World War II Honoree

Cleo Hamilton Elliott

Branch of Service

U.S. Marine Corps

Hometown

Canton, Texas

Honored By

Judy & Steve Sitton & Laura

Relationship

Daughter, Son-in-law & Granddaughter

CORPORAL. HE COMPLETED HIS BASIC MILITARY TRAINING AT THE MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT, SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA. SERVED AS A TANK MECHANIC, TRUCK DRIVER AND RIFLEMAN, ASSIGNED TO CHARLIE COMPANY, 3RD TANK BATTALION, 21ST MARINES, 3RD MARINE DIVISION IN THE SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS. PARTICIPATED IN THE GUAM CAMPAIGN AND THE ASSAULT ON IWO JIMA GOING ASHORE ON THE 2ND DAY OF THE INVASION. WHEN ALL HOSTILITIES HAD SEIZED WITH JAPANESE ARMED FORCES, HE THEN SERVED WITH THE OCCUPATION FORCES IN TIENTSIN, CHINA ASSIGNED TO THE 1ST SEPARATE ENGINEERS. DECORATIONS AND CITATIONS: COMBAT ACTION RIBBON, NAVY PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION, NAVY UNIT COMMENDATION WITH 1 BRONZE SERVICE STAR, MARINE CORPS GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL AND THE CHINA SERVICE MEDAL. AMERICAN CAMPAIGN MEDAL, ASIATIC-PACIFIC CAMPAIGN MEDAL WITH 1 BRONZE SERVICE STAR, WWII VICTORY MEDAL, NAVY OCCUPATION MEDAL AND THE M-1 EXPERT RIFLE MARKSMAN BADGE. HE ENTERED THE SERVICE ON APRIL 15, 1944 AND HONORABLY DISCHARGED JUNE 15, 1946 AT THE MARINE CORPS BASE, SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA.