************************
THE EMPORIA GAZETTE, EMPORIA, KANSAS, FRIDAY EVENING, DECEMBER 24, 1943, FRONT PAGE
TWO EMPORIA MARINES REPORTED KILLED IN ACTION
Two Emporia United States Marines have been killed in action in the South Pacific area, according to telegrams received Thursday by the mothers of the men. The Marines were Pfc. Glenn Franklin White, son of Mrs. Sam Hildebrand, 101 South Rural and Pfc. Floyd E. Campbell, son of Mrs. Veda Campbell, 718 Cottonwood. Details of the Emporians' deaths were not given in the brief telegrams.
Floyd Campbell, who attended the Emporia Senior High school, enlisted in the Marines in December 1941. Before entering the service he was employed at the Patterson-DeBauge Produce company.
He is survived by his mother; two brothers, Pfc. Charles Raymond Campbell, of the Marines, stationed in Hawaii, and Glenn Campbell, of Kansas City, and five sisters, Thelma and Marie Campbell, of the home; Miss Betty Campbell, of Salina; Miss Gladys Campbell of St. Joseph, Mo., and Mrs. Gene V. Lloyd, who lives in Louisiana.
The last letter received here concerning Private Campbell, relatives report, was from one of his pals, wounded in action and returned to the United States. He wrote that Private Campbell had been sent to the Gilbert Islands.
Pfc. GLENN FRANKLIN WHITE was born July 27, 1924, in Emporia. He attended the Emporia schools and quit school to join the United States Marine corps February 10, 1942.
He is survived by his mother, and stepfather, Sam Hildebrand, and a cousin, Donald LeRoy Stair, all of the home; one brother, Lewis E. White, 125 Sylvan; one sister, Mrs. Fred C. Krueger, route 1 Emporia; and his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. J. W. White, 712 East. Private White's father died February 4, 1926.
************************
THE EMPORIA GAZETTE, EMPORIA, KANSAS, THURSDAY, JULY 13, 1944, PAGE SIX
Pfc. Glenn F. White, U.S. Marine Corps, has been posthumously awarded the Silver Star, with citation by the President of the United States "for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in combat against enemy Japanese forces on Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands, November 22, 1943." The award was received recently by his mother, Mrs. Sam Hildebrand, 101 South Rural.
************************
Submitted by Eric Ackerman
Note: Entered the service from Missouri.
************************
Silver Star
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Glenn Franklin White (MCSN: 371100), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as automatic rifleman serving with the First Battalion, Sixth Marines, SECOND Marine Division in combat against enemy Japanese forces on Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands on the night of November 22, 1943. While acting as part of the screening force covering the organization of the battalion's main line of resistance, Private First Class White with other members of his squad became isolated forward of the lines. Mortally wounded during the engagement and suffering intensely he steadfastly continued to man his weapon until he succumbed to his injuries. Private First Class White's extreme courage and unswerving devotion to duty contributed to the defeat of the enemy in this sector and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Contributor: Sgt. Bellis - USMC (48526889)
************************
*** IDENTIFIED ***
DPAA Releases
PRESS RELEASE | July 7, 2021
Marine Accounted For From World War II (White, G.)
WASHINGTON – The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that Marine Corps Pfc. Glenn F. White, 19, killed during World War II, was accounted for on June 7, 2021.
In November 1943, White was a member of Company A, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force, which landed against stiff Japanese resistance on the small island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll of the Gilbert Islands, in an attempt to secure the island. Over several days of intense fighting at Tarawa, approximately 1,000 Marines and Sailors were killed and more than 2,000 were wounded, while the Japanese were virtually annihilated. White died on the third day of battle, Nov. 22, 1943. He was reported to have been buried in Row D of the East Division Cemetery, later renamed Cemetery 33.
DPAA is grateful to the Republic of Kiribati and appreciative to History Flight, Inc., for their partnership in this mission.
For additional information on the Defense Department's mission to account for Americans who went missing while serving our country, visit the DPAA website at www.dpaa.mil, find us on social media at www.facebook.com/dodpaa or https://www.linkedin.com/company/defense-pow-mia-accounting-agency.
