Channing Whitaker

On today, November 22, 2019, we gather together as family and friends of Luther and Retta Gates Whitaker to welcome home their son, brother, and uncle, Channing Robert Whitaker. Channing was the seventh child born on August 17, 1925 in Granger, Iowa. The large family included two sisters and eight brothers. At a young age Channing experienced the devotion and patriotism of many of his siblings having entered into military service during World War II (1939-1945). When he turned 17 years old he desired to join the fight. Since he needed parental consent, his mother reluctantly signed her permission to join the US Marine Corps. Channing enlisted in the US Marine Corps 14 December, 1942 from Granger, Iowa. He completed his recruit training at the Recruit Depot, MCB San Diego. He was assigned to A and B Companies, Infantry Battalion, MCB Camp Elliott, CA. On 21 July, 1943 he was assigned to the 24th Replacement Battalion.

The young recruit embarked on the SS Sommelsdick at San Diego on 29 July, 1943 for movement overseas. Upon arrival at Wellington, New Zealand he was assigned to A Company, 1st Battalion, 6th Marines, 2nd Marine Division at McKays Crossing. 

On 23 October, 1943 he embarked on the USS Feland (APA-11) at Wellington, NZ. During 7-12 November, 1943 he participated in landing rehearsals at Efate, New Hebrides, the island group in the South Pacific. His unit deployed 20 November 1943 as an offshore reserve during D-Day operations at Tarawa Atoll, a remote island of the Gilberts group.

It was 21 November 1943 when they landed on Green Beach Tarawa. The effort to take Green Beach was initially met with heavy resistance. During a large banzai attack Channing was killed in action on 22 November, 1943. “All gave some, some gave all.” Channing and many of his brothers in combat were given a battle burial on the island. Over the many years hence the US Marine Corps followed the practice of “leaving no man behind.” With the advent of technology, DNA samples recently enabled his identification. Our heartfelt thanks to the US Marine Corps, Quanitco, VA for their assistance and today's Chaplain Theron Conrey, Lt Col, USAF, Retired and Honor Guard. Today we honor Channing's homecoming and homegoing. Semper Fi.