Pallesen, William Everett

Paullesen, William Everett

Rank and Name, Private First Class William Everett Pallesen.

Unit/Placed in, Second Marine Raider Battalion.

The captured Marines received satisfactory care at the hands of their captors on Makin, and humane treatment continued for nearly a month after they had been moved to Camp Kwajalein (execution Island). Early in October, Vice Admiral Koso Abe, Marshall Islands commander, was advised that he need not send these prisoners to Tokyo. A staff officer from a higher headquarters told Abe that a recently established policy permitted the admiral to dispose of these men on Kwajalein as he saw fit. Abe then ordered the Marines (9) to beheaded.

William is born on May 25, 1917 in Manila, Utah.

Father, Niels Pallesen.

Mother, Dora (Pearson) Pallesen.

Sisters, Mildred and Bonny B. Pallesen.

Brothers, Wilbur, Delbert, Doral R. Allen B. and Forrest D. Pallesen.

William enlisted the service in New York with service number # 336074.

William died during his captivity at Camp Kwajalein (Execution Island), Marshall Islands, on Oct. 16, 1942, he is honored with a Purple Heart, Pow Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Marine and Navy Good Conduct Medal, Combat Action Ribbon and the POW Medal.

As a member in Company B, Second Marine Raider Battalion, during the Marine Raider Expedition against the Japanese-held at the island of Makin in the Gilbert Islands on 17 and 18 August 1942. Fully aware of the hazards of an imminent enemy air attack, and with complete disregard for his own life, Sergeant Allard, with four others, volunteered to take a Submarine (USS Nautilus Comp-A, and the USS Argonaut Comp-B) to a point just outside a reef and shoot a line ashore to assist in evacuating those men remaining on the beach. Caught on the sea, he was defeated in his valiant efforts by the violent strafing of his boat by withering enemy machine-gun fire. His great personal valor and loyal spirit of self-sacrifice were in keeping with the finest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave up his life in the service of his country.

Here are the names of the 9 Raiders

Robert V. Allard Sgt. USMCR Company B.
Dallas Harry Cook Sgt. USMC Company B.
Joseph Gifford Cpl. USMC Company B.
Richard E. Davis PFC USMC Company A.
Richard N. Olbert PFC USMCR Company B.
William E. Pallesen PFC USMC Company B.
John I. Kerns Pvt USMCR Company A.
Alden O. Mattison Pvt USMCR Company A
Donald R. A. Roberton Pvt USMC Company B.