SERGEANT THOMAS ALTON YOUNG; MARINE CORPS

DOB/DOD: October 17, 1919 (South Coventry, CT) – March 6, 1945; 25 years old
MARITAL STATUS: Unmarried
LOCAL ADDRESS: Main Street, South Coventry
ENLISTMENT: March 20, 1939, in New York City
SERVICE NUMBER: 270808
UNIT: Company B, 1st Battalion, 26th Marines, 5th Marine Division
MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY: 0737, Fire Team Leader; and 0812, Infantry Chief

FAMILY: Son of Thomas H. (1882-1921) and Nettie M. Young (1895-1969). Father, Thomas H. Young, died on July 8, 1921, when his son was 1 year and 10 months old after a 6-week illness. Nettie Young remarried Herman F. LeDoyt (1901-1995). Oldest of five children. Siblings are Walter E. (1922-2009), brother Herman LeDoyt Jr. (1923-2012), brother Ernest LeDoyt (1926-1985), sister Ann LeDoyt Olsen (1928-2021), and Alfred S. LeDoyt (1930-2007). 1

CIRCUMSTANCES: Boot camp at Parris Island, South Carolina, in early 1939. Paratrooper training at New River, North Carolina. In early 1944, he was assigned to the 5th Marine Division, 26th Marines, 1st Battalion through the Battle of Iwo Jima. 4 According to his casualty report, he died of “wounds, multiple, extreme.” 3 Awarded the Purple Heart Medal.

Photo contributed by Gail Kulesza

Photo of Sergeant Young’s Purple Heart Medal contributed by Gail Kulesza.

Citation to accompany the award of the Silver Star Medal

For action during World War II, U.S. Marine Corps, 5th Marine Division, General order number 34081, August 30, 1945. 2

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Thomas A. Young (MCSN: 270808), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Acting Platoon Leader, serving with Company B, First Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, from 27 February to 6 March 1945. When his platoon leader became a casualty during a furious engagement with the enemy on 27 February, Sergeant Young promptly assumed command and, fearlessly leading his men in repeated aggressive attacks during the sustained advance of our forces, contributed materially to the success of his company in overcoming fierce hostile resistance. Driving forward against an objective vital to the defense of his sector the night of 1 March, he led his platoon through one hundred yards of shattering machine-gun fire and, launching a determined strike, gained his position with a minimum of casualties among his men. With his platoon pinned down during a fierce action on 6 March, he continued his same daring tactics and, penetrating hostile fire lanes alone to locate the source of the deadly barrage, directed supporting weapons in eliminating the stronghold before he was fatally struck down by a sudden shellburst. Sergeant Young’s forceful and inspiring leadership, bold initiative, and valiant devotion to duty in the face of tremendous odds were essential factors in the success of the bitterly fought Iwo campaign and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Honored on the Coventry World War II Memorial, 124 Lake Street, Coventry, Connecticut. Photos by Jeff DeWitt.

Initially buried in the 5th Marine Division Cemetery on Iwo Jima, Plot 5, Row 23, Grave 1446. At his mother’s request, his remains were repatriated in 1948 and buried in Nathan Hale Cemetery, 113 Lake Street, Coventry, Connecticut; plot number unknown. 3Photos by Jeff DeWitt.

1 – 1940 census https://www.ancestry.com/cs/1940-census
2 – https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/39459
3 – USMC Casualty Report received via FOIA request
4 – USMC Muster Rolls: https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/1089/

SERGEANT JAMES YNCERA; MARINE CORPS

DOB/DOD: July 18, 1921 (Westfield, MA) – March 13, 1945; 23 years old
MARITAL STATUS: Unmarried
LOCAL ADDRESS: 232 Pleasant Street, Hartford
ENLISTMENT: September 24, 1940, in Springfield, Massachusetts
SERVICE NUMBER: 296453
UNIT: Company A, 5th Mobilization Training Battalion, 5th Marine Division
MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY: 0014, Mechanic

FAMILY: Born to Paul Sr. (1893-1950) and Anita Yncera (1903-?), both born in Spain. Fourth born of six children. Siblings are Aniceto (1919-2000), Mary Yncera Tillona (1920-?), Lucy (1922-2013), Valentino (1924-2009), and Paul Jr. (1933-2015). 1

CIRCUMSTANCES: Boot camp at Parris Island, South Carolina, in late 1940. Assigned to 7th Marines, 3rd Battalion, Company M at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, December 1940 through April 1941. Back to Parris Island with the 1st Marine Division, 1st Marines, 3rd Battalion. His next assignment was with the 1st Marine Division, 7th Marines, 3rd Battalion, Company M at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, where he was trained as a mechanic and truck driver. Then it was on to the 1st Marine Division, 1st Motor Transport Battalion, Headquarters and Service Company, then a transfer to his final unit in the 5th Marine Division, 5th Motor Transport Battalion, Company A at Camp Pendleton in Oceanside, California. 4 The nature and manner of him being killed in action are unknown. 3

Photo from Central Connecticut State University

From The Hartford Courant May 17, 1941

James Yncera, Private First Class in the United States Marine Corps, is visiting his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Yncera, of 232 Pleasant Street, on a 20-day furlough. Yncera enlisted last September and did his recruit training at Parris Island, South Carolina. On December 17, he went to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, with the 5th Marines, Fleet Marine Force, for extensive maneuvers and remained there until April 20.

