2Lt. Paul Jasper Turner, USMCR, was killed in action fighting on the island of Saipan during World War II.

Turner was born in Nebraska on March 3, 1913, the son of Peter James Turner and Eva Belle Corbin Turner. Before the war, he was a crane operator at Pollock-Stockton Shipbuilding, Co., and a mailman. In 1934 he married Ester Louvenia, and they had two children together, Peter and Erin.

Turner joined the Marines during World War II and served in the 3rd Battalion, 24th Marines, 4th Marine Division. He commanded a rifle platoon during the invasion of the Marshall Islands, where he was wounded. He recovered in time to rejoin his men for the invasion of the Mariana Islands. 

July 1944 found Turner and his fellow Marines on the island of Saipan, facing incredibly fierce resistance from enemy forces. As it turned out, the Japanese soldiers on Saipan were cut off from resupply and had vowed to fight to the last man.

Saipan was incredibly hilly, and Independence Day 1944 saw the 4th Marines involved in severe clashes designed to push the Japanese off of these hills. One hill was appropriately dubbed “Fourth of July Hill.” It was during this fierce fighting that 2Lt. Turner was killed.

That evening General Holland “Howlin’ Mad” Smith distributed the following a message to his tired troops reminding them what they fought for:

"The Commanding General takes pride on this INDEPENDENCE DAY in sending his best wishes to the fighting men on Saipan. Your unflagging gallantry and devotion to duty have been worthy of the highest praise of our country. It is fitting that on this 4th of July you should be extremely proud of your achievements. Your fight is no less important than that waged by our forefathers who gave us the liberty and freedom we have long enjoyed. Your deeds to maintain these principles will not be forgotten. To all hands a sincere well done. My confidence in your ability is unbounded."

Turner’s remains were sent back to the United States after the war and he was interred Section J, Row 0, Site 878 at Golden Gate National Cemetery on January 20, 1949. 





PAUL JASPER TURNER

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