World War II Honoree

Homer Eugene Baumgartner

Branch of Service

U.S. Marine Corps

Hometown

Fort Wayne, Indiana

Honored By

Orville L. Kline

Rank: Private 1st Class. On July 3, 1942, he entered the United States Marine Corps from Indiana, receiving his Combat Infantry Training at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, California. Deployed to the Pacific Theater of Operations where he served as a Rifleman assigned to Easy Company, 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment a subordinate unit of the Second Marine ‘the Silent Second’ Division. His division participated in the amphibious assault against the Japanese Imperial Army forces on the Island of Saipan. Killed in Action Thursday, June 15, 1944 on the first day of the invasion and buried in the Second Marine Division Battlefield Cemetery on Saipan. After the cessation of hostilities with Japan, his family received his remains for burial, with interment at the Elm Grove Cemetery in Bluffton, Indiana. In remembrance of the Brave, his name is recorded on a Granite Plate located in the Court of Honor at the American Memorial on Saipan. This Marine, an American Patriot, so gallantly gave his life in the defense of his country.