Richard G. Keller
Service No: 33710705
Rank: Private First Class, U. S. Army
Unit: Mortarman, 4th Platoon, "D" Company, 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment
Entered Service From: Pennsylvania
Date of Death: 19 February 1945, killed in action near Wheeler Point, Corregidor Island, Philippines.
Buried: Manila American Cemetery – Plot L, Row 1, Grave 106
Awards: Purple Heart
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Only *child of Harry Fredrick Keller (1889 - 1936) and Olga Goetchius (1899 - 1965)
*he had a step-sister, Alwida, from his father's first marriage, which ended in divorce.
1930 United States Federal Census (05 April 1930): Warren (Ward 7), Warren County, Pennsylvania (sheet 1B, family 17, 117 Cayuga Avenue) – Richard G. Keller (4 8/12 Pennsylvania).
His parents were divorced by February 1934. His father died in 1936.
1940 United States Federal Census (08 April 1940): Warren (Ward 7), Warren County, Pennsylvania (sheet 3A, household 60, 117 Cayuga Avenue) – Richard G. Keller (14 Pennsylvania). He was living with his widowed mother, Olga G. Keller (40 Canada, secretary, Industrial Bank) and her widowed mother Dulcie W. Goetchius (73 Canada). His family had lived in the same house in 1935.
He was a member of Trinity Memorial Episcopal Church and served as crucifer and acolyte of the parish.
Richard graduated from Warren High School, Warren, Pennsylvania in 1943. He was a member of the gymnastics team. They won the State Gymnast Championship his sophomore and junior years. In his senior year "The activities of the Warren High School Gym Team were confined to local exhibitions because of the gasoline and the rubber shortage." "Indispensable to the gym team ... mischievous ... possesses radiant energy ... alert. Source: 1943 Warren High School yearbook "The Dragon", pages 24 and 101.
Richard Goetchius Keller (18, 21 July 1925, Warren, Pennsylvania), a resident of 117 Cayuga Ave., Warren, Warren County, Pennsylvania, signed up for his World War II Draft Registration Card (Serial No. W-158 Order No. 11742) on 21 July 1943 in Warren, Warren County, Pennsylvania. He was employed by the Warren Borough Fire Department (Central Station). Richard listed his mother, Mrs. Olga G. Keller, as the person who would always know his address. He was described as 5' 11" in height, 150 lbs., with a dark complexion, blue eyes and brown hair.
Richard G. Keller (1925 Pennsylvania) enlisted as a Private (S/N 3371070) in the U.S. Army in 1944. He was assigned to the 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment. Private Keller received his basic training as a Paratrooper at Fort Benning, Georgia where he won the right to wear the Wings and Boots of the United States Army Paratroops in September 1944. He had completed four weeks of jump training, during which he made five jumps from a plane in flight. He was sent to Fort Ord, California (October 1944) and then overseas to the South Pacific (November 1944). He met up with his unit in Noemfoor, Dutch New Guinea. From there they went to Leyte and Mindoro in the Philippines.
He was a mortarman with the 4th Platoon, "D" Company, 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment.
February 1945 – Corregidor, Philippines
On 16 February 1945, the 503rd Regimental Combat Team jumped on Corregidor ("the Rock") to liberate that island from occupying Japanese forces.
Three days later, Private First Class Richard G. Keller was killed in action during the Banzai charge in the early morning hours of 19 February by 900 men of the elite Special Naval Landing Forces (Japanese marines) under Lieutenant Endo at Wheeler Point, Corregidor.
"This small band fought at Wheeler Point, stopped frenzied attack after attack in wave after wave by Japanese marines trying to break through to the south. The defenders suffered terribly; 14 of them died that night and 15 were wounded." Source: https://corregidor.org/taps/htm/schwartz.htm
2s Bn S-2 MESSAGE LOG, HHQ JOURNAL, "D", "E" & "F" CO HISTORIES
18/19 Feb Cheney Road, Wheeler Point, D Co
D Company have been stretched out along the road towards Battery Cheney, unable to return to the main perimeter by nightfall.…In the morning's early hours, the Japanese attack in force directly through their positions, literally pinning a small group of Troopers backs to the sheer cliffs of Wheeler Point. Lt. Turinski and twelve men are KIA, and thirteen wounded, of which twelve are evacuated. "D" Co has received a serious mauling. Source: http://corregidor.org/bea503/portal/Portal%20-%2018%20Feb.htm
Richard was one of those killed in the Battle at Wheeler Point (also known as the Battle at Banzai Point), Corregidor. Go to https://corregidor.org/taps/htm/keller.htm to read more about the night Richard was killed.