Yncera has been transferred again to Parris Island for duty with Company M, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, and his regiment will have its home base at a new camp being built at Wilmington, North Carolina. Since enlisting, Yncera claims to have put on 20 pounds. He reveals that a number of men from Hartford and vicinity are stationed at Cuba and Parris Island. Yncera will report to his station on June 2.

From The Hartford Courant May 12, 1945

Word has been received here of the death of Sergeant James Yncera of the Marine Corps, who was reported killed in action on March 13 on Iwo Jima. Sergeant Yncera was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Yncera, formerly of 233 Pleasant Street (Hartford), now residing in California. He enlisted in 1940 while a student at Hartford Public High School. He had previously attended Henry Barnard School. Besides his parents, he leaves two sisters, Mrs. Mary Tillona of Windsor Street and Miss Lucy Yncera of California; three brothers, Aniceto Yncera of East Hartford, Valentino Yncera, who is now with the Navy, and Paul Yncera Jr., of California. A mass will be said for him at St. Anthony’s Church on Wednesday, May 16 at 7 a.m.

Initially buried in the 5th Marine Division Cemetery on Iwo Jima, Plot 8, Row 8, Grave 2213. At his mother’s request, his remains were repatriated and buried on January 20, 1949, in Golden Gate National Cemetery, 1300 Sneath Lane, San Bruno, California; Section J, Plot 820. 3 Photo contributed by Kathleen McCall, Director, Golden Gate National Cemetery, 1300 Sneath Lane, San Bruno, California.

1 – 1940 census https://www.ancestry.com/cs/1940-census
2 – https://ancestry.com
3 – USMC Casualty Report received via FOIA request
4 – USMC Muster Rolls: https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/1089/

CORPORAL JOHN JOSEPH YAKUPCO; MARINE CORPS

DOB/DOD: May 13, 1922 (Bridgeport, CT) – February 19, 1945; 22 years old
MARITAL STATUS: Unmarried
LOCAL ADDRESS: 137 Helen Street, Bridgeport
ENLISTMENT: September 18, 1942, in Springfield, Massachusetts
SERVICE NUMBER: 459769
UNIT: Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 25th Marines, 4th Marine Division
MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY: 0821, Quartermaster Supply Man

FAMILY: Born to Joseph (1887-1962) and Elizabeth Yakupco (1894-1960), both born in Czechoslovakia. One sister, Sister Celesia “Celeste” Yakupco (1917-2007), was a nun. 1 Worked at Remington Arms Co. in Bridgeport prior to the service. 4

CIRCUMSTANCES: Boot camp in the Fall of 1942 at Parris Island, South Carolina. Quartermaster School at Camp Lejeune in early 1943, then assigned to the 23rd Marines (Reinforced) H & S Company in the Spring of 1943. Summer of 1943, through the Battle of Iwo Jima, he was with the 25th Marines (Reinforced), 1st Battalion, Headquarters Company as a clerk in the Quartermaster’s Office. 4 Participated in the battles of Roi-Namur, Saipan, and Tinian in 1944. Struck by shrapnel from a mortar shell in the chest. 3 A letter received from this commander stated, “he was struck by shrapnel from an enemy mortar shell when he had been on the beach only a very short time.”

Boot camp photo contributed by Pat Brannin.

Letter contributed by family member Pat Brannin, which shows Corporal Yakupco’s desire for sea duty. It speaks to his character and desire to be a great Marine.

The telegram received by the family. Contributed by Pat Brannin.

Letter received by the family. Contributed by Pat Brannin.

Headquarters 25th Marines
c/o F.P.O. San Francisco, Cal.
24 March 1945
My dear Mrs. Yakupco,

It is with the deepest regret that I extend to you my most heartfelt sympathy for the recent death of your son, John. I know there is little I can say to comfort your great loss, but I should like you to know that the officers and men who served with him mourn with you.

Your son served with us every time the sergeant was formed. He was a Corporal attached to our quartermaster section and was in charge of our equipment and supplies. His was an important job, which was always well done. His devotion to duty made him an outstanding member of the company.

John was killed on 19 Feb 1945 on the island of Iwo Jima in an assault against an enemy. He was struck by shrapnel from an enemy mortar shell when he had been on the beach only a very short time. He was buried in the 4th Marine Division Cemetery on Iwo and was given a Christian burial. I visited the cemetery before leaving the island and found all of the graves were individuals and had appropriate markers.

Your son’s personal effects will be sent to you at an early date, but do not expect them for at least three months.

