Born: October 22, 1920
Died: July 8, 1944
Campaigns Served: Namur, Saipan (killed)
Highest Rank Attained: Private First Class
Decorations: Purple Heart
Jack Comer was born in Tulia, Texas, in 1920, to Thomas and Mary Terry Comer. He married Elvina Miranda Grove on June 23, 1943, in Oregon.
With Dog Company:
Comer served as a machine gunner in Dog Company of the 24th Marines. He carried ammunition for his gun crew on Namur, and narrowly escaped injury while resting at the end of the battle. A stray bullet struck Comer's boondockers; while the force of the bullet wasn't enough to penetrate the leather boot, it stung ferociously, and Comer's squadmates were treated to the sight of him jumping around and cursing a blue streak.
Jack Comer was transferred to Able Company when his company was dissolved in March, 1944.
With Able Company:
PFC Comer joined Able Company's machine gun platoon, and fought with them on the island of Saipan. He survived three weeks of combat without a scratch, but sadly his luck would not hold out. On July 8, 1944, Comer was hit directly by a large artillery or mortar round. His friends found no trace of his body; Comer was listed on the muster roll as "remains unrecovered."
A gravestone stands in Haines Cemetery, Baker County, Oregon.
Photo by B. Ticknor, FindAGrave.com volunteer
Thanks to Bruce Carter and Wallace Duncan for the anecdotes about Jack Comer.