World War II Honoree

Paul Robert Winkle

Branch of Service

U.S. Marine Corps

Hometown

Santa Ana, California

Honored By

Orville L. Kline

Rank: Private. He was a United States Marine, who served in the Pacific Theater and experienced combat with the 1st Pioneer Battalion, 1st Marine ‘The Old Breed’ Division. Participated in the Battle of Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands(Invasion Dates: Easter Sunday, April 1-June 22, 1945) Code Name: Operation Iceberg. Tuesday, May 22, 1945 he was Killed in Action and buried in the First Marine Division temporary battlefield cemetery on Okinawa. The eighty day battle has been described as ‘The Typhoon of Steel’ and became the largest amphibious assault of World War II. After the cessation of hostilities with Japan, his remains were returned to his country and family, with interment in the Fairhaven Memorial Park Cemetery, Santa Ana, California. This Marine, an American Patriot, so gallantly gave his life for his country.