From the South Dakota WWII Memorial website:
Vincent E. Traversie was born on July 7, 1922, to Moses and Ellen Traversie, at White Horse, Dewey County, South Dakota. He graduated from Wakpala High School in May of 1942. He had served as the president of the Western Quill Division of the South Dakota High School Press Association.
On September 12, 1942, Vincent entered active service at the Central Recruiting Division at Minneapolis, Minnesota. Trained as a Marine at San Diego, California, Vincent first served as a guard at the Naval Ammunition Depot on Mare Island. Pfc. Traversie was sent overseas on December 18, 1942, to the Pacific theater with the 2nd Marine Division. He had written home in a letter published by a local paper: “I advise every youth who is full of pep, has courage, and wishes action, to join the United States Marines. Its training is no push over. It’s tough, real tough, and they make a man of you. Join the Marines!”
Pfc. Vincent Traversie was killed in action at Tarawa on November 20, 1943, most likely during the initial landings. He was awarded the Purple Heart. Additionly he qualified as Sharpshooter in training.
Thanks to Stephanie Kushman for researching PFC Traversie, from the 8th Grade, West Spearfish Middle School, Spearfish, South Dakota, February 3, 2000, and thanks to Hallee A. Traversie for updating this entry, Junior, Cheyenne-Eagle Butte High School, Eagle Butte, South Dakota, 2002. Information for this entry was provided by Elmer M. Traversie of Promise, South Dakota, brother of Vincent E. Traversie, and Herman Kraft, researcher, Timber Lake.
Special thanks to the South Dakota WWII Memorial website.
Email - Jon@tarawaontheweb.org
copyright 2002 Wheaton, Illinois
Created 1 March 2003
Return to Index