26th Marines

Pfc. Gaitano R. Arcuri – KIA, Iwo Jima

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Gaitano “Guy” Rocco Arcuri was born 25 June 1926, in Marion, Ohio. His parents are Constantino A. & Bessie E. (Conti) Arcuri. His father was an immigrant from Italy. Gaitano “Guy” was one of ten children. Guy attended St. Mary’s Parochial High School. Guy was employed at the American Malleable Casting Company.

Gaitano R. Arcuri enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. in September of 1943. He attended basic training in San Diego, California. He was sent overseas in July of 1944. He attained the rank of Private First Class (Pfc.) and served with F Company, 2nd Battalion, 26th Marines, 5th Marine Division.
Pfc. Arcuri died on 26 February 1945, from wounds received while on Operation Detachment, the invasion of Iwo Jima.

Pfc. Gaitano R. Arcuri is buried in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific Honolulu, Hawaii.
Gaitano R. Arcuri is remembered on the Honor Roll, at the Veterans Memorial Park, in Marion, Ohio; on the west wall of the Marion County Courthouse; and on the World War Two Memorial Wall, at the Marion Cemetery.

LCpl. James Caudill – Vietnam Casualty

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James Caudill was 23 when he was killed in action in Vietnam in 1968. James Caudill was born 19 Oct 1944 and is the son of Mr. & Mrs. Elbert Caudill of Marion, Ohio. Caudill attended Harding High School and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. at the age of 17.
Lance Corporal James Caudill left behind his wife, Kathryn Irene (Trout) Caudill and an eighteen month old daughter, Angela Kay. Also surviving are brothers Everett, sisters; Mrs. Larry Parker and Carolyn Caudill.
LCpl. James Caudill was near the end of his year long tour in Vietnam when he was killed. He was serving with less than a month left in his tour. He served as a rifleman with A Company, 1st Battalion, of the 26th Marines, 3rd Marine Division.
LCpl. James Caudill was killed while defending and artillery position of the 1/13th Marines at Cao Dei Peninsula in Thua Thien Province, South Vietnam. He was one of 18 Marines killed in this attack.
LCpl. James Caudill is buried at Chapel Heights Memory Gardens, Marion, Ohio.
LCpl. James Caudill is remembered on the Honor Roll, at the Marion Veterans Memorial Park in Marion, Ohio; on the west wall of the Marion County Court House; on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at the Marion County Admin building, at 222 West Center St. in Marion, Ohio; and on the Vietnam Veterans National Memorial Wall, in Washington, D. C. on Panel 48W Line 039.