Private Alberic M. Blanchette, KIA, POW/MIA
USMC - WW II
Caribou, Maine - 18 Sep 2017
ABOUT THE MISSION:
Private Alberic M. Blanchette - KIA Tarawa, Nov. 20, 1943, will be returned to his home town and laid to rest next to his parents in Caribou Maine
Pvt. Blanchette was assigned to Company “B” 1st Marine Raider Battalion Amphibious Force Atlantic Fleet and fought in the battles of Tulagi Island, Savo Island and Guadalcanal. He was then assigned to the 3rd Battalion, Company “K” 2nd Marine Division, which landed with the first wave of Marines on Red Beach One against stiff Japanese resistance on the small island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll of the Gilbert Islands, in an attempt to secure the island.
Over several days of intense fighting at Tarawa, approximately 1,000 Marines and Sailors were killed and more than 2,000 were wounded, but the Japanese were virtually annihilated. Pvt. Blanchette only 19 years of age, died sometime on the first day of battle, Nov. 20, 1943.
In October 2016, due to recent advances in forensic technology, DPAA began the exhumation of unknown remains associated with Tarawa from NMCP and sent the remains to the DPAA laboratory for analysis.
On 12 July 2017, Private Blanchette’s remains were identified. To identify Pvt. Blanchette’s remains, scientists from DPAA examined DNA, circumstantial evidence and conducted laboratory analyses, including dental, anthropological and chest radiography comparisons, which matched his records.
Pvt. Blanchette was assigned to Company “B” 1st Marine Raider Battalion Amphibious Force Atlantic Fleet and fought in the battles of Tulagi Island, Savo Island and Guadalcanal. He was then assigned to the 3rd Battalion, Company “K” 2nd Marine Division, which landed with the first wave of Marines on Red Beach One against stiff Japanese resistance on the small island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll of the Gilbert Islands, in an attempt to secure the island.
Over several days of intense fighting at Tarawa, approximately 1,000 Marines and Sailors were killed and more than 2,000 were wounded, but the Japanese were virtually annihilated. Pvt. Blanchette only 19 years of age, died sometime on the first day of battle, Nov. 20, 1943.
In October 2016, due to recent advances in forensic technology, DPAA began the exhumation of unknown remains associated with Tarawa from NMCP and sent the remains to the DPAA laboratory for analysis.
On 12 July 2017, Private Blanchette’s remains were identified. To identify Pvt. Blanchette’s remains, scientists from DPAA examined DNA, circumstantial evidence and conducted laboratory analyses, including dental, anthropological and chest radiography comparisons, which matched his records.
PRIMARY STAGING DETAILS: 18 Sep 2017
Primary Staging Time: 11:30 A.M.
Skyway Plaza parking lot behind Burger King in Caribou
Caribou, Maine - 04736
https://goo.gl/maps/uUGPVdcyfa22
Caribou, Maine - 04736
https://goo.gl/maps/uUGPVdcyfa22
Ride Captain:
Jerry Joles
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Special Instructions:
Flags & Water:
Flags Will Be Provided
If you have large bike flags, please bring them.
Water WILL NOT be provided, please bring your own.
If you have large bike flags, please bring them.
Water WILL NOT be provided, please bring your own.
Submitted By: Mike Edgecomb
Position: State Captain
