Serial Number: 267926
During the invasion Bob was heading for the beach in a Higgins boat. His boat like the others was unable to get over the reef ringing Betio. The Marines were forced to climb out of the boats to advance to the beach. Bob saw some men drowned because of heavy packs and carrying their weapons above their heads. Bob started praying to God, “If I’m going to get wounded please let it be in my legs.” It was a long, long way from the shore as Bob advanced under extremely heavy fire. About fifty yards from the beach Bob was shot in the leg.
Out of 700 in the outfit a total of 125 men were wounded while still in the water. He was taken back to a destroyer to receive medical treatment.
Bob was also wounded in the eye during the fighting on Tinian.
This photo was most likely taken in New Zealand in 1943 before Tarawa.
Jim ?, Bob Munkirs, David Bozarth, and Frank Andrews
Ed Peckinpaugh with rifle and Bill Brown on Guadalcanal.
Bill Jordan on Guadalcananl.
Click on a document to enlarge them.
copyright 2008 T.O.T.W.
Created 5 April 2008
