World War II Honoree
Killed in World War II
Edward John O'Rourke
Branch of Service
U.S. Marine Corps
Hometown
Hammond, Indiana
Honored By
Orville L. Kline
Rank: Private First Class. Served as a Rifleman with the First Marine ‘the Old Breed’ Division in the Northwest Pacific Theater of Operations, assigned to Charlie Company, First Battalion and First Marine Regiment. His division participated in the Battle of Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands against the Imperial Japanese and Naval forces (Battle Dates: Easter Sunday, April 1–June 22, 1945) Code Name: Operation Iceberg. Killed in action Tuesday, May 22, 1945 and buried in the First Marine Division Battlefield Cemetery on Okinawa. After the cessation of hostilities with Japan, the family of this Marine received his remains for burial. He was laid to rest at a private cemetery in Illinois. This American Patriot was awarded the Purple Heart posthumously, for his ultimate sacrifice in defense of his country.