Operation Forager

Cpl. Robert E. Jenner Killed in Action, 1944

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Robert Edward Jenner was born on 26 January 1925, in Marion, Ohio. His parents are William D. & Mary M. (Thieken) Jenner. His father preceded him in death. Robert E. Jenner attended St. Mary Parochial School. Prior to enlisting he had worked at Frank Brothers Company, in the rug department.

Robert E. Jenner enlisted in the United States Marine Corps., on 14 December 1942. He was called to service on 9 January 1942. He went to boot camp at Parris Island, South Carolina. He also attended training at New Rivers, North Carolina. Jenner was sent overseas for duty in May of 1943. He attained the rank of Corporal (Cpl.) and was assigned to the Pacific Theater. Cpl. Robert E. Jenner was assigned to Company B, 1st. Battalion, 22nd Marines Regiment, 1st Provisional Marine Brigade, 6th Marion Division, at the time of his death. Among his assignments were; Guadalcanal and Guam.

Cpl. Robert E. Jenner was killed in action on 21 July 1944, in Guam. This was the first day of the Battle of Guam (1944). It was Americas attempt to retake Guam back from the Japanese. This was one of the earlier steps in Operation Forager. The 1st Provisional Marine Brigade landed in the south, near Agat. Their LSTs took heavy casualties from Japanese artillery.

The Marines reported to his mother that he was temporarily buried in a location in the Pacific Theater. It appears that Cpl. Jenner was later buried in National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Honolulu, Hawaii. There is also a grave stone memorial with his name on it, at the Saint Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Marion, Marion County, Ohio.

Robert E. Jenner 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.

S2C Theodore W. Long – World War Two Casualty

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Theodore Westley Long was born on 17 February 1924, in Charleston, West Virginia. His mother is Freda (Fadeley) Middlemiss. He came to Marion, Ohio with his mother around 1940. Theodore’s step-father, Thomas W. Middlemiss, was also serving during World War Two.Theodore had attended Thomas Edison Middle School. He was then employed at Albert Super Market, Kresge’s Store and Pollak Steel Company prior to entering service. Theodore was engaged to be married to Miss Maxine Bailey of Marion, Ohio.

Theodore W. Long entered service on 10 July 1943, at Great Lakes, Illinois. He had served overseas aboard the USS Louisville (CA-28) and served most of his time aboard the USS Lexington (CV-16). He was overseas for fifteen months. S2C Long participated in battles at the Gilbert Islands and Mariana Islands and raids in the Philippines.

Kamikaze Fighter as it Approaches the USS Lexington (CV-16), 5 Nov 1944

On 5 Nov 1944 13:37, near Leyte, two “Zekes” (Japanese Kamikaze) dove from heavy cloud cover. One being shot down by the Lexington’s antiaircraft guns. A five inch shell completely severed the tail section. The second Zeke made it through the ship’s antiaircraft fire, the plane was seen to shudder several times as it was hit with explosive shells. This plane was able to drop a bomb and itself struck the island structure aft and on the starboard side. The result of the Japanese attack left several radars out of service and fires from the planes fuel tank and munitions. Forty-seven officers and men were killed in the Kamikaze strike. One being Seaman Second Class (S2C) Theodore W. Long, of Marion, Ohio.
S2c Theodore W. Long was buried at sea.

S2C Theodore W. Long is remembered on the Walls of the Missing, Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, Manila, Capital District, National Capital Region, Philippines; 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.

USS Lexington (CV-16)