Operation Detachment

PFC Wilbur “Wayne” Short Killed in Action, Iwo Jima

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Wilbur Wayne Short was born 14 April 1922, in Fulton County, Ohio. His parents are Wilbur L. & Louise L. (Steinbrecher) Short. Wilbur W. Short moved to Marion, Ohio, with his family when he was in the ninth grade. Wilbur attended Harding High School and graduated in 1941. While at Harding he was involved in football, track, the senior class play and was part of the Acapella Club. As a football player he was recognized by being selected as the All-N. C. O. Guard twice, and selected to the All-Ohio Team. In track he competed in shot-put and discus.

Wilbur W. Short worked part-time at the Marion Reserve Power Company, while still in high school. After he graduated he worked at the Marion Steam Shovel Company. Wilbur then enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve, in April of 1942. He went to basic training on 19 July 1944, at Parris Island, South Carolina. He then served as a guard at Dahlgren, Virginia, for two years. His assignments would then take him to Hawaii. From Hawaii, he was shipped to Iwo Jima for assignment with the 5th Marine Division. He attained the rank of Private First Class (PFC).

PFC Wilbur W. Short was killed in action on Iwo Jima, during Operation Detachment, on 15 March 1945.
PFC Wilbur W. Short is buried in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Honolulu, Hawaii.
Wilbur W. Short 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 II Veterans Memorial Wall, at the Marion Cemetery.

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.