White's personnel profile can be viewed at https://dpaa-mil.sites.crmforce.mil/dpaaProfile?id=a0Jt0000000XjurEAC.
From Contributor 48612389
************************
Remains of Kansas Marine killed during World War II identified
The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced that Marine Corps Pfc. Glenn F. White,...
The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced that Marine Corps Pfc. Glenn F. White, 19, of Emporia, Kansas, killed during World War II, was accounted for on June 7, 2021.(Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency)
By KWCH Staff
Published: Jul. 30, 2021 at 7:52 PM CDT
EMPORIA, Kan. (KWCH) - The remains of a Kansas Marine killed during World War II have been identified.
The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) said Marine Corps Pfc. Glenn F. White, 19, of Emporia, Kansas, was accounted for on June 7, 2021.
In November 1943, White was a member of Company A, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force, which landed against stiff Japanese resistance on the small island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll of the Gilbert Islands, in an attempt to secure the island. Over several days of fighting at Tarawa, approximately 1,000 Marines and Sailors were killed and more than 2,000 were wounded, while the Japanese were virtually annihilated.
White died on the third day of battle, Nov. 22, 1943. He was reported to have been buried in Row D of the East Division Cemetery, later renamed Cemetery 33.
In 1946, the 604th Quartermaster Graves Registration Company centralized all of the American remains found on Tarawa at Lone Palm Cemetery for later repatriation. However, almost half of the known casualties were never found. No recovered remains could be associated with White, and, in October 1949, a Board of Review declared him "non-recoverable."
In 2009, History Flight, Inc., a nonprofit organization, discovered a burial site on Betio Island believed to be Cemetery 33, which has been the site of numerous excavations ever since. In March 2019, excavations west of Cemetery 33 revealed a previously undiscovered burial site that has since been identified as Row D. The remains recovered at this site were transferred to the DPAA Laboratory at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii.
To identify White's remains, scientists from DPAA used dental and anthropological analysis, as well as circumstantial and material evidence. Additionally, scientists from the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System used mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and Y chromosome DNA (Y-STR) analysis.
White's name is recorded on the Courts of the Missing at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific along with the others still missing from World War II. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.
White will be buried in his hometown. The date is yet to be determined.
From Contributor 49312663
************************
GLENN FRANKLIN WHITE
July 27, 1924 - November 22, 1943
U.S. Veteran
ROBERTS-BLUE-BARNETT FUNERAL HOME / EMPORIA, KANSAS
OBITUARY SEPTEMBER 9, 2021
PFC GLENN FRANKLIN WHITE
PFC Glenn Franklin White, United States Marine Corps, 19, of Emporia, Kansas was killed in action on November 22, 1943 during the invasion of Betio Island, Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands during World War II.
Glenn Franklin White was born July 27, 1924 in Emporia, the son of Jesse "Frank" and Eva (Rector) White. He was raised in Emporia with his brother Lewis White, sister Delia Krueger and a cousin Don Stair who was raised with him as a brother. After joining the United States Marine Corps in February of 1942, he was assigned to A Company, First Battalion, Sixth Marine Regiment, Second Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force. Glenn was awarded the Silver Star Medal posthumously for his gallantry during action on November 22, 1943.
Glenn is survived by a brother Don Stair of Emporia, nephew Frank A. White of Emporia, niece Pat O'Brien of Iola, Kansas, nephew Richard Krueger of Arkansas City, Kansas, Nephew Jerry White of Kansas City, Missouri and many great nieces and nephews.
Repatriation of PFC Glenn F. White will be at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, September 18, 2021 at Memorial Lawn Cemetery in Emporia, with Military Honors presented by US Marine Corps. PFC White will be honored at the Kansas City International Airport as he arrives 12:16 P.M. Friday, September 17, 2021, afterwards he will then be escorted to Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home in Emporia. Emporia Police and Patriot Guard will escort PFC White to Memorial Lawn at 10:30 A.M. Saturday.
