World War II Honoree

Merle Roy Barrows

Branch of Service

U.S. Marine Corps

Hometown

Waterloo, Iowa

Honored By

Orville L. Kline

Rank: Corporal. Inducted into the United States Marine Corps May 13, 1941 and received his Basic Combat Infantry Training at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, California. Served in the Pacific Theater and experienced combat as a Rifleman assigned to Easy Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine ‘the Silent Second’ Division. Participated in the Battle of Tarawa, which was fought on the Island of Betio located on the Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands, Code Name: Operation Galvanic. Saturday, November 20, 1943 he was killed in action on the first day of the invasion and buried in the Lone Palm Cemetery on Betio, Island. Previously, he was involved in combat operations on Tulagi Island and Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands campaign. After the cessation of hostilities with Japan, his remains were returned to his country and family, with interment in the Waterloo Memorial Park Cemetery, Waterloo, Iowa on November 17, 1947. This Marine, an American Patriot so gallantly gave his life for his country.