Capt Clayton Rockmore newspaper clipping

Capt Clayton Rockmore newspaper clipping
Killed in Action, 23 February 1945
Aged 22

Rockmore was the commanding officer of Company I, 3rd Battalion, 21st Marines, 3rd Marine Division. In 1944, he took part in the Battle of Guam and received the Purple Heart when wounded in action on 26 July 1944. In February 1945, Clayton Rockmore landed on Iwo Jima as the CO of “I” Company, 3/21. On 23 February he led a direct attack against the main line of Japanese defenses. Fighting fiercely through the enemy pillboxes, trenches, barbed wire, artillery, and mortars, his company successfully pressed the assault to the island’s airfield, even after Rockmore was struck and killed by gunfire. For his heroism and leadership, Rockmore was recommended for the Navy Cross, but ultimately received the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.