For more information on PFC White please go to
Finding Glenn White: An Emporia Marine returns home after 78 years | Gaz | emporiagazette.com
Emporia Marine killed in WWII identified | Free | emporiagazette.com
https://kvoe.com/2021/09/09/repatriation-plans-announced-for-emporia-soldier-silver-star-medal-winner-glenn-white/
************************
Friends, family and a thankful community attend burial of Marine Corps Private First Class Glenn White Saturday
Emporia, KS, USA / KVOE
Tagan Trahoon
Sep 18, 2021 | 11:47 AM
Friends, family and a thankful community attend burial of Marine Corps Private First Class Glenn White Saturday
Nearly 80 years after his death in service to the United States, Marine Corps Private Glenn White has now reached his final resting place.
White was laid to rest Saturday morning at Memorial Lawn Cemetery in Emporia after two days worth of ceremonies and special honors as part of repatriation efforts. White served in World War II as a member of Company A, First Battalion, Sixth Marine Regiment, Second Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force, that landed in the Gilbert Islands in November 1943 and encountered intense resistance from the Japanese.
He was among 1,000 Marines and Navy sailors who were killed on the island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll in November of 1943. His remains were found by the non-profit organization History Flight after they uncovered a burial site believed to be Cemetery 33 — where White was initially listed as buried — back in 2009.
History Flight and the Department of Defense's Prisoners of War and Missing in Action Accounting Agency identified White's remains using dental and anthropological analysis, circumstantial and material evidence, mitochondrial DNA and Y chromosome DNA analysis.
White's first cousin Don Stair, who grew up as a sibling to White, says the information they received tells them that White fought until the very end of his life. Stair says it was not surprising to hear this as that was the kind of person he was.
White's oldest nephew Frank White says he is thankful for the community support the family has received since his uncle's remains were found. He only wishes some other members of their family were still here to see him come home.
Lynette Stair, White's great-niece, recalls memories of her great-grandmother from her childhood that demonstrated her unwavering love and adoration of her Glenn's memory.
The United States Marine Corps Repatriation Program is "the liaison between the Marine Corps, US Government and the next of kin of all Marines unaccounted for from previous conflicts." When an unaccounted-for Marine is recovered and identified the Marine Corps Casualty Repatriation Section is notified and helps to coordinate the presentation and delivery of information to the Marine's primary next of kin.
The day's ceremony saw hundreds fill the cemetery and funeral procession route to pay their respects to Private White's memory and his service to the United States.
*************************
TOGETHER WE SERVED WEBSITE
Service Details
Last Rank: Private 1st Class
Years of Service: 1942 – 1943
Service Status: USMC Active
Primary Unit: A Co, 1st Bn, 6th Marine Regiment (1/6)
Last MOS Group: WWI & WWII SSN/MOS
Last Primary MOS: 746-Automatic Rifleman (BAR)
Previously Held MOS(s): 521-Basic Marine, Enlisted, 0311-Rifleman
Casualty Details
Casualty Date: Nov 22, 1943
Conflict: World War II
Location: Kiribati
Cause: KIA-Killed in Action
Reason: Unknown, Not Reported
Year of Birth: 1924
Home State: Kansas
Home Town: Emporia
Place of Interment: Courts of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial - Honolulu, Hawaii
Plot or Wall Location: Remains unrecovered
Medals and Awards
Rifle Sharpshooter (Pre-1959); USMC Basic Qualification Badge; Navy Presidential Unit Citation
Official Badges
French Fourragere
Enlisted / Officer Basic Training/b
1942, Boot Camp (San Diego, CA)
Unit Assignments
1942–1942, 521, 1st Recruit Training Bn , 1st Recruit Battalion, Recruit Depot, MCB, San Diego
1942–1942, 746, Infantry Training Center Camp Elliott, San Diego, CA
1942–1943, 0311, A Co, 1st Bn, 6th Marine Regiment (1/6), Tarawa Atoll
Combat and Non-Combat Operations
1942–1943, Guadalcanal Campaign (1942-43)
1943–1943, Battle of Tarawa
Additional Information
Last Known Activity
Killed in Action, 22 Nov 1943, during operations against Imperial Japanese Forces on Betio Islet, Tarawa Atoll, British Gilbert Islands. His remains were initially interred in the Eastern Division Cemetery, Row D, Grave 26. During the US Army Air Corps occupations many graves were moved or built over and their exact locations have not been re-discovered.
