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#Post#: 267--------------------------------------------------
Tarawa vet passed.
By: Rick Date: June 20, 2021, 11:56 am
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in the obits of todays newspaper I saw listed, LtCol. Richard M.
Doezema, 97, from Grand Rapids, Mi. He was remembered as a
veteran of Tarawa, Saipan, Tinian and Okinawa in WWII. Also,
combat in Korea. Navy Cross, Silver Star and two Purple hearts.
Just wondering if anyone has any info on this Marine.
#Post#: 268--------------------------------------------------
Re: Tarawa vet passed.
By: gunnygp Date: June 20, 2021, 12:57 pm
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Just went thru the officer list in the book Bloody Tarawa by
Eric Hammel and John Lane and he is not listed.
#Post#: 269--------------------------------------------------
Re: Tarawa vet passed.
By: Rick Date: June 20, 2021, 1:13 pm
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Gunny, I checked that book myself and did not see him listed.
Also checked 2/8 roster and he's not there. The obit mentioned
Okinawa so I assumed he was with the 8th as they were called in
near the end of that campaign. So, he may have been in one of
the many units attached to that group. (FYI, my uncle was with
2/10 arty on Okie.) For some reason I think I've seen his name
in print but not sure where as I have MANY Tarawa books.
He was probably not an officer in 1943 as he would have been 19
years old.
#Post#: 270--------------------------------------------------
Re: Tarawa vet passed.
By: gunnygp Date: June 21, 2021, 9:38 am
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Right Rick. At 19 he would not have been commissioned. So, at
Tarawa, he could have been anywhere really. Even still aboard
ship.
#Post#: 271--------------------------------------------------
Re: Tarawa vet passed.
By: Roy Date: June 21, 2021, 7:09 pm
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Doezema Richard M First Lieutenant Korean war 1950-1953 Navy
cross .
#Post#: 272--------------------------------------------------
Re: Tarawa vet passed.
By: TRGodwin Date: June 22, 2021, 1:58 pm
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Here is PFC Richard M. Doezema in the 10th in October 1943.
Onboard the La Salle in November 43 muster headed to Tarawa.
#Post#: 273--------------------------------------------------
Re: Tarawa vet passed.
By: Rick Date: June 27, 2021, 1:30 pm
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Thanks for the info. I have found a book called, " Pa's Story, a
Marine reflects on war and his life." Written by Col. Doezema it
tells his story. found on Amazon.
Thanks again for the investigative efforts from all of you.
#Post#: 332--------------------------------------------------
Re: Tarawa vet passed.
By: Dreamacre Date: April 8, 2022, 8:24 am
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This man was one of 10 to get out of their LST on to Red Beach 1
at Tarawa. My Dad was another. They kept in touch every year and
even after my Dad passed away in 2010.
HTML https://www.tributearchive.com/obituaries/24365015/edward-gazel/allen-park/michigan/voran-funeral-home
R.I.P, Guz
#Post#: 335--------------------------------------------------
Re: Tarawa vet passed.
By: Kim Harrison Date: April 8, 2022, 3:32 pm
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Sad news. How do ever say thank you to a man and his friends for
giving you and family your lives. We live today in Kiribati free
thanks to men like this.
God Bless
Sempa Fi Mac
#Post#: 337--------------------------------------------------
Re: Tarawa vet passed.
By: TRGodwin Date: April 9, 2022, 1:34 pm
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Ed Gazel is mentioned quite a bit in Tanks in Hell. A great
story and a great, long life. Rest In Peace, sir.... Had to
laugh at his 4 rules for a long life :
1. Always wear comfortable shoes.
2. Eat your fruits and vegetables.
3. Drink two shots of brandy with dinner each night.
4. Never play leapfrog with a unicorn.
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