WORLD WAR II GYRENE PHOTO ALBUM

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Platoon Sergeant William Cross, of Mason City, Iowa, was an Old Corps Marine who enlisted in June 1941. He was an infantryman in the 2nd Battalion, 6th Marines. PltSgt Cross served in Iceland, Guadalcanal, Tarawa, and on Saipan with 2/6. He was killed in action on 15 June 1944 on Saipan and was later awarded a posthumous Silver Star. His family remembers him as a brave Marine who gave his life for his Country.

Below Plt Sgt Cross's obituary. Since the campaign for Saipan was still going on when it was printed, the date and location of his death was omitted due to military censorship. After the island was secured, the Cross family was notified where he was buried.

After Saipan was secured, PltSgt Cross's family was notified by Headquarters, Marine Corps, of the date and place of his death. This information was subsequently published in his hometown newspaper. Click HERE to view his Silver Star citation in Pdf format.

"He stands in the unbroken line of patriots who have dared to die that freedom might live, and grow, and increase its blessings. Freedom lives, and through it, he lives—in a way that humbles the undertakings of most men." Franklin Roosevelt

TRIBUTE TO THE FALLEN

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