Calvin
Earl McClain Jr.
1918-1944
USMC 1st Lt. Calvin Earl McClain Jr., First Armored Amphibian, First
Provisional Marine Brigade, FMF was killed in the line of duty against
the enemy on Guam, Marianas Islands July 21, 1944. He was awarded the
Silver Star medal for bravery and the Purple Heart medal, posthumously.
Originally buried on Guam he was brought home to rest in the New Prospect
Baptist Church Cemetery, Anderson, SC in 1947.
Calvin E. McClain Jr. was one of 12 children raised in a Christian
home. Our research this year revealed that he had five sisters and two
brothers still living, plus many nieces and nephews. His gravesite is
well kept and visited by his extended family. Those of us who had the
privilege to serve under him in the Second Platoon, B Company, First
Armored Amphibian Battalion are pleased that our leader is so remembered.
1st Lt. McClain was a graduate of Furman University, Greenville, SC.
He came into B Company, First Armored Amphibian Tank Battalion with
fellow officers, Edgar S. Carlson, Ed Dooley, Bill Wilson, and Irwin
Buckner. McClain, Dooley and Buckner shared the same tent during training
on Guadalcanal for the invasion of Guam. Calvin McClain had the nickname
of "Swampy", which he was fondly called. Ed Dooley had this to say about
his fellow officer, "Swampy McClain"; "He was always serious and concerned
about his responsibility to the enlisted men in his platoon and his
obligations to other members of the Battalion".
On July 21, 1944 B Company of the First Armored Amphibian Tank Battalion
leading the attack on white beaches 1 & 2 at Agat Beach, Guam for the
4th Marines met with many problems. Advancing inland many of the tanks
were stopped short by a variety of hazards while other tanks made the
advance inland as prescribed by battle plans. Lt. McClain's tank made
the deepest advance inland and met with heavy enemy opposition. Allen
Post, the tank's gunner, assisted a wounded Lt. McClain from his tank.
In the ensuing period heavy enemy fire killed Lt. McClain. B Company
suffered five Marines killed and 12 wounded. Allen Post received the
Silver Star for his bravery.
Capt. Carlson, B Company Commander had this to say about Lt. McClain,"
He was a good Marine with concern for his men and he worked hard at
his job."
Lt. Dooley gave the ultimate tribute to Lt. McClain, "Every drop of
his blood held a heritage of patriotism, he was proud of his past, he
was an American and a fine Marine and I considered it to be one of the
special events in my life to have known him and to have been his friend."
His enlisted troops say, "God bless you Swampy, you were a good Marine
and we were proud to serve under you."
REST IN PEACE
- Grady Coker
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