Richard was hit in the "face, forehead and frontal region" by bullets. He was "not in medical installation prior to death."
Source: U.S. World War II Hospital Admission Card Files, 1945 – Richard G .Keller
He was first buried in USAF Cemetery, #1, Mariveles, Bataan by the 101st Quartermaster Graves Registration Company.
In a letter his mother received on 01 May 1945, from James P. Gifford, Jr., first lieutenant of Company D, 503rd Parachute Infantry, he wrote:
"I realize there is little I can say to ease your loss of your son. Please know that all in this company offer their heartfelt sympathy. We knew your son only a short time, but in the trying days of action a man can be well known by all in a few moments. Your son quickly won the confidence of all who fought by his side. He shall always be remembered as a courageous soldier who fought gallantly in the cause of liberty.
"He fell on the nineteenth of February on Corregidor Island, while his platoon was engaged in desperate defense against a superior number of Japanese. He was instantly killed by an enemy bullet while firing upon them.
"He now rests on Bataan, in the United States Army Forces Cemetery No. One at Mariveles, where he was buried with full military honors.
"If there is anything we may do to help, please call on us for we shall be more than happy to oblige.
Sincerely yours,
(Signed) James P. Gifford, Jr"
After the war his remains were brought to 7747 USAF Cemetery, Manila #2, Philippine Islands – Block 2, Row 9, Grave 1133 (D-D 7453). The deceased in Manila #2 (over 11,000 American soldiers) rested there until their removal to the American Graves Registration Service Manila Mausoleum in the summer of 1948. From there, according to the wishes of his next of kin (mother, Mrs. Olga G. Keller), Private First Class Richard Goetchius Keller was buried in his final resting place in the 7701 Ft. McKinley Cemetery (now known as the Manila American Cemetery) – Plot L, Row 1, Grave 106.
58 of the 171 paratroopers killed on Corregidor are buried in Manila Cemetery.
Service No: 33710705
Rank: Private First Class, U. S. Army
Unit: Mortarman, 4th Platoon, "D" Company, 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment
Entered Service From: Pennsylvania
Date of Death: 19 February 1945, killed in action near Wheeler Point, Corregidor Island, Philippines.
Buried: Manila American Cemetery – Plot L, Row 1, Grave 106
Awards: Purple Heart
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Only *child of Harry Fredrick Keller (1889 - 1936) and Olga Goetchius (1899 - 1965)
*he had a step-sister, Alwida, from his father's first marriage, which ended in divorce.
1930 United States Federal Census (05 April 1930): Warren (Ward 7), Warren County, Pennsylvania (sheet 1B, family 17, 117 Cayuga Avenue) – Richard G. Keller (4 8/12 Pennsylvania).
His parents were divorced by February 1934. His father died in 1936.
1940 United States Federal Census (08 April 1940): Warren (Ward 7), Warren County, Pennsylvania (sheet 3A, household 60, 117 Cayuga Avenue) – Richard G. Keller (14 Pennsylvania). He was living with his widowed mother, Olga G. Keller (40 Canada, secretary, Industrial Bank) and her widowed mother Dulcie W. Goetchius (73 Canada). His family had lived in the same house in 1935.
He was a member of Trinity Memorial Episcopal Church and served as crucifer and acolyte of the parish.
Richard graduated from Warren High School, Warren, Pennsylvania in 1943. He was a member of the gymnastics team. They won the State Gymnast Championship his sophomore and junior years. In his senior year "The activities of the Warren High School Gym Team were confined to local exhibitions because of the gasoline and the rubber shortage." "Indispensable to the gym team ... mischievous ... possesses radiant energy ... alert. Source: 1943 Warren High School yearbook "The Dragon", pages 24 and 101.
Richard Goetchius Keller (18, 21 July 1925, Warren, Pennsylvania), a resident of 117 Cayuga Ave., Warren, Warren County, Pennsylvania, signed up for his World War II Draft Registration Card (Serial No. W-158 Order No. 11742) on 21 July 1943 in Warren, Warren County, Pennsylvania. He was employed by the Warren Borough Fire Department (Central Station). Richard listed his mother, Mrs. Olga G. Keller, as the person who would always know his address. He was described as 5' 11" in height, 150 lbs., with a dark complexion, blue eyes and brown hair.