You will be proud to know that John was a good man and a fine Marine.

Sincerely Yours,

Monroe R. Davis, 1st Lt
Commanding

Initially buried in the 4th Marine Division Cemetery on Iwo Jima, Plot 1, Row 4, Grave 180. At his father’s request, his remains were repatriated and buried on April 15, 1948, in St. Michael’s Cemetery, 2205 Stratford Avenue, Stratford, Connecticut; Section 6, Lot 100X, Grave 1. 3First photo from FindAGrave.com. 2nd photo by Jeff DeWitt.

1 – 1940 census https://www.ancestry.com/cs/1940-census
2 – https://ancestry.com
3 – https://www.thepurpleheart.com/roll-of-honor/profile/default?rID=1c65593b-a8c6-4b76-93e7-8d4fc9628e36
4 – https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/2238
5 – USMC Muster Rolls: https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/1089/

PRIVATE FIRST CLASS HAROLD CARLYLE WOOSTER; MARINE CORPS

DOB/DOD: January 6, 1926 (Waterbury, CT) – February 19, 1945; 19 years old
MARITAL STATUS: Married Jane Shirley Germane (1926-1950) on April 29, 1944, in Naugatuck, CT. Jane remarried Earle C. Root in December 1945, had two children, and died at just 25 years old from a brain tumor.
LOCAL ADDRESS: 288 City Hill Street, Naugatuck
ENLISTMENT: March 4, 1943, in Springfield, Massachusetts
SERVICE NUMBER: 527291
UNIT: Company L, 3rd Battalion, 25th Marines, 4th Marine Division
MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY: 0522, Guard; and 0604, Machine Gun Crewman

FAMILY: Born to Raymond C. (1899-1987) and Mildred Parsons Wooster (1899-1992). Harold Wooster was their only child. 1

CIRCUMSTANCES: Boot camp in the summer of 1943 at Parris Island, South Carolina. Assigned to the First Guard Company at the Navy Base in Newport, Rhode Island, from late 1943 until the Spring of 1944. Shortly after getting married in May 1944, assigned to the 5th Replacement Draft, San Diego, California. In January 1945, he was assigned to the 4th Marine Division, 25th Marines, 3rd Battalion. 4 Killed in action from multiple wounds. 3 PFC Wooster and Private Charles Nagel of New Haven were in the same company. They died 11 days apart.

PFC Wooster (middle), mother Mildred (left), and father Raymond (right). 2 From Ancestry.com.

Wedding Day from Ancestry.com.

From the Naugatuck Daily News March 20, 1945

Pfc Harold C. Wooster of Pond Hill Was Member of Crack Fourth Marines
Reported By Navy Department as Lost Feb 19th, Day Following Invasion of Strategic Point Which Japanese Defended Bitterly

Naugatuck’s death toll in World War II reached the half-century mark last night when Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Wooster of Pond Hill were informed by the Navy Department that their son, Private First Class Harold C. Wooster, a member of the 4th Marine Division, was killed in action on the 19th of February at Iwo Jima. It is believed that the Pond Hill Marine was killed during the early stages of the Iwo Jima battle when wave after wave of American Marines waded ashore from LSTs to attack the Japs in one of the greatest battles in American history. Two divisions of Marines, the 4th and the 5th, were the first ashore on February 19th, some 30,000 men, to drive inland for gains of 1,000 yards. Private First Class Wooster was well known here. He attended Naugatuck High School for three years and also attended the Bridgeport Trade School before enlisting in the service in March 1943. He received his basic training at Parris Island, South Carolina, and spent some months at Newport, Rhode Island, before being shipped overseas last September. He was married to Miss Shirley Smith of Ansonia in April of last year at St. Michael’s Church by Reverend Arthur F. Lewis. Prior to entering the service life, Wooster worked at the Barrel Foundry in Waterbury. He was a member of St. Michael’s Church here and was quite active in the Boy Scouts in his younger days.

From The Naugatuck Daily News April 16, 1948

Marine Detachment Leader Describes Final Arlington Rites for Harold Wooster
Joint Ceremonies Conducted for 18 Victims of War II
By Vernon J. Lafave, Commandant, Naugatuck Valley Detachment, Marine Corps League