Comments/Citation
Silver Star
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Glenn Franklin White (MCSN: 371100), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as automatic rifleman serving with the First Battalion, Sixth Marines, SECOND Marine Division in combat against enemy Japanese forces on Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands on the night of November 22, 1943. While acting as part of the screening force covering the organization of the battalion's main line of resistance, Private First Class White with other members of his squad became isolated forward of the lines. Mortally wounded during the engagement and suffering intensely he steadfastly continued to man his weapon until he succumbed to his injuries. Private First Class White's extreme courage and unswerving devotion to duty contributed to the defeat of the enemy in this sector and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Action Date: November 22, 1943
WHITE, Glenn F, PFC 521/746 (Automatic Rifleman) SN: 371100
Born: 27 Jul 1924 Emporia, Kansas
Enlisted: 10 Feb 1942
Died: 22 Nov 1943 (KIA, Betio, Tarawa Atoll, British Gilbert Islands)
Interred: Initially interred in the Eastern Division Cemetery, Row D, Grave 26 on Betio. His remains were moved or built over by the US Army Air Corps and remain unrecovered. His name is inscribed on the Tablets of the Missing of the Honolulu Memorial, located at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Honolulu, HI.
1st Recruit Battalion, Recruit Depot, MCB, San Diego, CA
Feb 1942 Pvt (Recruit) 1st Recruit Bn, RD, MCB, San Diego, CA "10Feb42; 12, jd fr CRD, New Orleans, LA."
Apr 1942 Pvt (Recruit) 1st Recruit Bn, RD, MCB, San Diego, CA" 4,to 1stBn, 6thMar, 2ndMarDiv, FMF, Post"
A Co, 1st Bn, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, FMF, Camp Elliott, San Diego, CA
Apr 1942 Pvt, A Co, 1stBn, 6thMar, 2ndMarDiv, FMF, Camp Elliott, San Diego, CA"4, Jd fr RDep, MCB, San Diego,CA"
Jul 1942 Pvt, A Co, 1stBn, 6thMar, 2ndMarDiv, FMF, Camp Elliott, San Diego, CA "7-13, trained at Camp C.J. Miller, Del Mar, Calif.."
A Co, 1st Bn, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, FMF, In the Field
Oct 1942 Pvt, A Co, 1stBn, 6thMar, 2ndMarDiv, FMF, At Sea (Wellington, New Zealand)
Jan 1943 Pvt, A Co, 1stBn, 6thMar, 2ndMarDiv, FMF, In the Field (Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands)
Apr 1943 PFC, A Co, 1stBn, 6thMar, 2ndMarDiv, FMF, In the Field (Wellington, New Zealand) "1, pro to PFC(temp)"
Jul 1943 PFC, A Co, 1stBn, 6thMar, 2ndMarDiv, FMF, In the Field (Wellington, New Zealand) "23-30, sk C-2-MedBn"
Oct 1943 PFC, A Co, 1stBn, 6thMar, 2ndMarDiv, FMF, In the Field (Wellington, New Zealand) "5-10, on board USS ORMSBY for amphibious training; 23, emb on board USS FELAND, 23-31, on board USS FELAND at Wellington, N.Z."
Nov 1943 PFC, A Co, 1stBn, 6thMar, 2ndMarDiv, FMF, In the Field (Tarawa, Gilbert Islands) "22, KIA"
Based on this service record, I believe that we can confidently state that he rates the following awards for WWII:
Silver Star Medal
Purple Heart Medal
Combat Action Ribbon
Navy Presidential Unit Citation w/ 1 Star
Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal
American Campaign Medal
Asiatic/Pacific Campaign Medal w/ 2 Stars
World War II Victory Medal
************************
THE EMPORIA GAZETTE, EMPORIA, KANSAS, FRIDAY EVENING, DECEMBER 24, 1943, FRONT PAGE
TWO EMPORIA MARINES REPORTED KILLED IN ACTION
Two Emporia United States Marines have been killed in action in the South Pacific area, according to telegrams received Thursday by the mothers of the men. The Marines were Pfc. Glenn Franklin White, son of Mrs. Sam Hildebrand, 101 South Rural and Pfc. Floyd E. Campbell, son of Mrs. Veda Campbell, 718 Cottonwood. Details of the Emporians' deaths were not given in the brief telegrams.
