CPL. Black Loses Life Near Naha

“Killed in action in the performance of his duty and the service of his country” was the telegraphic epitaph concerning their son, Cpl. Marion A. Black, received yesterday by Mr. and Mrs. Reed Black of Laporte.

The telegram, signed by Gen. Alexander A. Vandegrift, Marine corps commandant, said that Corporal Black was killed on Okinawa Island in Japan's Ryukyu group, on May 4. Battle reports of that day said that U.S. Tenth army forces were opening a major push against the strong Japanese defense lines guarding Naha, capitol of Okinawa, and meeting strong resistance from Japs in trenches, tunnels, caves and pillboxes.

In First Marines

Corporal Black was a member of the First Marine division, unit of the Tenth army. He entered the corps two years ago and went overseas in October of 1943. He served in the Cape Gloucester campaign in New Britain, on Peleliu Island in the Plaus, and on Okinawa. He was trained at Camp Elliot, near San Diego, Calif.

The young marine was born 22 years ago at Brashear, Mo., and came here from Missouri with his parents about five years ago. Besides his parents, he is survived by six sisters and three brothers.

Brother in Army

The brothers are Cpl. James E. Black, with an Army unit recently sent into the Pacific war zone; John Henry Black, 17, and Charles Pearl Black. The sisters are Mrs. Genevieve McCracken, Mary Lou, Wavalee, Josie Irene, Wanda Marie and Ina June Black.

A niece is Amanda Lee Black, daughter of Cpl. And Mrs. James Black, and a nephew, Charles Richard, son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles McCracken Jr. Mr. McCracken is a member of a Navy Seabee unit, also in the Pacific Zone.

(from the clipping collection of Barbara Kern Tuttle of Fort Collins.)