(Special to the News) – Washington D.C., April 15 – Marine Private First Class Harold Carlyle Wooster of Naugatuck, Connecticut, was buried this afternoon at Arlington National Cemetery. Arriving at the cemetery shortly before 2 o’clock this afternoon, we were escorted to the burial site where 18 flag-draped caskets were placed end-to-end in a double row. The bright Southern sun warmly from the Stars and Stripes and the slight breeze ruffled the flags for whose honor the veterans gave their lives. The flag-draped caskets stood out in marked contrast to the pale, fluttering cherry blossoms, which are now in full bloom. Our group from Naugatuck, which accompanies Marine Wooster’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Raymond C. Wooster, joined with others who came here to pay tribute to their honored dead. An Army band played several stirring marches as we assembled before the caskets. The bodies of the six Marines to be buried were guarded by Marines who had been assigned to the duty on the request of Representative James T. Patterson of Naugatuck. Others were guarded by members of the Army. Army chaplains, a Catholic priest, a Protestant minister, and a Jewish rabbi conducted the funeral services in the open in the new World War II section of the cemetery. After the 45-minute service, the band played “Onward Christian Soldiers,” and a volley was fired by the Army firing squad. Taps were sounded with the clear notes carrying across the hollow where Private First Class Wooster was buried, a short distance from the tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The final resting place of Marine Wooster is in sight of the tomb and is opposite Washington’s famed Pentagon building. That section of the cemetery is thickly wooded, and there is an abundance of cherry blossoms. Natives of Washington told us that today was the most pleasant day they have had here this year. The cemetery consists of 180 acres, and each of the 60,000 graves is given attention. The grass on each pot is trimmed carefully. At the services with Mr. and Mrs. Wooster were Mr. Wooster’s brother and sister-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Wooster of Indian Head, Maryland, Congressman Patterson and his secretary, William A. Painter, Adam Mengacci and Robert Lawsor of the Naugatuck Veterans Council; John Able, Harold Ash Jr., and Harold Ash of the Naugatuck Valley Detachment, Marine Corps League and Mrs. Bertha Harper, Mrs. Corine McClellan, Mrs. Harold Ash and Mrs. Hazel Schlesinger of the women’s auxiliary of the detachment. Those from the borough will leave here tonight and will return to Naugatuck on Friday.

Initially buried in the 4th Marine Division Cemetery on Iwo Jima, Plot 1, Row 7, Grave 324. At his father’s request, his remains were repatriated and buried on April 15, 1948, in Arlington National Cemetery, 1 Memorial Drive, Arlington, Virginia; Section 12, Grave 4407. 3Photo by Jeff DeWitt.

Memorialized in the Wooster Family Cemetery, 70 East Waterbury Road, Naugatuck, Connecticut; plot number unknown. Photos by Jeff DeWitt.

1 – 1940 census https://www.ancestry.com/cs/1940-census
2 – https://ancestry.com
3 – USMC Casualty Report received via FOIA request
4 – USMC Muster Rolls: https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/1089/

FIRST LIEUTENANT JOHN ERNEST “WINK” WINZLER; MARINE CORPS

DOB/DOD: July 7, 1920 (Manchester, CT) – March 3, 1945; 24 years old
MARITAL STATUS: Engaged to be married to Marguerite Cole (1921-2016) in 1944
LOCAL ADDRESS: 22 Wadsworth Street, Manchester
ENLISTMENT: December 16, 1942, in Quantico, Virginia. Listed as having prior service.
SERVICE NUMBER: O-16943
UNIT: Company F, 2nd Battalion, 28th Marines, 5th Marine Division
MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY: 1542 – Infantry Officer

FAMILY: Born to John (1890-1974) and Katherine Lauf Winzler (1892-1963), both born in Toporcz, Czechoslovakia. One sister, Catherina “Katie” (1917-2008). 1

CIRCUMSTANCES: Entered Officer Training School in Quantico, Virginia, in October 1942. Assigned to Parachute Training School at Camp Gillespie, San Diego, California, then a Replacement Company School at Camp Elliott, San Diego, in July of 1943. In October 1943, assigned to the First Marine Parachute Regiment, First Parachute Battalion, Headquarters Company. In January 1944, he was assigned to the First Marine Parachute Regiment, Second Parachute Battalion. His final assignment to the 5th Marine Division, 28th Marines, 2nd Battalion came in April 1944. 4 Died from multiple gunshot wounds to the arms, legs, and back. 3

Manchester High School yearbook, Class of ‘38

From the 1942 UConn yearbook

From the 1943 UConn yearbook

Mark Winzler, nephew of former UConn student-athlete John E. Winzler ’42, holds a plaque commemorating John’s induction to the Manchester (CT) Sports Hall of Fame while standing next to his uncle’s athletic letter sweater that he donated to the Husky Heritage Sports Museum in the Alumni Center on September 25, 2023. (Sydney Herdle/UConn Photo)

From the Connecticut Military Portrait Collection, Connecticut State Library, Identifier: PG570. Used with permission.

2018 inductee into the Manchester (CT) Sports Hall of Fame.

From the Manchester Journal Enquirer, July 25, 2018

John “Wink” Winzler was a three-sport athlete in the 1930s at Manchester High, where he played football, basketball, and baseball. He was a key member of the Manchester state and New England championship teams in 1938. Winzler was the team’s defensive specialist, called on to stop the leading scorer on the opposition. He moved on to UConn, where he was known as “the walking sports page.” He played one year of football before getting injured. His biggest contributions came on the baseball and basketball teams. In baseball, he played for three years and was known as a quality third baseman. He was captain of the basketball team in his senior year in 1941-42 and was known as a dependable player and defensive leader. After college, he was a First Lieutenant with the 5th Division, 28th Marines. He was involved in the flag raising at Mt. Surabachi on the island of Iwo Jima, one of the most famous battles in U.S. history. He was wounded after the invasion, returned to duty days later, and was killed in action in March 1945. Winzler is the first Hall of Famer chosen by the Legends Committee, which was formed to select Manchester’s top athletes from the first half of the 20th century.