Floyd Campbell, who attended the Emporia Senior High school, enlisted in the Marines in December 1941. Before entering the service he was employed at the Patterson-DeBauge Produce company.
He is survived by his mother; two brothers, Pfc. Charles Raymond Campbell, of the Marines, stationed in Hawaii, and Glenn Campbell, of Kansas City, and five sisters, Thelma and Marie Campbell, of the home; Miss Betty Campbell, of Salina; Miss Gladys Campbell of St. Joseph, Mo., and Mrs. Gene V. Lloyd, who lives in Louisiana.
The last letter received here concerning Private Campbell, relatives report, was from one of his pals, wounded in action and returned to the United States. He wrote that Private Campbell had been sent to the Gilbert Islands.
Pfc. GLENN FRANKLIN WHITE was born July 27, 1924, in Emporia. He attended the Emporia schools and quit school to join the United States Marine corps February 10, 1942.
He is survived by his mother, and stepfather, Sam Hildebrand, and a cousin, Donald LeRoy Stair, all of the home; one brother, Lewis E. White, 125 Sylvan; one sister, Mrs. Fred C. Krueger, route 1 Emporia; and his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. J. W. White, 712 East. Private White's father died February 4, 1926.
************************
THE EMPORIA GAZETTE, EMPORIA, KANSAS, THURSDAY, JULY 13, 1944, PAGE SIX
Pfc. Glenn F. White, U.S. Marine Corps, has been posthumously awarded the Silver Star, with citation by the President of the United States "for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in combat against enemy Japanese forces on Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands, November 22, 1943." The award was received recently by his mother, Mrs. Sam Hildebrand, 101 South Rural.
************************
Submitted by Eric Ackerman
Note: Entered the service from Missouri.
************************
Silver Star
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Glenn Franklin White (MCSN: 371100), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as automatic rifleman serving with the First Battalion, Sixth Marines, SECOND Marine Division in combat against enemy Japanese forces on Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands on the night of November 22, 1943. While acting as part of the screening force covering the organization of the battalion's main line of resistance, Private First Class White with other members of his squad became isolated forward of the lines. Mortally wounded during the engagement and suffering intensely he steadfastly continued to man his weapon until he succumbed to his injuries. Private First Class White's extreme courage and unswerving devotion to duty contributed to the defeat of the enemy in this sector and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Contributor: Sgt. Bellis - USMC (48526889)
************************
*** IDENTIFIED ***
DPAA Releases
PRESS RELEASE | July 7, 2021
Marine Accounted For From World War II (White, G.)
WASHINGTON – The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that Marine Corps Pfc. Glenn F. White, 19, killed during World War II, was accounted for on June 7, 2021.
In November 1943, White was a member of Company A, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force, which landed against stiff Japanese resistance on the small island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll of the Gilbert Islands, in an attempt to secure the island. Over several days of intense fighting at Tarawa, approximately 1,000 Marines and Sailors were killed and more than 2,000 were wounded, while the Japanese were virtually annihilated. White died on the third day of battle, Nov. 22, 1943. He was reported to have been buried in Row D of the East Division Cemetery, later renamed Cemetery 33.
DPAA is grateful to the Republic of Kiribati and appreciative to History Flight, Inc., for their partnership in this mission.
For additional information on the Defense Department's mission to account for Americans who went missing while serving our country, visit the DPAA website at www.dpaa.mil, find us on social media at www.facebook.com/dodpaa or https://www.linkedin.com/company/defense-pow-mia-accounting-agency.