Richard G. Keller (1925 Pennsylvania) enlisted as a Private (S/N 3371070) in the U.S. Army in 1944. He was assigned to the 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment. Private Keller received his basic training as a Paratrooper at Fort Benning, Georgia where he won the right to wear the Wings and Boots of the United States Army Paratroops in September 1944. He had completed four weeks of jump training, during which he made five jumps from a plane in flight. He was sent to Fort Ord, California (October 1944) and then overseas to the South Pacific (November 1944). He met up with his unit in Noemfoor, Dutch New Guinea. From there they went to Leyte and Mindoro in the Philippines.
He was a mortarman with the 4th Platoon, "D" Company, 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment.
February 1945 – Corregidor, Philippines
On 16 February 1945, the 503rd Regimental Combat Team jumped on Corregidor ("the Rock") to liberate that island from occupying Japanese forces.
Three days later, Private First Class Richard G. Keller was killed in action during the Banzai charge in the early morning hours of 19 February by 900 men of the elite Special Naval Landing Forces (Japanese marines) under Lieutenant Endo at Wheeler Point, Corregidor.
"This small band fought at Wheeler Point, stopped frenzied attack after attack in wave after wave by Japanese marines trying to break through to the south. The defenders suffered terribly; 14 of them died that night and 15 were wounded." Source: https://corregidor.org/taps/htm/schwartz.htm
2s Bn S-2 MESSAGE LOG, HHQ JOURNAL, "D", "E" & "F" CO HISTORIES
18/19 Feb Cheney Road, Wheeler Point, D Co
D Company have been stretched out along the road towards Battery Cheney, unable to return to the main perimeter by nightfall.…In the morning's early hours, the Japanese attack in force directly through their positions, literally pinning a small group of Troopers backs to the sheer cliffs of Wheeler Point. Lt. Turinski and twelve men are KIA, and thirteen wounded, of which twelve are evacuated. "D" Co has received a serious mauling. Source: http://corregidor.org/bea503/portal/Portal%20-%2018%20Feb.htm
Richard was one of those killed in the Battle at Wheeler Point (also known as the Battle at Banzai Point), Corregidor. Go to https://corregidor.org/taps/htm/keller.htm to read more about the night Richard was killed.
Richard was hit in the "face, forehead and frontal region" by bullets. He was "not in medical installation prior to death."
Source: U.S. World War II Hospital Admission Card Files, 1945 – Richard G .Keller
He was first buried in USAF Cemetery, #1, Mariveles, Bataan by the 101st Quartermaster Graves Registration Company.
In a letter his mother received on 01 May 1945, from James P. Gifford, Jr., first lieutenant of Company D, 503rd Parachute Infantry, he wrote:
"I realize there is little I can say to ease your loss of your son. Please know that all in this company offer their heartfelt sympathy. We knew your son only a short time, but in the trying days of action a man can be well known by all in a few moments. Your son quickly won the confidence of all who fought by his side. He shall always be remembered as a courageous soldier who fought gallantly in the cause of liberty.
"He fell on the nineteenth of February on Corregidor Island, while his platoon was engaged in desperate defense against a superior number of Japanese. He was instantly killed by an enemy bullet while firing upon them.
"He now rests on Bataan, in the United States Army Forces Cemetery No. One at Mariveles, where he was buried with full military honors.
"If there is anything we may do to help, please call on us for we shall be more than happy to oblige.
Sincerely yours,
(Signed) James P. Gifford, Jr"
After the war his remains were brought to 7747 USAF Cemetery, Manila #2, Philippine Islands – Block 2, Row 9, Grave 1133 (D-D 7453). The deceased in Manila #2 (over 11,000 American soldiers) rested there until their removal to the American Graves Registration Service Manila Mausoleum in the summer of 1948. From there, according to the wishes of his next of kin (mother, Mrs. Olga G. Keller), Private First Class Richard Goetchius Keller was buried in his final resting place in the 7701 Ft. McKinley Cemetery (now known as the Manila American Cemetery) – Plot L, Row 1, Grave 106.
58 of the 171 paratroopers killed on Corregidor are buried in Manila Cemetery.