The photo below was contributed by Mark Winzler, nephew of Lt Winzler.

From The Journal Enquirer July 25, 2018.

John “Wink” Winzler was a three-sport athlete in the 1930s at Manchester High, where he played football, basketball, and baseball. He was a key member of the Manchester state and New England championship teams in 1938. Winzler was the team’s defensive specialist, called on to stop the leading scorer on the opposition. He moved on to UConn, where he was known as “the walking sports page.” He played one year of football before getting injured. His biggest contributions came on the baseball and basketball teams. In baseball, he played for three years and was known as a quality third baseman. He was captain of the basketball team in his senior year in 1941-42 and was known as a dependable player and defensive leader. Winzler is also a war hero. After college, he was a First Lt. with the 5th Division, 28th Marines, and was involved in the flag waving at Mt. Suribachi on the island of Iwo Jima, one of the most famous battles in U.S. history. He was wounded after the invasion, returned to duty days later, and was killed in action in March 1945. Winzler is the first Hall of Famer chosen by the Legends Committee, which was formed to select Manchester’s top athletes from the first half of the 20th century.

Memorialized on the World War II Honor Roll, Munro Park, 62 Porter Street, Manchester, Connecticut. Photos by Jeff DeWitt.

Initially buried in the 5th Marine Division Cemetery on Iwo Jima, Plot 5, Row 6, Grave 1119. At his mother’s request, his remains were repatriated in 1948 and buried in East Cemetery, 99 Harrison Street, Manchester, Connecticut; Section B, Lot 80B. 3Photo by Jeff DeWitt.

1 – 1940 census https://www.ancestry.com/cs/1940-census
2 – https://ancestry.com
3 – USMC Casualty Report received via FOIA request
4 – USMC Muster Rolls: https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/1089/

PRIVATE RICHARD JAMES WILKINSON, JR.; MARINE CORPS

DOB/DOD: April 5, 1926 (Waterbury, CT) – March 12, 1945; 18 years old
MARITAL STATUS: Unmarried
LOCAL ADDRESS: 83 South Leonard Street, Waterbury
ENLISTMENT: June 22, 1944, in Hartford, Connecticut
SERVICE NUMBER: 987699
UNIT: Company A, 1st Battalion, 25th Marines, 4th Marine Division
MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY: 0745, Rifleman

FAMILY: Born to Richard Sr. (1902-1954) and Agnes M. Liudvinacious Wilkinson (1904-1980). Oldest of three children. Siblings are John A. (1930-2005) and Audrey (1936-). 1 Richard was a student at Leavenworth High School in Waterbury when he registered for the draft. 2

CIRCUMSTANCES: Boot camp in the Summer of 1944 at Parris Island, South Carolina. Assigned to the 4th Marine Division, 30th Replacement Draft in the Fall of 1944 through the Battle of Iwo Jima. 3 Officially listed as Died of Wounds. The nature and manner of wounds received, causing his death, are unknown. Private Wilkinson, PFC James Dermody of West Haven, Corporal James Duffy, Corporal John Moscoe of New Haven, and PFC David Phaneuf of Taftville were all in the same company. All were killed in action on separate days between February 19 and March 12, 1945.

From an unknown newspaper, found on FindAGrave.com

Marine Private Richard J. Wilkinson, Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. Richard J. Wilkinson, 83 South Leonard Street, was fatally wounded in the Battle for Iwo Jima. He would have been 19 years old on April 5.

A requiem high Mass will be sung for him at St. Patrick’s Church on April 19 at 8 a.m.

Private Wilkinson entered the U.S. Marine Corps on June 22, 1944, and trained at Parris Island, South Carolina, and Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, before going overseas last December. He formerly attended Leavenworth High School and would have graduated this year.

Besides his parents, he is survived by a brother, John, and a sister, Audrey Wilkinson.

Initially buried in the 4th Marine Division Cemetery on Iwo Jima, Plot 1, Row 31, Grave 1524. At his mother’s request, his remains were repatriated in 1948 and buried in Cavalry Cemetery, 2324 East Main Street, Waterbury, Connecticut; Section 16, Lot 1. Photo by Jeff DeWitt.

