Born: unknown
Died:
Campaigns Served: Namur (wounded), Saipan (wounded), Tinian (wounded)
Highest Rank Attained: Private First Class
Decorations:
Purple Heart with Two Gold Stars
John Colgan enlisted in the Marine Corps in late 1942. He attended boot camp at Parris Island, where he qualified as a sharpshooter with the M1 rifle. Colgan joined the First Separate Battalion (Reinforced) in early 1943, and traveled to California for training at Camp Pendleton. He was promoted to Private First Class on July 15, 1943. The following month, his battalion became part of the 24th Marines; Colgan was assigned to one of Charlie Company's rifle platoons.
John Colgan in May, 1943. He is wearing his sharpshooter's cross and two additional qualification badges. Photo from the WWII Memorial Registry.
Colgan became one of the company's first casualties when he was wounded during the battle of Namur. After recovering, he rejoined his platoon as a BAR gunner. He suffered a second wound on June 18, 1944, while fighting on Saipan, and was again evacuated. He received a personal citation for his actions on Saipan.
PFC Colgan returned to action a third time, made a third landing, fought a third battle - and received his third wound on Tinian, July 31 1944. He was hospitalized for a final time, and did not return to the company.