This Purple Heart was awarded posthumously to Pfc. Kenneth McKinley Carroll, Jr., who was killed in action during the battle for Fonte Plateau during the invasion of Guam. A native of Colorado, Pfc. Carroll served as a machine gunner with Company F, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines, 3rd Marine Division. He lost his life on July 26, 1944, most likely during the intense Japanese Banzai attacks that led to hand-to-hand combat and the overrunning of some Marine defensive lines, resulting in Japanese troops infiltrating the rear areas of the American position. More than 600 U.S. Marines were killed or wounded in the early hours of July 26, but the Japanese attackers were ultimately repulsed, suffering losses estimated between 600 and 900 soldiers.
The Purple Heart is officially Government engraved and preserved in its original early Navy/Marine award case. The Pacific Campaign and WWII Victory medals are pinned to the fabric at the top of the case, likely requested by the family as a tribute to their son. Pfc. Carroll is laid to rest at the Punchbowl in Honolulu.