1 – 1940 census https://www.ancestry.com/cs/1940-census
2 – https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/2238
3 – USMC Muster Rolls: https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/1089/

CORPORAL DAVID PETER WINSPUR; MARINE CORPS

DOB/DOD: September 19, 1923 (Westport, CT) – March 13, 1945; 21 years old
MARITAL STATUS: Unmarried
LAST ADDRESS: Upper Stepney in Monroe
ENLISTMENT: July 17, 1942, in Springfield, Massachusetts
SERVICE NUMBER: 422327
UNIT: Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 21st Marines, 3rd Marine Division
MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY: 0631, Intelligence

FAMILY: Born to Alfred Sr. (1885-1970) and Ellen Maguire Winspur (1884-1973). Both parents were born in Birmingham, England. Seventh born of eight children. Siblings are Grace Winspur Corning (1911-1978), Matthew (1913-1997), Virginia Winspur Mackro (1914-2007), Alice Winspur McCarthy (1916-2004), Catherine (1918-1958), Alfred Jr. (1921-2004), and Donald (1926-1999). 1, 2 Worked at Bren Bern Farm in Monroe prior to the service. 4

CIRCUMSTANCES: Boot camp at Parris Island, South Carolina, and New River, North Carolina, for training. In early 1943, temporarily assigned to the First Marine Raider Regiment, First Raider Battalion. In July 1943, he was permanently assigned to his final unit, the 3rd Marine Division, 21st Marines, 3rd Battalion, Headquarters Company. 6 One of the namesakes of Sippin–Winspur American Legion Post 176 in Monroe, CT. 3 Sergeant Enrico LaTorraca of New Haven, Connecticut, was in the same company as Corporal Winspur. They died 12 days apart.

Awarded the Purple Heart Medal. The photo of the medal and the letter were contributed by Jay Mackro, nephew of Corporal Winspur.

Photo contributed by nephew, Jay Mackro. Left to right, are Catherine Winspur, Virginia Winspur, David Winspur, Donald Winspur, and standing in front, their nephew Sherman Corning II. The photo was taken in May 1936 at the Winspur family farm in Upper Stepney.

Memorialized on the Monroe (CT) World War II Memorial, 743 Monroe Turnpike, Monroe, Connecticut. Photo by Jeff DeWitt.

Initially buried in the 3rd Marine Division Cemetery on Iwo Jima, Row 28, Grave 678. At his mother’s request, remains were repatriated and buried on February 16, 1949, in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl), 2177 Puowaina Dr, Honolulu, Hawaii; Section N, Site 1543. 5 Photo from FindAGrave.com. 3

1 – 1940 census https://www.ancestry.com/cs/1940-census
2 – http://www.swpost176.org/history.html?r
3 – https://findagrave.com
4 – https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/2238
5 – USMC Casualty Report received via FOIA request
6 – USMC Muster Rolls: https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/1089/

SECOND LIEUTENANT HERBERT AUGUSTUS WILDMAN, JR.; MARINE CORPS

DOB/DOD: October 16, 1915 (Stamford, CT) – February 19, 1945; 29 years old
MARITAL STATUS: Married to Frances “Fannie” Madison Bragg Small (1919-2010) of York, Pennsylvania, on January 14, 1939, in York. The wedding was covered by newspapers across the country as both families had friends in high society.
LOCAL ADDRESS: 635 Glenbrook Road, Stamford (1940 census)
ENLISTMENT: May 24, 1944, in Quantico, Virginia
SERVICE NUMBER: O-38534
UNIT: Company K, 3rd Battalion, 25th Marines, 4th Marine Division
MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY: 0937, Rifle Marksmanship Instructor; and 1542, Infantry Officer

FAMILY: Born to Herbert Sr. (1874-1962) and Nellie Walker Cole Wildman (1875-1958). Two brothers, Talbot (1897-1967) and Frederick (1898-1976). Frederick fought in multiple battles in World War I. Promoted to the rank of First Lieutenant in the Second Division of the U.S. Army. 1, 2 Worked for Bellows and Co. in New York City when he registered for the draft. 4

CIRCUMSTANCES: Joined the New York National Guard, 101st Infantry, 1934-1942, rising from the rank of Private to Captain. Joined the Marine Corps in early 1943 and attended boot camp at Parris Island, South Carolina. Served as an instructor at the rifle range at Parris Island through the Summer of 1943. From January through July 1944, he attended Officers Candidate School at Quantico, Virginia. Assigned to the 4th Marine Division, 25th Marines, 3rd Battalion in early 1945 through the Battle of Iwo Jima. 2,6 Was killed in action due to wounds to the abdomen. 5 2d Lt Wildman and GySgt Walter Stankowich of Montville were in the same company. They died 20 days apart.

