Guilford Veterans Memorial
Photo by: Tom Goulette
By: Sieferd C Schultz
The United States has been involved in six major wars and at least half a score of lesser conflicts since declaring its independence from Great Britain. Since its original settlement, Guilford has watched some of its brightest and best go marching off to serve in these hostilities. Two of these wars, the Civil War and World War II were without question the costliest in terms of manpower and materiel. To try to cover all of those who served from Guilford would be nearly impossible so it was decided to cover two who served in World War II - one very young, one near the upper limit of age to serve; one came home, one did not; one was male, one was female; both volunteered; one served in the Pacific, one in Europe. Both served with great distinction and courage.
Their names - Louis Wilbur Trafton and Mattie Anna Pinette
Sgt. Louis Wilbur Trafton, Guilford, 1943
Guilford Historical Society
LOUIS WILBUR TRAFTON
Louis Wilbur Trafton was born on February 21, 1921. He attended school in Guilford where he excelled in sports, lettering in baseball and basketball. He graduated in June of 1940. On December 11, l942, with the country embroiled in World War II, he answered the call to duty and enlisted in the US Marine Corps. After his training as a combat rifleman he was sent to the South Pacific and took part in four separate amphibious assaults on Japanese held islands.
For his “extraordinary heroism in action against the enemy” during the assault and capture of Saipan Island, he was awarded the “Navy Cross”, the second highest award given by the United States. His citation reads in part as follows:
“On 4 July, Private First Class TRAFTON courageously and single handedly charged into a cave containing fifteen of the enemy and annihilated the entire group. Later he forced his way into another cave where he destroyed five enemy soldiers. Throughout the entire operation, he went on numerous patrols in front of the lines and succeeded in destroying several machine guns and killing numerous enemy riflemen. His gallant and heroic actions were an inspiration to those about him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.”
He also received the Purple Heart for wounds received during this engagement
On Iwo Jima Island, now “Sergeant” Trafton, was a member of the FIFTH Amphibious Corps that landed under withering fire and participated in the successful assault on Mount Suribachi where members of his unit raised the first American flag. For this and 10 days of vicious hand to hand fighting from February 19th to the 28th of 1945 his unit was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation.
SEE NOTES Louis Wilbur Trafton - Display
Guilford Historical Society
For his gallant actions on February 28, Sergeant Trafton was awarded the “Silver Star”, his countries third highest award. His citation for this award reads in part as follows:
“Volunteering to go in search of two of his group who had become separated from the platoon, Sergeant Trafton unhesitatingly proceeded into enemy territory and finding the two members of his platoon and another marine wounded, he returned to his own lines for aid. Prevented by enemy machine gun fire from advancing with stretcher bearers, he daringly maneuvered six of his men forward and, in the face of withering hostile small arms and mortar fire, succeeded in placing an automatic rifle team in position to neutralize the enemy’s fire, thus removing the wounded men to safety. By his inspiring leadership and great personal valor in the face of grave peril, Sergeant Trafton upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.”
Two days later, while still leading his platoon, Louis Wilbur Trafton was killed in action on March 2, 1945, making the ultimate sacrifice for his country. He was posthumously awarded his second Purple Heart.
After the battle Admiral Chester Nimitz made the following statement:
“Among the Americans who served on Iwo Island, uncommon valor was a common virtue.”
The local American Legion Post was renamed the Connor/Trafton Post in Sergeant Trafton’s honor.
In 1948 “Wilbur” finally came home to the town he loved and was buried in a quiet spot beside the river in Elmwood Cemetery, a true hero and an inspiration to all.
His citations and decoration along with his burial flag now reside in the Guilford Historical Society Museum.