Richard G. Keller
Service No: 33710705
Rank: Private First Class, U. S. Army
Unit: Mortarman, 4th Platoon, "D" Company, 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment
Entered Service From: Pennsylvania
Date of Death: 19 February 1945, killed in action near Wheeler Point, Corregidor Island, Philippines.
Buried: Manila American Cemetery – Plot L, Row 1, Grave 106
Awards: Purple Heart
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Only *child of Harry Fredrick Keller (1889 - 1936) and Olga Goetchius (1899 - 1965)
*he had a step-sister, Alwida, from his father's first marriage, which ended in divorce.
1930 United States Federal Census (05 April 1930): Warren (Ward 7), Warren County, Pennsylvania (sheet 1B, family 17, 117 Cayuga Avenue) – Richard G. Keller (4 8/12 Pennsylvania).
His parents were divorced by February 1934. His father died in 1936.
1940 United States Federal Census (08 April 1940): Warren (Ward 7), Warren County, Pennsylvania (sheet 3A, household 60, 117 Cayuga Avenue) – Richard G. Keller (14 Pennsylvania). He was living with his widowed mother, Olga G. Keller (40 Canada, secretary, Industrial Bank) and her widowed mother Dulcie W. Goetchius (73 Canada). His family had lived in the same house in 1935.
He was a member of Trinity Memorial Episcopal Church and served as crucifer and acolyte of the parish.
Richard graduated from Warren High School, Warren, Pennsylvania in 1943. He was a member of the gymnastics team. They won the State Gymnast Championship his sophomore and junior years. In his senior year "The activities of the Warren High School Gym Team were confined to local exhibitions because of the gasoline and the rubber shortage." "Indispensable to the gym team ... mischievous ... possesses radiant energy ... alert. Source: 1943 Warren High School yearbook "The Dragon", pages 24 and 101.
Richard Goetchius Keller (18, 21 July 1925, Warren, Pennsylvania), a resident of 117 Cayuga Ave., Warren, Warren County, Pennsylvania, signed up for his World War II Draft Registration Card (Serial No. W-158 Order No. 11742) on 21 July 1943 in Warren, Warren County, Pennsylvania. He was employed by the Warren Borough Fire Department (Central Station). Richard listed his mother, Mrs. Olga G. Keller, as the person who would always know his address. He was described as 5' 11" in height, 150 lbs., with a dark complexion, blue eyes and brown hair.
Richard G. Keller (1925 Pennsylvania) enlisted as a Private (S/N 3371070) in the U.S. Army in 1944. He was assigned to the 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment. Private Keller received his basic training as a Paratrooper at Fort Benning, Georgia where he won the right to wear the Wings and Boots of the United States Army Paratroops in September 1944. He had completed four weeks of jump training, during which he made five jumps from a plane in flight. He was sent to Fort Ord, California (October 1944) and then overseas to the South Pacific (November 1944). He met up with his unit in Noemfoor, Dutch New Guinea. From there they went to Leyte and Mindoro in the Philippines.
He was a mortarman with the 4th Platoon, "D" Company, 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment.
February 1945 – Corregidor, Philippines
On 16 February 1945, the 503rd Regimental Combat Team jumped on Corregidor ("the Rock") to liberate that island from occupying Japanese forces.
Three days later, Private First Class Richard G. Keller was killed in action during the Banzai charge in the early morning hours of 19 February by 900 men of the elite Special Naval Landing Forces (Japanese marines) under Lieutenant Endo at Wheeler Point, Corregidor.
"This small band fought at Wheeler Point, stopped frenzied attack after attack in wave after wave by Japanese marines trying to break through to the south. The defenders suffered terribly; 14 of them died that night and 15 were wounded." Source: https://corregidor.org/taps/htm/schwartz.htm
2s Bn S-2 MESSAGE LOG, HHQ JOURNAL, "D", "E" & "F" CO HISTORIES
18/19 Feb Cheney Road, Wheeler Point, D Co
D Company have been stretched out along the road towards Battery Cheney, unable to return to the main perimeter by nightfall.…In the morning's early hours, the Japanese attack in force directly through their positions, literally pinning a small group of Troopers backs to the sheer cliffs of Wheeler Point. Lt. Turinski and twelve men are KIA, and thirteen wounded, of which twelve are evacuated. "D" Co has received a serious mauling. Source: http://corregidor.org/bea503/portal/Portal%20-%2018%20Feb.htm
Richard was one of those killed in the Battle at Wheeler Point (also known as the Battle at Banzai Point), Corregidor. Go to https://corregidor.org/taps/htm/keller.htm to read more about the night Richard was killed.
