Remembering PFC Ottis Whitehurst

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Posted by: Steve Hardwick
Date: Apr 14 2019 9:59 AM

Two years ago I placed this floral arrangement at the Angel Of Hope
to honor and to remember...

PFC James Ottis Whitehurst

who proudly served in the United States Marines and paid the ultimate price for his country.

Since 1943 his parents did not know where his remains were buried until recently and he was brought back home.

His parents died not knowing where their sons remains were.

So for his parents, Benjamon and Delilah Whitehurst, these flowers are for you and your heroic son.

I pray that you are smiling down from Heaven knowing that your son has not and will not be forgotten.

In November 1943, Whitehurst was assigned to Company E, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division,

which landed against stiff Japanese resistance on the small island of Betio

in the Tarawa Atoll of the Gilbert Islands, in an attempt to secure the island.

Over several days of intense fighting at Tarawa, approximately 1,000 Marines and Sailors were killed

and more than 2,000 were wounded, but the Japanese were virtually annihilated.

Whitehurst died on the first day of the battle, Nov. 20, 1943.

PFC Ottis Whitehurst 

Always Loved, Missed And Remembered

Steve Hardwick

Wiregrass Angel Of Hope

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