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News & Stories
News | Oct. 6, 2016

Marine Missing From World War II Accounted For (Nelson)

Marine Field Music 1st Class Warren G. Nelson, killed in World War II, has now been accounted for.


In November 1943, Nelson was assigned to Company E, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines, 2nd Marine Division, which landed a stiff Japanese resistance on the small island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll of the Gilbert Islands, in an attempt to secure the island. Over several day of intense fighting, approximately 1,000 Marines and Sailors were killed and more than 2,000 were wounded. Nelson died on the first day of battle, Nov. 20, 1943.


In June 2015, a nongovernmental organization, History Flight, Inc., notified DPAA that they discovered a burial site on Betio Island and recovered the remains of what they believed were 35 U.S. Marines who fought during the battle in November 1943. The remains were turned over to DPAA in June 2016.


Lab analysis, in conjunction with the totality of circumstantial evidence available, established Nelson's remains were included.


Interment services are pending.


Welcome home and rest in peace, FM1c Nelson.

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Public Affairs Contact Information


Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency PAO
Washington, D.C.
2300 Defense Pentagon
Attn: Outreach and Communications
Washington, D.C. 20301-2300
Email: dpaa.ncr.oc.mbx.public-affairs@mail.mil