World War II Honoree
Killed in World War II
Morris E. Whitfield
Branch of Service
U.S. Marine Corps
Hometown
Carolina Beach, North Carolina
Honored By
Orville L. Kline
Rank: Private. He was a United States Marine, who experienced combat in the Pacific Theater with the 31st Replacement Draft, 5th Marine 'The Spearhead/Fighting Fifth' Division. On Monday, February 19, 1945 he participated in the amphibious assault on the Volcanic Island of Iwo Jima, Code Name: Operation Detachment. He was killed on the first day of the invasion and buried in the U.S. Fifth Marine Division temporary battlefield cemetery on Iwo. After the cessation of hostilities with Japan, his remains were returned to his country and family. He was laid to rest, with interment in the Forest Lawn Cemetery, Greensboro, North Carolina. Decoration and Citation: Purple Heart. This American Patriot was awarded the Purple Heart posthumously, who so gallantly gave his life for his country.