White's personnel profile can be viewed at https://dpaa-mil.sites.crmforce.mil/dpaaProfile?id=a0Jt0000000XjurEAC.
From Contributor 48612389
************************
Remains of Kansas Marine killed during World War II identified
The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced that Marine Corps Pfc. Glenn F. White,...
The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced that Marine Corps Pfc. Glenn F. White, 19, of Emporia, Kansas, killed during World War II, was accounted for on June 7, 2021.(Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency)
By KWCH Staff
Published: Jul. 30, 2021 at 7:52 PM CDT
EMPORIA, Kan. (KWCH) - The remains of a Kansas Marine killed during World War II have been identified.
The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) said Marine Corps Pfc. Glenn F. White, 19, of Emporia, Kansas, was accounted for on June 7, 2021.
In November 1943, White was a member of Company A, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force, which landed against stiff Japanese resistance on the small island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll of the Gilbert Islands, in an attempt to secure the island. Over several days of fighting at Tarawa, approximately 1,000 Marines and Sailors were killed and more than 2,000 were wounded, while the Japanese were virtually annihilated.
White died on the third day of battle, Nov. 22, 1943. He was reported to have been buried in Row D of the East Division Cemetery, later renamed Cemetery 33.
In 1946, the 604th Quartermaster Graves Registration Company centralized all of the American remains found on Tarawa at Lone Palm Cemetery for later repatriation. However, almost half of the known casualties were never found. No recovered remains could be associated with White, and, in October 1949, a Board of Review declared him "non-recoverable."
In 2009, History Flight, Inc., a nonprofit organization, discovered a burial site on Betio Island believed to be Cemetery 33, which has been the site of numerous excavations ever since. In March 2019, excavations west of Cemetery 33 revealed a previously undiscovered burial site that has since been identified as Row D. The remains recovered at this site were transferred to the DPAA Laboratory at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii.
To identify White's remains, scientists from DPAA used dental and anthropological analysis, as well as circumstantial and material evidence. Additionally, scientists from the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System used mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and Y chromosome DNA (Y-STR) analysis.
White's name is recorded on the Courts of the Missing at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific along with the others still missing from World War II. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.
White will be buried in his hometown. The date is yet to be determined.
From Contributor 49312663
************************
GLENN FRANKLIN WHITE
July 27, 1924 - November 22, 1943
U.S. Veteran
ROBERTS-BLUE-BARNETT FUNERAL HOME / EMPORIA, KANSAS
OBITUARY SEPTEMBER 9, 2021
PFC GLENN FRANKLIN WHITE
PFC Glenn Franklin White, United States Marine Corps, 19, of Emporia, Kansas was killed in action on November 22, 1943 during the invasion of Betio Island, Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands during World War II.
Glenn Franklin White was born July 27, 1924 in Emporia, the son of Jesse "Frank" and Eva (Rector) White. He was raised in Emporia with his brother Lewis White, sister Delia Krueger and a cousin Don Stair who was raised with him as a brother. After joining the United States Marine Corps in February of 1942, he was assigned to A Company, First Battalion, Sixth Marine Regiment, Second Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force. Glenn was awarded the Silver Star Medal posthumously for his gallantry during action on November 22, 1943.
Glenn is survived by a brother Don Stair of Emporia, nephew Frank A. White of Emporia, niece Pat O'Brien of Iola, Kansas, nephew Richard Krueger of Arkansas City, Kansas, Nephew Jerry White of Kansas City, Missouri and many great nieces and nephews.
Repatriation of PFC Glenn F. White will be at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, September 18, 2021 at Memorial Lawn Cemetery in Emporia, with Military Honors presented by US Marine Corps. PFC White will be honored at the Kansas City International Airport as he arrives 12:16 P.M. Friday, September 17, 2021, afterwards he will then be escorted to Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home in Emporia. Emporia Police and Patriot Guard will escort PFC White to Memorial Lawn at 10:30 A.M. Saturday.