From Lt Wildman’s New York National Guard ID card

Citation to accompany the award of the Silver Star Medal

For action during World War II, U.S. Marine Corps, Second Lieutenant Herbert A. Wildman Jr., 4th Marine Division, General Orders, Commander in Chief, Pacific: Serial 31894, July 12, 1945. 3

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant Herbert A. Wildman, Jr. (MCSN: 0-38534), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as platoon leader attached to the Third Battalion, Twenty-fifth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces during the seizure of Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands on 19 February 1945. Landing his platoon on the beach against a terrific bombardment of Japanese artillery, mortar, and rocket fire, Second Lieutenant Wildman repeatedly exposed himself to the enemy’s continuous barrage as he reorganized his men and moved them into position within the company’s assigned zone of operation and voluntarily making an extended reconnaissance to search out hostile gun emplacements, subsequently returned to his platoon and was directed to lead his company in the attack. Mortally wounded while advancing toward the objective under the shattering blasts of powerful Japanese guns, Second Lieutenant Wildman, by his cool courage and self-sacrificing devotion to duty, rendered valiant service during a critical period of the action and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

From The Stamford Advocate, March 22, 1945; contributed by Ellen Sullivan, Senior Reader Services Librarian, The Ferguson Library, One Public Library Plaza, Stamford.

Lieut H.A. Wildman, Native of Stamford, Killed On Iwo Jima

Second Lieutenant Herbert A. Wildman Jr., a former Glenbrook resident, was killed in action on Iwo Jima on February 19, the War Department disclosed today. Born in Stamford, he was the son of Mr. and Mrs. H.A. Wildman of Bridgewater, Connecticut. The family formerly resided on Glenbrook Road. Lieutenant Wildman, 29 years old, was employed by a New York importing and wine merchandising firm before enlisting in the Marine Corps in 1942. His wife, Mrs. Frances Small Wildman, lives in York, Pennsylvania. Lieutenant Wildman was a descendant of Governor William Bradford and Elder William Brewster of Plymouth Colony and of Governor Thomas Dudley and Governor Simon Bradstreet of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. He was a nephew of the late Major General Eli Kelley Cole of the Marines. Besides his widow and parents, he is survived by two brothers, Colonel Frederick S. Wildman, AAF, and Talbot C. Wildman of San Francisco.

Memorialized on a WWII Memorial, 19 Main Street South, Bridgewater, Connecticut. Photos by Jeff DeWitt.

Initially buried in the 4th Marine Division Cemetery on Iwo Jima., Plot 10, Row 1, Grave 455. At his father’s request, his remains were repatriated in 1948 and buried in Wooster Cemetery, 20 Ellsworth Avenue, Danbury, Connecticut; Section H, Lot 16/17. 5Photo by Jeff DeWitt

1 – 1940 census https://www.ancestry.com/cs/1940-census
2 – https://ancestry.com
3 – https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/24021
4 – https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/2238
5 – USMC Casualty Card received via FOIA request
6 – USMC Muster Rolls: https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/1089/

PRIVATE FIRST CLASS WILLIAM THOMAS WHITE; MARINE CORPS

DOB/DOD: November 15, 1924 (Stamford, CT) – March 3, 1945; 20 years old
MARITAL STATUS: Unmarried
LOCAL ADDRESS: 61 Forest Lawn Avenue, Stamford
ENLISTMENT: November 9, 1943
SERVICE NUMBER: 556657
UNIT: Company F, 2nd Battalion, 26th Marines, 5th Marine Division
MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY: 0745, Rifleman

FAMILY: Born to William Joseph Sr. (1904-1958) and Regina Palmer White (1907-1979). Oldest of three children. Two sisters, Jane White Cline (1931-2009) and Patricia (1931-1985). 1

CIRCUMSTANCES: Boot camp at Parris Island, South Carolina, in late 1943 and early 1944. Transferred to the 5th Marine Division, 26th Marines, 2nd Battalion in the Spring of 1944 through the Battle of Iwo Jima. 3

Photo contributed by a nephew, Chris Cline.

Photos of the 5th Marine Division Cemetery on Iwo Jima and the headstone were contributed by Chris Cline, nephew of PFC White.

From the Stamford Advocate, April 6, 1945; contributed by Ellen Sullivan, Senior Reader Services Librarian, The Ferguson Library; Stamford, Connecticut.

Private First Class White, son of Mr. and Mrs. William J. White of 61 Forest Lawn Avenue, died of wounds received in action on Iwo Jima while serving with the 5th Division of the U.S. Marine Corps. His family has been notified. PFC White enlisted on November 15, 1943. He received his ‘boot’ training at Parris Island, South Carolina, where he was promoted to private first class. While at Camp Lejeune, he was selected for Paramarine School in California, which was later disbanded. After joining the Rangers, he was sent to the Pacific area in July of last year. He graduated from St. John’s School, attended Stamford High School, and was a member of the football team. He was also a member of the Varsity Club and St. John’s Boys Brigade. He also leaves two sisters, Misses Jane and Patricia White. A memorial Requiem Mass will be celebrated in St. John’s Catholic Church on Tuesday morning at 9.

Memorialized on the Stamford Veterans Memorial, 138 Atlantic Street, Stamford, Connecticut. Photos by Jeff DeWitt.

Remains were repatriated and buried on April 17, 1948, in St. John’s Cemetery, 191 Hoyt Street, Darien, Connecticut; Block 53, Lot 37. Photos by Jeff DeWitt.

