and see if you get any responses from there. I was at the 4th Division reunion last year, and they’re still a very tight-knight group of guys.
Eventually, this site will have biographies of all the Marines listed here – if there is anything you’d like to share on your dad’s page, please contact me at webmaster@ablecompany24.com.
Best,
Geoff
My grandfather was Clyde William Hunt. I was hoping there was information good or bad. In his papers I see article 10-99(1) for 3 days missing or something. I just want to know what happened.
Thank you,
Tanner Hunt
Hi Tanner, nice to hear from you. I don’t have a copy of your grandfather’s service record–could you let me know on which dates in particular he is recorded as missing?
PFC Hunt transferred out of this battalion on 3 December 1943, after an illness or injury landed him in the hospital (he wound up posted to the garrison of Camp Pendleton for most of 1944, and then with the 5th Service Battalion in 1945) so I haven’t got many details on his service after that time–but send me those dates and I’ll see what I can do.
Cheers,
Geoffrey
Hello, my grandfather was Salvador M. Nobile, Jr. The information that I believe to be true is: He was in the Marines U.S.M.C during WWII from 8/26/42 – 1945. He was a Corporal who served in the South Pacific Theatre of Operations and was awarded the Purple Heart for injuries sustained during combat in Saipan on the Marshall Islands. Any information that you have on him, good, bad, other medals received would be greatly appreciated. My grandfather was a man of honor but never spoke much about the war. Recently I found probably over 100 photos that he took while in Saipan. If you would be interested in them, I’d be happy to share.
Tara, I would be very glad to speak with you about your grandfather. I am in touch with a living veteran who was good friends with him. Please send me an email at missingmarines@gmail.com and we can discuss further.
Best,
Geoffrey
My father was Horace Isaac Porter (Sgt)who served in HQ and is listed on your site. He passed away some 13 years ago. I’d be interested in any information you might have. I have a professionally restored photo of him standing in a foxhole with several other marines at Kwajaleen — looks like he’s telling them a joke. I was told the picture made the cover of Stars & Stripes but I never saw the actual publication so that may not be accurate. I was told that to get any more detail I would have to visit the national archives in person.
Something else I was told by an Aunt which may be mythological…the story goes that the marines attacked some island but had underestimated the Japanese forces there, so they pulled back for a time to get reinforcements. I was told my dad and a couple others were somehow left behind for a couple of weeks before the re-attack and hid out in a foxhole and took turns stealing food from the Japanese. Might be a myth…like many men Dad didn’t talk much about the war. I asked him if had killed anyone when I was a kid and he told me yes, probably 5 or so men.
W. Spencer Porter w.spencer.porter@gmail.com
Does anyone remember Harry Gregg.
“Boots” 1st battalion 24th marines Baker Co.
I am his grandson and think the world of all you Marines and families.
Does anyone remember Kye Harris co C 24th
My father was William D. Masters…I was so thrilled when my cousin Glenna posted the picture of him from the filming of the Guadalcanal Diaries! I recently picked up a couple copies of the 75th anniversary of Pearl Harbor, and swear there is a picture of my dad after the bombing. Thank you for your research and keeping the memory of these great Marines alive!
Roberta, My Dad was Emil (Amelio Cassese). My Dad dies in 1972 when we were too young for him to discuss war details. I remember hearing about jumping into a fox whole during the filming of Guadalcanal Diaries..and was told to leave. I have watched that film many times but I can’t pick him out. I was just told about this site. So glad to hear your story. Take care. Carole Cassese Hiller
Does anyone remember my uncle, Frank Uricchio who was a rifleman with C company. He was hit with shrapnel and transported to a ship for care. He died on March 1, 1945. Thank you. Sharyn Cartnick
Timeless treasures from when Ameruxa was great. God bless the Corps.
My father was Carl E Starns – I want to learn more about his history in the military. I’ve also been trying to find photos.
Hi. My father was Martin Butchko. I am thrilled to have stumbled across this website!
Hello, my father was Philip F Mozdzer. Corporal, Demolition Assault Platoon, HQ Co 1st Battalion 24th Marines. I believe his only campaign was Iwo Jima, said he started at Tinian after it was taken. He passed away in 2002 and is sorely missed.
I love the new site! Thank you for keeping it up and going. I always find new things and it’s easier to navigate
My Great Uncle was Joseph B Fife Jr. 4th Marines 1st JASCO. Does anyone have any information on the 1st JASCO or any one remember Joe Fife?
My dad, William J. McCoach, was also 1st JASCO. He fought on Iwo, Saipan, Roi-Namur, Tinian. No info, though.