Richard was hit in the "face, forehead and frontal region" by bullets. He was "not in medical installation prior to death."
Source: U.S. World War II Hospital Admission Card Files, 1945 – Richard G .Keller
He was first buried in USAF Cemetery, #1, Mariveles, Bataan by the 101st Quartermaster Graves Registration Company.
In a letter his mother received on 01 May 1945, from James P. Gifford, Jr., first lieutenant of Company D, 503rd Parachute Infantry, he wrote:
"I realize there is little I can say to ease your loss of your son. Please know that all in this company offer their heartfelt sympathy. We knew your son only a short time, but in the trying days of action a man can be well known by all in a few moments. Your son quickly won the confidence of all who fought by his side. He shall always be remembered as a courageous soldier who fought gallantly in the cause of liberty.
"He fell on the nineteenth of February on Corregidor Island, while his platoon was engaged in desperate defense against a superior number of Japanese. He was instantly killed by an enemy bullet while firing upon them.
"He now rests on Bataan, in the United States Army Forces Cemetery No. One at Mariveles, where he was buried with full military honors.
"If there is anything we may do to help, please call on us for we shall be more than happy to oblige.
Sincerely yours,
(Signed) James P. Gifford, Jr"
After the war his remains were brought to 7747 USAF Cemetery, Manila #2, Philippine Islands – Block 2, Row 9, Grave 1133 (D-D 7453). The deceased in Manila #2 (over 11,000 American soldiers) rested there until their removal to the American Graves Registration Service Manila Mausoleum in the summer of 1948. From there, according to the wishes of his next of kin (mother, Mrs. Olga G. Keller), Private First Class Richard Goetchius Keller was buried in his final resting place in the 7701 Ft. McKinley Cemetery (now known as the Manila American Cemetery) – Plot L, Row 1, Grave 106.
58 of the 171 paratroopers killed on Corregidor are buried in Manila Cemetery.
Service No: 33710705
Rank: Private First Class, U. S. Army
Unit: Mortarman, 4th Platoon, "D" Company, 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment
Entered Service From: Pennsylvania
Date of Death: 19 February 1945, killed in action near Wheeler Point, Corregidor Island, Philippines.
Buried: Manila American Cemetery – Plot L, Row 1, Grave 106
Awards: Purple Heart
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Only *child of Harry Fredrick Keller (1889 - 1936) and Olga Goetchius (1899 - 1965)
*he had a step-sister, Alwida, from his father's first marriage, which ended in divorce.
1930 United States Federal Census (05 April 1930): Warren (Ward 7), Warren County, Pennsylvania (sheet 1B, family 17, 117 Cayuga Avenue) – Richard G. Keller (4 8/12 Pennsylvania).
His parents were divorced by February 1934. His father died in 1936.
1940 United States Federal Census (08 April 1940): Warren (Ward 7), Warren County, Pennsylvania (sheet 3A, household 60, 117 Cayuga Avenue) – Richard G. Keller (14 Pennsylvania). He was living with his widowed mother, Olga G. Keller (40 Canada, secretary, Industrial Bank) and her widowed mother Dulcie W. Goetchius (73 Canada). His family had lived in the same house in 1935.
He was a member of Trinity Memorial Episcopal Church and served as crucifer and acolyte of the parish.
Richard graduated from Warren High School, Warren, Pennsylvania in 1943. He was a member of the gymnastics team. They won the State Gymnast Championship his sophomore and junior years. In his senior year "The activities of the Warren High School Gym Team were confined to local exhibitions because of the gasoline and the rubber shortage." "Indispensable to the gym team ... mischievous ... possesses radiant energy ... alert. Source: 1943 Warren High School yearbook "The Dragon", pages 24 and 101.
Richard Goetchius Keller (18, 21 July 1925, Warren, Pennsylvania), a resident of 117 Cayuga Ave., Warren, Warren County, Pennsylvania, signed up for his World War II Draft Registration Card (Serial No. W-158 Order No. 11742) on 21 July 1943 in Warren, Warren County, Pennsylvania. He was employed by the Warren Borough Fire Department (Central Station). Richard listed his mother, Mrs. Olga G. Keller, as the person who would always know his address. He was described as 5' 11" in height, 150 lbs., with a dark complexion, blue eyes and brown hair.
