World War II Honoree

Harry O. Grey

Branch of Service

U.S. Marine Corps

Hometown

Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Honored By

Orville L. Kline

Rank: Private. On November 10, 1942, he was inducted into the United States Marine Corps from Nebraska. His boot camp training took place with the Fifth Recruit Battalion, Training Regiment; Marine Corps Base in San Diego, California. After the completion of Boot Camp, he was selected to attend Tank Training, Fleet Marine Force Training Center Camp Elliott Marine Corps Base in California. Served as a Tank Crewman, with the Second Marine Division in the Central Pacific Theater of Operations, assigned to Charlie Company and Second Amphibious Tractor Battalion. His division participated in the amphibious assault against the Imperial Japanese forces in the Battle of Tarawa. The combat engagement took place on the Island of Betio, located on the Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands Code Name: Operation Galvanic. Killed in action Saturday, November 20, 1943 on the first day of the invasion, and buried in the Lone Palm battlefield cemetery, Betio Island. After the cessation of hostilities with Japan, the family of this Marine received his remains for burial. He was laid to rest at the Woodlawn Cemetery in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. This American Patriot was awarded the Purple Heart posthumously, for his ultimate sacrifice in defense of his country.