Pls. advise how I can find the burial place of my uncle John J. Phillips who died in 1945, was buried on Iwo Jima and eventually his body was returned to the US for burial. We do not have his service or social security number - he was from New Jersey.We've written to the National Personnel Record Center in St. Louis - they cannot help unless we provide social security and service numbers. Also wrote to the USMC in Quantico - no response. We understand this is a rough time for all service members and if we could get some direction in this regard it would be appreciated. Raymond Robertson, NJ

I'm going to assume that your Mother is his sister, right?

What were the names of his parents (Mother's maiden name, if you know it)?

What is his approximate date of birth?

Are you Certain that his home of record is NJ and, if so, what town/county?

The more accurate starting point I have, the better I MAY be able to help!

I've already found:

John J. Phillips, Sgt., USMC
Inducted from New Jersey
DOB: N/A
DOD: 19 Feb 1945
Buried: Honolulu, Hawaii, United States
Awarded: the Purple Heart

It doesn't say where or how, but as that DOD IS the date of D-Day (Iwo Jima) and the initial wave went ashore that morning..., well, it sure sounds like a pretty good match, wouldn't you agree?

Middle name "James?"

If this IS him, I've found his service ID.

Date of reburial in Section A, Row 0, Site 828, National Memorial Cemetery of The Pacific, 2177 Puowaina Drive, Honolulu, HI 96813 was 01 Feb 1949.

Subsequent to our request we received the information from USMC magazine Leatherneck. We learned that he is buried in Hawaii in a cemetery nicknamed Punch Bowl which is probably the National Memorial Cemetery you mention. If they can,t supply the ID# & other pertinent information, hope we can still call on you Thank you for your efforts.
As always God bless the USA & the USMC.
Raymond Robertson

I'll contact you on this by direct email in order to observe privacy issues!

Good on ya, KJ!

Thanks, Stretch!

My problem is that when I get involved in these searches, it's like reading a good mystery novel or solving a jigsaw; I can't stop!


Consequently, I don't get things done that I should!

Nice job
S/F