The 35th Infantry Regiment Association salutes our fallen brother, PFC John D. Pursell, who died in the service of his country on August 15th, 1943 in Vella Lavella. The cause of death was listed as MIA/KIA. At the time of his death John was 31 years of age. He was from Pennsylvania.

The decorations earned by PFC John D. Pursell include: the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the Asiatic-Pacific Service Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal.

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John died during enemy air raid 08/15/1943, the first day of the Vella Lavella assault.

"Note from Graves Registration" "PFC John Pursell, Co A, 35th Inf was WIA on 15 August 43 on Vella Lavella, was placed aboard USS LST 395 on same date. He died 1730, same date, and was buried at sea on 16 Aug 43. For further information please contact the commander, LST Flotilla #5"

John was a cook in civilian life and enlisted 1 Apr 1941.