1 – 1940 census https://www.ancestry.com/cs/1940-census
2 – https://ancestry.com
3 – USMC Muster Rolls: https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/1089/

PRIVATE KARL NIKOLAS WATCKE; MARINE CORPS

DOB/DOD: January 26, 1926 (Bridgeport, CT) – March 1, 1945; 19 years old
MARITAL STATUS: Unmarried
LOCAL ADDRESS: 496 Madison Avenue, Bridgeport. The house is no longer there.
ENLISTMENT: January 10, 1944 in Springfield, Massachusetts
SERVICE NUMBER: 962691
UNIT: Company C, 1st Battalion, 24th Marines, 4th Marine Division
MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY: 0604; Machine Gun Crewman

FAMILY: Born to Johann “John” (1890-1972) and Sophie Skieber Watcke (1888-1979), both born in Austria. Sixth born of seven children. Siblings are John (1910-1998), Henry (1912-1969), Joseph (1916-1996), Marie Watcke Nosal (1919-1995), Louis (1924-2006), and Albert (1928-2018). 1 Worked for Joseph Watcke in Bridgeport prior to the service. 3

CIRCUMSTANCES: Boot camp at Parris Island, South Carolina, in early 1944. Assigned to the 65th Replacement Battalion, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and then in October of 1944, the 4th Marine Division, 24th Marines, 1st Battalion, through the Battle of Iwo Jima. On January 22, 1945, Private Watcke fell asleep while on watch. He was sentenced to a loss of pay of $15 per month for two months. 4 Private Watcke was in the same company as PFC Lorrin Lane of Norwalk and Private Aldo Sorcinelli of New London. Private Sorcinelli and Private Lane died on the same day, and Private Watcke died 12 days prior.

From 1-24thmarines.com 2

From 1-24thmarines.com: In the shell hole, the gunners grabbed up empty ammunition belts, knotting the canvas ends together to make a lifeline. Ammo carriers broke open their boxes, sacrificing additional belts still filled with rounds. A Marine with a strong throwing arm whipped the makeshift rope around his head and flung it towards Jack Coutts; the throw was short. As he hauled in the line, they could see Coutts stretching out his hands for a next attempt that never came. Perhaps a talented Japanese spotter saw the scurry of activity around the shell hole and called the coordinates back to waiting gunners. Or maybe it was only dumb luck, a random shot that happened to strike home. A single heavy mortar shell whuffed down from above, burying itself in the soft sand for a split second before the pressure-sensitive nose detonated several pounds of high explosive right in the middle of the Marines. At least six men died in the blast. The former drill instructor, Sergeant Baldwin. The former football star, Otis Boxx. The teenage draftees, PFC Richard J. Miller, and Private Karl Watcke; the reformed brig rat, Harold Davis; and the brand-new replacement, Jim Parker, who braved open ground to get to his team. Not a single man in the hole escaped unwounded.

Letter to Karl Watcke’s parents dated March 30, 1945

My dear Mr. and Mrs. Watcke:

It is a source of profound regret to me and his comrades in the Marine Corps that your son, Private Karl Nickolas Watcke, United States Marine Corps Reserve, lost his life in action against the enemies of his country, and I wish to express my deepest sympathy to you and member of your family in your great loss. There is little I can say to lessen your grief, but it is my earnest hope that the knowledge of your son’s splendid record in the service and the through that he nobly gave his life in the performance of his duty may in some measure comfort you in this said hour.

Sincerely yours,

A.A. Vandergrift
Lieutenant General, U.S.M.C.,
Commandant of the Marine Corps

Letter to Karl Watcke’s parents dated April 30, 1945

My dear Mr. and Mrs. Watcke:

I am directed by the Commandant of the Marine Corps to inform you that you are entitled to the Purple Heart and the enclosed Purple Heart Certificate posthumously awarded your son, the late Private Karl N. Watcke, U.S. Marine Corps Reservice, in the name of the President of the United States and by the Secretary of the Navy. The Purple Heart, which is being engraved, will be forwarded to you within the next two months. You are also entitled to the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal for your son’s service in the Asiatic-Pacific Area. The medal will not be ready for issuance until six months after the war, and it is requested that you make an application to this office for the award at that time.

Sincerely yours,

A.E. O’Neill
Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps

Bassick High School Honor Roll in the 1946 yearbook.

Honored on the Trumbull Veterans Memorial, 38 Church Hill Road, Trumbull, Connecticut. Photos by Jeff DeWitt.

Initially buried in the 4th Marine Division Cemetery on Iwo Jima, Grave 846, Row 17, Plot 1. At his father’s request, his remains were repatriated in 1948 and buried in St. Michael’s Cemetery, 2205 Stratford Avenue, Stratford, Connecticut; Section 9, Lot 96S ½, Grave 4. Photo by Jeff DeWitt.

1 – 1940 census https://www.ancestry.com/cs/1940-census
2 – https://1-24thmarines.com/personnel/karl-n-watcke/
3 – https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/2238
4 – USMC Muster Rolls: https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/1089/