For more information on PFC White please go to
Finding Glenn White: An Emporia Marine returns home after 78 years | Gaz | emporiagazette.com
Emporia Marine killed in WWII identified | Free | emporiagazette.com
https://kvoe.com/2021/09/09/repatriation-plans-announced-for-emporia-soldier-silver-star-medal-winner-glenn-white/
************************
Friends, family and a thankful community attend burial of Marine Corps Private First Class Glenn White Saturday
Emporia, KS, USA / KVOE
Tagan Trahoon
Sep 18, 2021 | 11:47 AM
Friends, family and a thankful community attend burial of Marine Corps Private First Class Glenn White Saturday
Nearly 80 years after his death in service to the United States, Marine Corps Private Glenn White has now reached his final resting place.
White was laid to rest Saturday morning at Memorial Lawn Cemetery in Emporia after two days worth of ceremonies and special honors as part of repatriation efforts. White served in World War II as a member of Company A, First Battalion, Sixth Marine Regiment, Second Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force, that landed in the Gilbert Islands in November 1943 and encountered intense resistance from the Japanese.
He was among 1,000 Marines and Navy sailors who were killed on the island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll in November of 1943. His remains were found by the non-profit organization History Flight after they uncovered a burial site believed to be Cemetery 33 — where White was initially listed as buried — back in 2009.
History Flight and the Department of Defense's Prisoners of War and Missing in Action Accounting Agency identified White's remains using dental and anthropological analysis, circumstantial and material evidence, mitochondrial DNA and Y chromosome DNA analysis.
White's first cousin Don Stair, who grew up as a sibling to White, says the information they received tells them that White fought until the very end of his life. Stair says it was not surprising to hear this as that was the kind of person he was.
White's oldest nephew Frank White says he is thankful for the community support the family has received since his uncle's remains were found. He only wishes some other members of their family were still here to see him come home.
Lynette Stair, White's great-niece, recalls memories of her great-grandmother from her childhood that demonstrated her unwavering love and adoration of her Glenn's memory.
The United States Marine Corps Repatriation Program is "the liaison between the Marine Corps, US Government and the next of kin of all Marines unaccounted for from previous conflicts." When an unaccounted-for Marine is recovered and identified the Marine Corps Casualty Repatriation Section is notified and helps to coordinate the presentation and delivery of information to the Marine's primary next of kin.
The day's ceremony saw hundreds fill the cemetery and funeral procession route to pay their respects to Private White's memory and his service to the United States.
*************************
TOGETHER WE SERVED WEBSITE
Service Details
Last Rank: Private 1st Class
Years of Service: 1942 – 1943
Service Status: USMC Active
Primary Unit: A Co, 1st Bn, 6th Marine Regiment (1/6)
Last MOS Group: WWI & WWII SSN/MOS
Last Primary MOS: 746-Automatic Rifleman (BAR)
Previously Held MOS(s): 521-Basic Marine, Enlisted, 0311-Rifleman
Casualty Details
Casualty Date: Nov 22, 1943
Conflict: World War II
Location: Kiribati
Cause: KIA-Killed in Action
Reason: Unknown, Not Reported
Year of Birth: 1924
Home State: Kansas
Home Town: Emporia
Place of Interment: Courts of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial - Honolulu, Hawaii
Plot or Wall Location: Remains unrecovered
Medals and Awards
Rifle Sharpshooter (Pre-1959); USMC Basic Qualification Badge; Navy Presidential Unit Citation
Official Badges
French Fourragere
Enlisted / Officer Basic Training/b
1942, Boot Camp (San Diego, CA)
Unit Assignments
1942–1942, 521, 1st Recruit Training Bn , 1st Recruit Battalion, Recruit Depot, MCB, San Diego
1942–1942, 746, Infantry Training Center Camp Elliott, San Diego, CA
1942–1943, 0311, A Co, 1st Bn, 6th Marine Regiment (1/6), Tarawa Atoll
Combat and Non-Combat Operations
1942–1943, Guadalcanal Campaign (1942-43)
1943–1943, Battle of Tarawa
Additional Information
Last Known Activity
Killed in Action, 22 Nov 1943, during operations against Imperial Japanese Forces on Betio Islet, Tarawa Atoll, British Gilbert Islands. His remains were initially interred in the Eastern Division Cemetery, Row D, Grave 26. During the US Army Air Corps occupations many graves were moved or built over and their exact locations have not been re-discovered.
