World War II Honoree

Henry O. Edwards

Branch of Service

U.S. Marine Corps

Hometown

De Ridder, Louisiana

Honored By

Orville L. Kline

Rank: Private 1st Class. He was inducted into the United States Marine Corps February 18, 1942 and received his Basic Combat Infantry Training at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California. Served in the Pacific Theater, where he experienced combat as a Rifleman assigned to Easy Company, 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine 'The Silent Second' Division. Participated in the amphibious assault on the Island of Betio, 'Battle of Tarawa' located on the Tarawa Atoll in the Gilbert Islands, Code Name: Operation Galvanic (Invasions Dates: November 20-November 23, 1943). On Saturday, November 27, 1943 he was killed in action during mop-up operations that had ended all organized resistances and buried in the Lone Palm Cemetery on Betio. After the cessation of hostilities with Japan, his remains were returned to his country and family with interment in the Whittaker Cemetery, De Ridder, Louisiana. Decorations and Citations: Purple Heart, Navy Presidential Unit Citation, Marine Combat Action Ribbon, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with two Battle Stars, WWII Victory Medal and a Marksman Rifle Badge. This American Patriot was awarded the Purple Heart, who so gallantly gave his life for his country.