A Marine's Story: Corporal Joseph Gifford




Corporal Joseph Gifford was born on March 27, 1909, in St. Paul, Minnesota.  He relocated to Cornville, Arizona, to farm before enlisting in the US Marine Corps in 1928.

He was first deployed to China before being selected for a Marine Raider unit that was created during World War II and considered one of the first "Special Operations" military units developed by the US Military.

Corporal Joseph Gifford was assigned to the 2nd Raider Battalion, also known as "Carson's Raiders" Corporal Gifford took part in the raid of Makin Island and was captured by the Japanese.  Corporal Joseph Gifford was executed on October 16, 1942, and is memorialized in the Courts of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial.


*Also see Private Alden Curtis Mattison


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a.d. elliott is a wanderer, writer, and photographer currently living in Salem, Virginia. 

In addition to the travel writings at www.takethebackroads.com, you can also read her book reviews at www.riteoffancy.com and US military biographies at www.everydaypatriot.com

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Location: Los Angeles, CA, USA

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