Funerals for Pfc Edward A. Nalazek (World War II) and Pfc Billy E. Johnson (Korea)

| February 6, 2020

Funerals will be held next week for the following previously missing individuals recently accounted for by DPAA.

. . .

Last November, DPAA announced that it had accounted for Pfc Edward A. Nalazek, USMC. Pfc Nalazek was lost on Tarawa on 21 November 1943.

PFC Nalazek will be buried next week – on Monday, 10 February – in Arlington National Cemetery. Regrettably, DPAA does not seem to have posted the specific location and time for his funeral services or interment.

If any TAH readers have the precise location and time for PFC Nalazek’s funeral services or interment, please post it in comments below. And if any readers are in the area and have the time, here’s an opportunity to give someone lost during World War II a proper final send-off.

. . .

Last August, DPAA announced that it had accounted for Pfc Billy E. Johnson, USMC. PFC Johnson was lost in North Korea on 30 November 1950.

PFC Johnson will be buried next week – on Tuesday, 11 February – in Arlington National Cemetery. Regrettably, DPAA does not seem to have posted the specific location and time for his funeral services or interment.

If any TAH readers have the precise location and time for PFC Johnson’s funeral services or interment, please post it in comments below. And if any readers are in the area and have the time, here’s an opportunity to give someone lost during the Korean War a proper final send-off.

Category: Blue Skies, We Remember

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ninja

PFC Edward A. Nalazek’s Funeral services will be held at 1000 Hours, 10 February 2020 at the Memorial Chapel in Arlington National Cemetery.

ninja

You can find two nice pictures of PFC Edward Augustine Nalazek at this site:

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/56126673/edward-augustine-nalazek

5th/77th FA

We will raise a glass in Toast to and render Honors to the Sacrifices of these Marines.

Thanks for the update Hondo.

ninja

PFC Billy Edward Johnson’s Silver Star Citation:

“The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star
(Posthumously) to Private First Class Billy Edward Johnson (MCSN: 668112), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Radio Operator attached to the Air and Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific, in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 30 November 1950. When the vitally needed radio became inoperative during a fierce assault by a numerically superior hostile force, Private First Class Johnson voluntarily proceeded over open ground in the face of deadly enemy fire to salvage parts from an abandoned radio. Although suffering frostbitten fingers while working without gloves in the sub-zero weather, he braved continuous hostile fire until the essential radio was again operative. By his outstanding courage and inspiring actions throughout, Private First Class Johnson upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.”

ninja

Here is a Memorial page for PFC Billy Edward Johnson, Silver Star recepient, with a nice picture of him in uniform as well as a news article:

https://www.queencityfuneralhome.com/obituary/USMCPfc-Johnson/services

5th/77th FA

Thanks for adding these linkys for us computer impaired personnel ninja. It is bigly appreciated. I generally try to go to the obit sites and leave a few words. gabn/rtr/hbtd

Slow Hand Salute…To these Warriors and to you!

ninja

PFC Billy Edward Johnson’s name is not posted under Funeral Schedule for Arlington National Cemetery.

AW1Ed

Welcome home.

Poetrooper

This is one of those eerie moments when it would seem the theme from “The Twilight Zone” should be playing in the background. Early this morning ol’ Poe finished reading Jeff Shaara’s “The Frozen Hours” a fictionalized accounting of the Battle of Chosin Reservoir, and containing many historical figures.

This is the battle in which Johnson was killed and I believe he is mentioned in the book although I am unable to find him searching through the chapters devoted to that time period but I am certain there was a heroic young Marine named Johnson included in the account. I believe he was involved in the fighting on Fox Hill overlooking Toktong Pass.

It’s a well-written book but tough to read as the conditions endured by those Marines and soldiers were absolutely horrifying. But if you’ve ever wondered what actually transpired in that infamous battle, this is a highly readable source.

RIP, Marine…