In the squadron records there was one additional Marine who died while the squadron was deployed but did not appear in the squadron after action report as filed 14 September 1945. That Marine was killed in a non-combat related accident, and his name was Sergeant Kenneth D. Antle, USMCR. Cause of death: being thrown from a horse and subsequently striding a tree. He sustained a rupture and injured his liver. It appears he then suffered traumatic complications and died in the Naval Hospital at Espiritu Santo on 17 June 1943. He was buried with full military honors on 18 June 1943. Letter from Lt.Col. Steve Finsterle "VMD-154 Newsletter" April 2000
I had never met Sgt. Ken Antle, but did see him fall from the horse into the coconut tree. We were loading the trucks to go to the maintenance area, and the fall didn't look at all serious so the truck proceeded. We were about 75 to 100 yards away from the accident, and those of us that saw it were quite surprised that it ended in this death. written by Joe Vaughn "VMD-154 Newsletter" July 2000
Kenny Antle was brought to Sick Bay the evening of his accident. Dr. Driskell was certain that he had a ruptured liver. Kenny was immediately moved to the Naval Hospital, but his liver was too badly damaged for his survival. written by Raymond Walker "VMD-154 Newsletter" July 2000
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