My father-in-law, A.P. Coburn, as a newly minted 2nd Lieutenant and Marine Corps paratrooper in early 1943. The paratroopers never jumped in combat, but were merged with other USMC units. In some instances, they were employed in special operations, like the Rangers. A.P. fought in the invasions and liberation of Bougainville in the Solomon Islands, Saipan and Tinian in the Marianas Islands, and Okinawa.
A.P. and four brothers served concurrently during the war. Two brothers were in the Navy, and two in the Merchant Marine.
May they never be forgotten.
Additional References:
Silk Chutes and Hard Fighting - USMC Parachute Units in WWII, by LtCol Jon T. Hoffman, USMCR, History and Museums Division, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, 1999.
The 1st Marine Parachute Regiment (1st, 2nd, and 3rd Battalions) fought on Bougainville.
Bougainville and the Northern Solomons by Major John N. Rentz, USMCR. Historical Branch, Headquarters U.S. Marine Corps, 1946.
History of U.S. Marine Corps Operations In World War II, Volume III, Central Pacific Drive Henry I. Shaw, Jr., Bernard C. Nalty, Edwin T. Turnbladh. Historical Branch, G-3 Division, Headquarters U.S. Marine Corps, 1966.
Some units of the 1st Marine Parachute Regiment were melded into the Sixth Marine Division and participated in the invasion of Okinawa.
Okinawa: Victory in the Pacific by Major Chas. S. Nichols, Jr., USMC and Henry I. Shaw, Jr. Historical Branch, G-3 Division, Headquarters U.S. Marine Corps, 1955.