World War II Honoree

Arthell Freeman

Branch of Service

U.S. Marine Corps

Hometown

Asheville, North Carolina

Honored By

Orville L. Kline

Rank: Private First Class. On September 13, 1943, he entered the United States Marine Corps from North Carolina, receiving his Marine Combat Training at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, California. Served with Company-A as a Rifleman, 1st Battalion, 27th Marine Regiment, a subordinate unit of the 5th Marine ‘The Spearhead/Fighting Fifth’ Division in the Western Pacific Theater of Operations. His division participated in the amphibious assault against the Imperial Japanese Army and Naval forces on the Volcanic Island of Iwo Jima (Battle Dates: February 19-March 26, 1945) Code Name: Operation Detachment. He died Tuesday February 27, 1945 of wounds received on the battlefield and buried in the Fifth Marine Division cemetery on Iwo. After the cessation of hostilities with Japan, his family received his remains for burial, with interment at the Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery in Asheville, North Carolina. This Marine, an American Patriot, so gallantly gave his life for his country.