The Reinterment of Walter G Critchley

Yesterday, I had the honor of attending the reinterment of CPL Walter George Critchley, a United States Marine who died in the Battle of Tarawa, on the island of Betio on Nov 20, 1943. 

Walter served with the 2nd Marine Division and was part of an amphibian landing that, due to low tide, resulted in these soldiers having to wade through waist deep water as they made their way to the  beach that was infiltrated with Japanese soldiers who were equally determined to protect the island from invasion.  Walter was one of the first to lead the way, and was shot and killed on his very first day of battle. 

The casualties were high, and burials were quickly done for those who perished that day.  Shortly after the Marines had control of the island, an airfield was expanded, and roads and offices added.  When the war was over and the Graves Administration came onto the island in 1946, no one could remember where they had buried these brave dead soldiers.

I know that it seems almost incomprehensible that such a vital piece of information could be lost, and if it were not for the efforts of Mark Noah, founder of History Flight,  Walter and his comrades would more than likely still be laying under a parking lot on the island.  Over 1100 men died in that battle, and only half of them were recovered.  Mark took the challenge of finding these men upon himself, researching, hiring anthropologists and historians, and physically digging for any clues that would help him to get answers.

All of his hard effort resulted in the discovery of Cemetery #27, which held the remains of 40 Tarawa casualties, and Walter was among them.  That was in 2015, and at that time, I was asked by Mark if I would be interested in helping the team to locate families of some of these men who were no longer Missing in Action. 

I was thrilled to be part of the team, although, I must admit, that my contribution was minimal in comparison with others who have worked to find family members.  And I would be remiss if I did not give credit to my Britain born friend, Jennifer, who made the actual contact with a family member living in Great Britain.  The GB contact had an extensive family tree and he was more than willing to work with Mark regarding presenting the necessary information for Walter's living relatives.  

For some reason, I felt compelled to attend the service.  I had just a brief glimpse into this young man's life:  he was the son of British Immigrants, loved the Boy Scouts, played varsity Football in high school, enlisted in the Marines, and perished in the line of duty on his very first mission. Seventy-four years later, he was no longer missing, and I felt the need to be part of the ceremony honoring him and giving him the proper burial that he was denied all those years ago.

We were blessed with the perfect fall day.  Walter was to be buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery.  In attendance was a Marine Band

as well as a Marine Honor guard.  

The casket was removed from the hearse with reverance

and ever so gently placed upon the horse-drawn Caisson.

A marine guidon led the procession, followed by the band and the platoon of marines.

while those in attendance followed behind.

When we reached the burial site, the casket was gently transferred from the Caisson while all stood at attention.

Navy Chaplain Lt. Clay C Edinger conducted the funeral rites,  read from scripture and offered sentiments of heartfelt sympathy.

Seven marines shot off 3 rifle volleys according to custom, followed by the playing of taps.

The sound of the trumpet resonated through the air, and I could not help but be touched by the significance of this final send off.  

The flag was meticulously folded  

and presented to the family by Brigadier General N.L. Cooling. 

When the ceremonies were over, and the bands and guard had marched away, we gathered as a group for a photo of those who had made the trip to commemorate this fallen soldier. 

In addition to the five family members who had made the trip, one man, who shared the same last name, had decided to bring his sons to the memorial service.  He had noted Walter's name engraved on a war memorial at Valley Stream High School, and was intrigued by the fact that they shared the same surname.  He pursued his genealogy, only to learn that he and Walter were not related.  

But after reading Walter's history as a 2nd Marine, and the story behind his fate, he felt compelled to make the trip from New York to attend the service, along with his young sons.  As a history teacher himself, he feels that it is important that young people are made aware of the extreme sacrifices that were made so many years ago, to assure our freedom.  I could not agree with him more, and I admire this man for making the effort to attend with his sons. This event will certainly be something that they will remember for a lifetime.

And so, we take heart that yet one more Tarawa MIA is no longer missing.  

Safely rest Walter G Critchley. You are finally home.