Obituary ~ FM1C Paul E. Stoneburner
September 15 1924 ~ K.I.A. May 24, 1945
Paul E. Stoneburner, son of Frank E. and Estrella M. Stoneburner of Davis City, Iowa, enlisted in the Marine Corps in June of 1944. He qualified as a rifle sharpshooter and completed his recruit training at the 7th Recruit Training battalion, Marine Corps Base, San Diego, California. In October of 1944, Paul was assigned ast a student in Field Music Course, Co. A, Headquarters Battalion, MCB, San Diego. He was promoted to Field Music 1st Class, a rank between Private and Private First Class, and was designated as Field Music MOS 803.
Paul was assigned to the 26th Replacement Draft, MCB, Camp Pendelton, California, in November of 1944. He was sent overseas to Guadalcanal in December of 1944 where his regiment was attached to the 6th Marine Division. The 26th left Guadalcanal in March of 1945 for the invasion of Okinawa. The 26th functioned at Okinawa as a shore party, unloading and processing supplies for the 6th Marine Division.
With Co. C, 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, 6th Marine Division, Paul participated in combat operations. He was killed in action on May 24, 1945.
Paul was initially interred at the 6th Marine Division Cemetery, Okinawa (see photo below.) He was permanently interred at the National Cemetery of the Pacific, Honolulu, Hawaii, on March 4, 1949. A memorial stone in his honor is located at the I.O.O.F. Cemetery, Davis City, Decatur County, Iowa.
