Private First Class George Bopp, Jr., United States Marine Corps [February 10, 1924 – April 1, 1945] was born to George Bopp Sr. [December 4, 1894 – June 8, 1947] and Ruth (Martinez) Bopp [November 14, 1891 – December 20, 1966].  No record of his place of birth has been located, but it is presumed to be Atascosa County, Texas as both his Mother and he are buried there.  He was serving with the 1^st Tank Battalion, 1^st Marine Division when he was Killed In Action on Okinawa. 

After completing his basic training he was eventually assigned to the 1^st Marine Division.  As his Division was island hopping toward Japan he was wounded on the island of Palaelue in September 1944, and after recuperating, he rejoined the 1^st Marine Division.  The 1^st Division fought in the Battle of Okinawa, and George was Killed In Action during the initial invasion of the island on April 1, 1945.  The Battle of Okinawa, also known as Operation Iceberg, was the largest amphibious assault in the Pacific Theater of World War II.  The 82 day battle lasted from late March through June 1945.  The battle has been referred to as the “Typhoon of Steel” in English, and tetsu no ame “rain of steel” or tetsu no bofu “violent wind of steel” in Japanese.  The nicknames refer to the ferocity of the fighting, the intensity of gunfire involved, and sheer numbers of Allied ships and armored vehicles that assaulted the island.  The battle has one of the highest number of casualties of any World War II engagement: the Japanese lost over 100,000 troops, and the Allies (mostly Americans) suffered more than 50,000 casualties, with over 12,000 Killed In Action.  Hundreds of thousands of civilians were killed, wounded or attempted suicide.  Approximately one-fourth of the civilian population died due to the invasion.  The Tenth Army had five Army Divisions, the 77^th, the 96^th, the 27^th, the 81^st and the 7^th.  Three Marine Divisions fought on Okinawa, the 6^th, 2^nd and 1^st.  All these divisions were supported by naval, amphibious and tactical air forces.

PFC Bopp was Killed In Action on April 1, 1945 and was buried in the 1^st Marine Division War Cemetery on Okinawa.  After his Mother requested his remains be returned to the United States, c.1948/49 he was brought home and re-interred at the Anchorage Methodist Church Cemetery, Anchorage, Atascosa County, Texas.  At the time of his death he was survived by his parents and one brother, William Robert Bopp, who was about to join the Marine Corps.  His parents were separated when he died.  In 1947 his father died in Austin, Travis County, Texas and was buried at the  Austin Memorial Park Cemetery in Austin.  His Mother died in 1966 and was buried near her son at the Anchorage Methodist Church Cemetery. 

Although technically not a Matagorda County casualty, his father George Bopp, Sr. was working at Long Print Shop in Bay City at the time of his death.  Even though he did not live in Matagorda County, we are proud to honor him and his sacrifice by including him among our honored dead of World War II.

Photo courtesy of Find A Grave volunteer P. T. Baron #47502109

Killed In Action

Mr. George Bopp of this city, pressman at Long Print Shop, received word Saturday night that his son, Pfc. George Bopp Jr., was killed in action, April 1, at Okinawa Island.

Mr. Bopp received the following wire--"Deeply regret to inform you that your son, Private First Class George Bopp, Jr., USMR, was killed in action, April 1, 1945 at Okinawa Island, Ryuku Islands, in the performance of his duty and service of his country. When information is received regarding burial you will be notified. To prevent possible aid to our enemies do not divulge the name of his ship or station. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy. Letter to follow, A. A. Vandergrift, General USMC Commandant of the Marine Corps.

Besides his father, George Bopp, Sr., who lives in Bay City, he is survived by his mother, Mrs. Ruth Bopp of Rossville, Texas and one brother, William Robert Bopp who will soon enter the Marine Corps.

The deceased was listed as a casualty at Palaeleu Island, September 19, 1944. He was awarded the Purple Heart and several citations. As soon as his wounds healed he went back into action.

The Matagorda County Tribune, Thursday, May 3, 1945
 

George Bopp Sr.

George Bopp, Sr., of 4100 Ramsey, died at his home Sunday morning. He was a member of the Pressmen's Local No. 143.

He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Mable Bopp, his father, Mr. Louis Bopp of New York, one son, Robert Bopp, in the service in North China, two step-sons, Milton Peterson of California and Wilburn Peterson of Austin; one brother in New York.

Services were held from Hyltin Funeral Chapel at 4:30 Monday with the Rev. Walter Kerr officiating. Pallbearers were L. B. Dyer, George Schwarzer, J. L. Ganaway, J. Gould, H. Petty and Alfred Englehardt. Burial was in Memorial Park.

Austin American-Statesman, Austin, Texas, June 9, 1947
 

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