World War II Honoree

Hartley W. Alden

Branch of Service

U.S. Marine Corps

Hometown

Portsmouth, Virginia

Honored By

Orville L. Kline

Rank: Corporal. He was inducted into the United States Marine Corps July 11, 1940 at Portsmouth, Virginia. Following his Basic Military Training at the Marine Barracks Parris Island, South Carolina; he completed infantry training at Camp Geiger, North Carolina. And along with any additional training; he was deployed to the Northwestern Pacific Theater of Operations. He served in Company Charlie as a Rifle Team Leader, assigned to the Fourth Tank Battalion and an element of the Fourth Marine Division. His division participated in the amphibious assault, and occupation of Saipan Island. On Thursday, June 15. 1944 he was fatally wounded, during offensive operations against the Imperial Japanese Armed Forces. Personnel from a Graves Registration Company buried him in the Fourth Marine Division Saipan Battlefield cemetery. In the post-war era, this Marines’ family requested that he be buried with Military Honors at: Honolulu Memorial Cemetery, with interment March 17, 1949 Location: Honolulu, Hawaii. He served his Country with Pride and Honor. In his Memory, this American Patriot received the following decorations posthumously: Silver Star, Purple Heart and the Navy-Marine Corps Medal. The Silver Star was awarded to this Marine for Distinguished Gallantry in Action and Valor in Combat against an enemy force. The Purple Heart was awarded for his Heroism, and ultimate sacrifice.