Richard G. Keller (1925 Pennsylvania) enlisted as a Private (S/N 3371070) in the U.S. Army in 1944. He was assigned to the 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment. Private Keller received his basic training as a Paratrooper at Fort Benning, Georgia where he won the right to wear the Wings and Boots of the United States Army Paratroops in September 1944. He had completed four weeks of jump training, during which he made five jumps from a plane in flight. He was sent to Fort Ord, California (October 1944) and then overseas to the South Pacific (November 1944). He met up with his unit in Noemfoor, Dutch New Guinea. From there they went to Leyte and Mindoro in the Philippines.
He was a mortarman with the 4th Platoon, "D" Company, 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment.
February 1945 – Corregidor, Philippines
On 16 February 1945, the 503rd Regimental Combat Team jumped on Corregidor ("the Rock") to liberate that island from occupying Japanese forces.
Three days later, Private First Class Richard G. Keller was killed in action during the Banzai charge in the early morning hours of 19 February by 900 men of the elite Special Naval Landing Forces (Japanese marines) under Lieutenant Endo at Wheeler Point, Corregidor.
"This small band fought at Wheeler Point, stopped frenzied attack after attack in wave after wave by Japanese marines trying to break through to the south. The defenders suffered terribly; 14 of them died that night and 15 were wounded." Source: https://corregidor.org/taps/htm/schwartz.htm
2s Bn S-2 MESSAGE LOG, HHQ JOURNAL, "D", "E" & "F" CO HISTORIES
18/19 Feb Cheney Road, Wheeler Point, D Co
D Company have been stretched out along the road towards Battery Cheney, unable to return to the main perimeter by nightfall.…In the morning's early hours, the Japanese attack in force directly through their positions, literally pinning a small group of Troopers backs to the sheer cliffs of Wheeler Point. Lt. Turinski and twelve men are KIA, and thirteen wounded, of which twelve are evacuated. "D" Co has received a serious mauling. Source: http://corregidor.org/bea503/portal/Portal%20-%2018%20Feb.htm
Richard was one of those killed in the Battle at Wheeler Point (also known as the Battle at Banzai Point), Corregidor. Go to https://corregidor.org/taps/htm/keller.htm to read more about the night Richard was killed.
Richard was hit in the "face, forehead and frontal region" by bullets. He was "not in medical installation prior to death."
Source: U.S. World War II Hospital Admission Card Files, 1945 – Richard G .Keller
He was first buried in USAF Cemetery, #1, Mariveles, Bataan by the 101st Quartermaster Graves Registration Company.
In a letter his mother received on 01 May 1945, from James P. Gifford, Jr., first lieutenant of Company D, 503rd Parachute Infantry, he wrote:
"I realize there is little I can say to ease your loss of your son. Please know that all in this company offer their heartfelt sympathy. We knew your son only a short time, but in the trying days of action a man can be well known by all in a few moments. Your son quickly won the confidence of all who fought by his side. He shall always be remembered as a courageous soldier who fought gallantly in the cause of liberty.
"He fell on the nineteenth of February on Corregidor Island, while his platoon was engaged in desperate defense against a superior number of Japanese. He was instantly killed by an enemy bullet while firing upon them.
"He now rests on Bataan, in the United States Army Forces Cemetery No. One at Mariveles, where he was buried with full military honors.
"If there is anything we may do to help, please call on us for we shall be more than happy to oblige.
Sincerely yours,
(Signed) James P. Gifford, Jr"
After the war his remains were brought to 7747 USAF Cemetery, Manila #2, Philippine Islands – Block 2, Row 9, Grave 1133 (D-D 7453). The deceased in Manila #2 (over 11,000 American soldiers) rested there until their removal to the American Graves Registration Service Manila Mausoleum in the summer of 1948. From there, according to the wishes of his next of kin (mother, Mrs. Olga G. Keller), Private First Class Richard Goetchius Keller was buried in his final resting place in the 7701 Ft. McKinley Cemetery (now known as the Manila American Cemetery) – Plot L, Row 1, Grave 106.
58 of the 171 paratroopers killed on Corregidor are buried in Manila Cemetery.
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Entered the service from Pennsylvania.
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