World War II Honoree
Killed in World War II
Raymond Elzy Winkler
Branch of Service
U.S. Marine Corps
Hometown
Ventura, California
Honored By
Orville L. Kline
Rank: Private 1st Class. He was inducted into the United States Marine Corps September 29, 1942 and received his Basic Combat Infantry Training at the Marine Corps Depot San Diego, California. Served in the Pacific Theater, where he experienced combat as a Rifleman assigned to India Company, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine 'The Silent Second' Division. He participated in the amphibious assault on Saipan (Invasions Dates: June 15-July 9, 1944) Mariana Islands Campaign. On Monday, July 3, 1944 he was killed in action and buried in the U.S. Army temporary battlefield cemetery on Saipan. After the cessation of hostilities with Japan, his remains were returned to his country and family, with interment in the Ivy Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery, Ventura, California. Decorations and Citations: Purple Heart, Marine Corps Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Presidential Unit Citation, American Campaign Medal, WWII Victory Medal and a Sharpshooter Badge. This American Patriot was awarded the Purple Heart, who so gallantly gave his life for his country.