Comments/Citation
Silver Star
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Glenn Franklin White (MCSN: 371100), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as automatic rifleman serving with the First Battalion, Sixth Marines, SECOND Marine Division in combat against enemy Japanese forces on Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands on the night of November 22, 1943. While acting as part of the screening force covering the organization of the battalion's main line of resistance, Private First Class White with other members of his squad became isolated forward of the lines. Mortally wounded during the engagement and suffering intensely he steadfastly continued to man his weapon until he succumbed to his injuries. Private First Class White's extreme courage and unswerving devotion to duty contributed to the defeat of the enemy in this sector and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Action Date: November 22, 1943
WHITE, Glenn F, PFC 521/746 (Automatic Rifleman) SN: 371100
Born: 27 Jul 1924 Emporia, Kansas
Enlisted: 10 Feb 1942
Died: 22 Nov 1943 (KIA, Betio, Tarawa Atoll, British Gilbert Islands)
Interred: Initially interred in the Eastern Division Cemetery, Row D, Grave 26 on Betio. His remains were moved or built over by the US Army Air Corps and remain unrecovered. His name is inscribed on the Tablets of the Missing of the Honolulu Memorial, located at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Honolulu, HI.
1st Recruit Battalion, Recruit Depot, MCB, San Diego, CA
Feb 1942 Pvt (Recruit) 1st Recruit Bn, RD, MCB, San Diego, CA "10Feb42; 12, jd fr CRD, New Orleans, LA."
Apr 1942 Pvt (Recruit) 1st Recruit Bn, RD, MCB, San Diego, CA" 4,to 1stBn, 6thMar, 2ndMarDiv, FMF, Post"
A Co, 1st Bn, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, FMF, Camp Elliott, San Diego, CA
Apr 1942 Pvt, A Co, 1stBn, 6thMar, 2ndMarDiv, FMF, Camp Elliott, San Diego, CA"4, Jd fr RDep, MCB, San Diego,CA"
Jul 1942 Pvt, A Co, 1stBn, 6thMar, 2ndMarDiv, FMF, Camp Elliott, San Diego, CA "7-13, trained at Camp C.J. Miller, Del Mar, Calif.."
A Co, 1st Bn, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, FMF, In the Field
Oct 1942 Pvt, A Co, 1stBn, 6thMar, 2ndMarDiv, FMF, At Sea (Wellington, New Zealand)
Jan 1943 Pvt, A Co, 1stBn, 6thMar, 2ndMarDiv, FMF, In the Field (Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands)
Apr 1943 PFC, A Co, 1stBn, 6thMar, 2ndMarDiv, FMF, In the Field (Wellington, New Zealand) "1, pro to PFC(temp)"
Jul 1943 PFC, A Co, 1stBn, 6thMar, 2ndMarDiv, FMF, In the Field (Wellington, New Zealand) "23-30, sk C-2-MedBn"
Oct 1943 PFC, A Co, 1stBn, 6thMar, 2ndMarDiv, FMF, In the Field (Wellington, New Zealand) "5-10, on board USS ORMSBY for amphibious training; 23, emb on board USS FELAND, 23-31, on board USS FELAND at Wellington, N.Z."
Nov 1943 PFC, A Co, 1stBn, 6thMar, 2ndMarDiv, FMF, In the Field (Tarawa, Gilbert Islands) "22, KIA"
Based on this service record, I believe that we can confidently state that he rates the following awards for WWII:
Silver Star Medal
Purple Heart Medal
Combat Action Ribbon
Navy Presidential Unit Citation w/ 1 Star
Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal
American Campaign Medal
Asiatic/Pacific Campaign Medal w/ 2 Stars
World War II Victory Medal
Inscription
KANSAS
PFC CO A 1 BN 2 MAR DIV
WORLD WAR II
Gravesite Details
MIA
Family Members
Other Records
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