Marine Corps CPL Andrew Pellerito, 22, of Grand Rapids perished during World War II on November 20, 1943.
Andrew was born June 1, 1921 to Salvatore and Rosolia “Rosalie” (Madonia) Pellerito in Grand Rapids. He was a high school graduate who entered into the U.S. Marine Corps, after Pearl Harbor on January 15, 1942 in Detroit.
Andrew was a member of Company K, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force, which landed against stiff Japanese resistance on the small island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll of the Gilbert Islands, in an attempt to secure the island. It was November 20, 1943 (D-Day for the “Battle of Tarawa”).
He was reportedly killed and buried in the Main Marine Cemetery, Cemetery #33, Grave #7, Row #2, Plot #15, on Betio Island, a temporary location chosen by his fellow Marines, the survivors of the battle, until the Fallen could be recovered and returned to their families.
That recovery and final identification took place on August 19, 2021. The U.S. Department of Defense has been working with the remaining family to get Andrew back to Michigan for his proper burial.
A private burial will take place at Fort Custer National Cemetery at a later date. The family was cared for by Dutcher Funeral Home.
Andrew is survived by his youngest brother Tony (Beth) Pellerito of Tekonsha and several extended family members. At the time of his death, Andrew was survived by his father Salvatore; and five brothers & five sisters: Philip Pellerito, John (Catherine) Pellerito, Vincent Pellerito, Salvatore Pellerito; his sisters Anna (Charles) Lucchese, Rose (Peter) Lomonazo, Josephine (Mike) Impellizzeri, Mary (Tony) Mitchell, and Gloria Poll.
He was preceded in death by his mother Rosalie in 1937. www.dutcherfh.com
“His Lord said to him, Well done, you good and faithful servant…” Matthew 25:21.
CPL Andrew Pellerito was reported as Killed in Action by gunshot wounds to the head on 20 November 1943 on Tarawa. Chief Rick Stone, while a member of the Department of Defense in 2011/2012, investigated all of the unresolved Tarawa casualties using the Random Incident Statistical Correlation System (RISC) to compare the MIA’s from Tarawa to all the “Unknowns” buried in the Punchbowl Cemetery. Later, researchers from the Chief Rick Stone and Family Charitable Foundation confirmed that CPL Pellerito was originally buried in Cemetery 33 on Tarawa and was a “Most Likely Match” to five “Unknowns” recovered from that location in 1946 and later buried in the Punchbowl Cemetery, including Unknown X-118. CPL Pellerito’s family contacted the Chief Rick Stone and Family Charitable Foundation in August 2017 and requested a comprehensive “Family Report” on CPL Pellerito’s case, which was immediately sent. CPL Pellerito was identified as Unknown X-118 as indicated by Foundation research. His official identification was announced by the Department of Defense on 2 September 2021.
Welcome home Marine! We share the joy of your family in your return! God Bless you and thanks to ALL who never forgot you and your service to our country!