This picture is compliments of Joe Rozmanik. His father, Roman, had often spoken of a picture taken of him on Tarawa. He said that he had gone over the seawall with a shovel in one hand and a rifle in the other. Joe came across this picture in a Tarawa book a few years ago and showed his father who immediately recognized himself.
Roman Rozmanik, serial #415315, was with the 1st Battalion, 8th Marines and landed on Red Beach 2 on D+1. For most of the battle 1/8 was involved in the reduction of The Pocket which had caused so many Marine casualties. This was the last area of Japanese resistance on Tarawa.
In September 1944 Major Lawrence C. Hays recommended Roman for the Bronze Star. The citation reads:
"For meritorious service as a member of the First Battalion, Eighth Marines during operations against enemy Japanese forces at Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands from November 20 to November 24, 1943; at Saipan Marianas Islands from June 15 to July 8 1944; and at Tinian, Marianas Islands from July 24 to August 1, 1944. In the actions at Tarawa, Saipan, and Tinian, Corporal Rozmanik, as a Private First Class, performed exemplary service as a rifleman. Corporal Rozmanik was habitually faithful and attentive in the performance of his duties; he was cool and calm under enemy fire; and at all times reliable and efficient. His devotion to duty and quiet courage during action distinguished him among others serving in comparable assignments and circumstances."
However, the order was never signed by Maj. Hays and Roman did not receive the decoration he had earned and deserved. Below is a copy of the this recommendation.
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Created 2 January 2000 - Updated 11 February 2001
