Missing In Action, Betio Island, 20 November 1943 "Maj Bill Chamberlin, "Jim" Crowe's exec, was wading to the beach alone when he happened upon 2nd Lt. George Kern, the battalion communicator. Kern had been painfully wounded in the leg and was on his way back to the reef to find a ride out. There was little Chamberlain could do to help Kern, so he wished the Lt. luck and saw him on his way. No one ever saw George Kern again."
- from Hammel and Lane's Bloody Tarawa*
Although Kern was not heard from again, he is not found on either the KIA or MIA list but his name is found in the WIA list.
Troy Allison, George Kern, and Russel G. W. Johnson on Guadalcanal.
Troy is deceased and Russell was bayoneted to death on Saipan.
Les Groshung writes that at Guadalcanal, Kern was a Sgt. and he was a Corporal, "We got along, but his rank prevented friendship. At an earlier date I lost a friend because he made PFC." Les adds that George was from Texas and was an easy going, liked man. After the war one a friend of Kern married his widow.
Radio Section 3/HQ/8 at Guadalcanal
The lines behind the group are telephone lines.
Rear: |
Front:
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Special thanks to Les Groshung for providing pictures and for the idea of a tribute to a fallen comrade.
* - See Bibliography for a complete citation.
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copyright 2000 T.O.T.W.
Created April 22, 2000 - Updated 19 January 2004
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