World War II Honoree

Kenneth M. Champlin

Branch of Service

U.S. Marine Corps

Hometown

Newport, Rhode Island

Honored By

Esther, Bill, Jim, Cindy & Jacki

Relationship

Wife & Children

SERVED IN THE SOUTH PACIFIC WITH EDSONS RAIDERS, 1ST MARINE RAIDER BATTALION. LANDED ON TULAGI IN BRITISH SOLOMON ISLANDS, AUGUST 7, 1942 AND SECURED SAME. MADE PATROLS ON FLORIDA ISLAND, SANS ISLAND AND ABOUT SEPTEMBER 1ST WENT TO GUADALCANAL TO ASSIST 1ST MARINE DIVISION. PARTICIPATED IN BATTLE OF THE RIDGE TO SAVE HENDERSON FIELD, LATER CALLED EDSONS RIDGE. LANDED ON NEW GEORGIA ISLAND, BRITISH SOLOMON ISLANDS, JULY 1943. RAIDER BATTALION DISBANDED FEBRUARY 1944 AND REFORMED OLD 4TH REGIMENT. ABOUT APRIL 1944 LANDED ON EMERUA. LANDED ON JULY 21ST AT GUAM. WOUNDED IN ACTION ABOUT 3 AM JULY 22ND WHILE GOING UP MOUNT ALIFAN. EVACUATED TO NAVAL HOSPITAL NEW CALEDONIA MILITARY OPERATING BASE 5. RECEIVED THE PURPLE HEART ON GUAM, PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION, AMERICAN DEFENSE MEDAL, ASIATIC-PACIFIC CAMPAIGN RIBBON, WWII VICTORY MEDAL, COMBAT ACTION RIBBON.