Our reporting on local veterans is a collaboration with RyeVets.org to highlight those from Rye who have served our country across times of war and peace. There are over 2,100 veterans from the City of Rye. Learn more about how you can help research and write biographies of those that have served.

Charles BarthCharles William D. Barth was born on November 29, 1917, in Rye, New York. He married Alma Bertha Tetreault in 1939 in Attleboro, Massachusetts, and the couple had one child. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II.

 

Date of Birth: 11/29/1917
Died On: 2/19/1945 (Iwo Jima)
Street Address: 392 Midland Ave
Branch of Service: U.S. Marine Corps – 4th Marine Division

Barth was a member of Company F, 2nd Battalion, 23rd Marines, Fourth Marine Division. After intensive training, the Fourth Marine Division was deployed on January 13, 1944. They fought the battles of Kwajalein (Roi-Namur), Saipan, Tinian and Iwo Jima. 

The Battle of Iwo Jima has become etched in the historical memory of Americans largely because of the iconic photograph taken by photographer Joe Rosenthal. The photo conveys the struggle and ultimate victory of the U.S. Marines who played a critical role in bringing an end to WWII soon after. 

Iwo Jima remains the costliest battle in the history of the U. S. Marine Corps and represented approximately one third of the entire Marine death toll during WWII. Of the seven thousand casualties during the battle, six thousand were Marines, and one was Charles Barth.

Barth was killed in action at the age of 27 during the D-Day assault on Iwo Jima on February 19, 1945. He was survived by his wife, his young son, and his sister, Mrs. Leonard LaRussell. More on Barth.

Anika Kini is a summer editorial intern at MyRye.com. She is a Rye resident and a student at Rye Country Day School.

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