World War II Honoree

Claude C. Winkler, Jr.

Branch of Service

U.S. Marine Corps

Hometown

Vincesses, Indiana

Honored By

Orville L. Kline

Rank: Corporal. Inducted into the United States Marine Corps July 15, 1942 and received his Basic Combat Infantry Training at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina. Served in the Pacific Theater as a War Correspondent and experienced combat with the Photographic Section, Headquarters Service Battalion, Third Amphibious Corps Pacific Fleet Marine Force. Participated in the amphibious assault on the Island of Guam, a United States territory in the Mariana Islands (Invasion Dates: July 21–August 10, 1944), Code Name: Operation Forager. Friday, July 28, 1944 he was killed in action and buried in a Marine Corps battlefield cemetery on Guam. After the cessation of hostilities with Japan, his remains were returned to his country and family, with interment in the Vincennes City Cemetery, Vincennes, Indiana. In memory, his name is inscribed on Panel Twelve of the Memorial Wall located at the Asan Bay Overlook, Guam. Decorations and Citations: Silver Star and the Purple Heart. The Silver Star was awarded to the Marine posthumously for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity during action against the Japanese Imperial forces on Guam. This American Patriot was also awarded the Purple Heart posthumously, who so gallantly gave his life for his country.