Saves Life of Marine Comrade
A recent dispatch from a U.S. Naval hospital at Oakland, Cal., received by Mr. and Mrs. George Passmore of Ames, gave much credit for the saving of a marine's life to their nephew, Maurice L. Faulkner who made his home with them for many years.
It was said that Pfc. Ray Durham Moon, of Mart, Tex., was wounded in the face by an explosion of a mortar shell on the beach of Tarawa. He said it exploded in his face "almost like a giant fire-cracker." Giving assistance to his fallen comrade, although still exposed to Jap snipers, was Faulkner.
After dressing the wounds of his buddy, both Faulkner and Moon kept right on after the Nips until Moon was exhausted from his wounds and had to be returned to a hospital ship.
Faulkner has seen service with the marines since March, 1943. His address is Pfc. Maurice L. Faulkner, c-o Fleet Post Office, San Francisco, Cal.
Source: Ames Daily Tribune (Iowa); Tuesday, February 22, 1944, pg. 2
Maurice Faulkner Killed in Action On Saipan Island
Word was received Saturday of the death of Maurice Loring Faulkner, son of Mrs. Myrtle Faulkner, deceased, and nephew of Mr. and Mrs. George Passmore, 1312 Douglas, with whom he lived most of his life.
Only 20 years old, he joined the Marines in 1943, saw action on Tarawa and on Saipan where he was killed. No date of his death was given.
He was born in Sheldahl, Ia., April 22, 1924. Following the death of his mother, he moved to Ames, and later went to Wichita, Kansas, for a few years, but returned to Ames. He joined the Marines while living here.
He had been cited for bravery while on Tarawa when he saved the life of a Marine comrade, Pfc. Ray Durham Moon. Moon was wounded in the face by an explosion of a mortar shell on the beach, and Faulkner gave assistance to his fallen comrade although still exposed to Jap snipers. He dressed the wounds of his buddy, and both kept on fighting the Nips until Moon was exhausted from his wounds and had to be returned to a hospital ship. Faulkner received the Purple Heart.
He was last heard from on May 15. Relatives left to mourn his death are Mr. And Mrs. Ellery Comstock and children, Mr. And Mrs. Walter Comstock and children, Mr. And Mrs. George Passmore and children, Arlene Passmore, and Mrs. Fred Young, all of Ames.
Source: Ames Daily Tribune (Iowa); Monday, August 7, 1944, pg. 1
