James was the last of seven children born to Lydia Long and John Patterson. His siblings referred to him as Jim, but I remember his Mother (my wife's Grandmother) always speaking of him as "Godfrey".

The following information was researched and provided by a fellow Find A Grave volunteer and a retired Marine (Thanks to Hubert Caloud).

James Godfrey Patterson enlisted in the Marine Corps 12 January 1942 from Des Moines Iowa. He completed recruit training with the 10th Recruit Training Battalion, MCB San Diego. After completing recruit training in March 1942, he was assigned to I Company, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, at MCB Camp Elliott, CA.

Following is a timeline of specific events:

1 July 1942 - Left San Diego for invasion of Solomon Islands.
25 July 1942 - Koro Fiji Islands landing rehearsals.
7 August 1942 - Floating reserve attached to 1st Marine Division during D-Day invasions of Guadalcanal, Florida, Gavutu and Tulagi islands in the Solomons.
8 August 1942 - Landed on Gavutu, participated in combat operations.
9 August 1942 - Cleared nearby island of Tanambogo. Garrisoned island of Tulagi until 14 September when moved to Guadalcanal. Participated in combat operations until 13
January 1943.
31 January 1943 - Left Guadalcanal arriving in Wellington New Zealand 6 February 1943. Promoted to Private First Class.
7 -11 April 1943 - Sick US Base Hospital Number 4. Died 6:45 PM 11 April as a result of Gun Shot Wound sustained NOT from his misconduct.
14 April 1943 - Buried Row 37, Grave 3, Karori Cemetery Soldiers Section Wellington,New Zealand.
1947 - Remains were exhumed and returned to U.S. for permanent burial in Iowa.

Information taken off Marine Corps Unit Muster Rolls