George Blaese Jr.
Rank: Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps
Serial: 3723209
Unit: Company F, 2nd Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division
Entered service from: New Jersey
Died:
Burial: Berlin Cemetery, Route 130, Berlin, NJ — Section 5, Lot 3, Grave 3
Awards: Bronze Star, Purple Heart
Sergeant George Blaese Jr.
Introduction
Sergeant George Blaese Jr. was born in 1923 to George and Fannie Blaese. By 1930, George Blaese Sr. owned a home at 35 Jackson Road in Berlin, NJ, next door to his brother Frank Blaese, and worked as a window glazier in a local lumber yard. Besides George Jr., there was a daughter, Darlene Blaese. Before enlisting in the Marines, he worked for the Bartlett & Seaman Company in Collingswood, NJ.
George Blaese Jr. enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on November 16, 1942. He served in Company F, 24th Regiment, 2nd Battalion, 4th Division, and had been promoted to the rank of Sergeant when he was killed in action on Saipan, Marianas Islands, on June 17, 1944, and interred there. He had previously seen action in the Marshall Islands. He was awarded posthumously the Bronze Star Medal on June 2, 1946, with the following citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the BRONZE STAR MEDAL posthumously to SERGEANT GEORGE BLAESE, UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS RESERVE for service set forth in the following CITATION:
“For heroic achievement as Squad Leader of a Rifle Platoon serving with the Second Battalion, twenty-fourth Marines, Fourth Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Marianas Islands, from 15 to 17 June 1944. When his squad was subjected to a fierce and accurate volley from an enemy fieldpiece at close range, Sergeant Blaese vigorously countered the hostile attack, fearlessly moving from man to man while directing their return fire. Mortally wounded in the performance of his hazardous task, Sergeant Blaese, by his zealous efforts and able leadership, rendered valuable service, which was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
For the President,
James Forrestal,
Secretary of the Navy
George Blaese Jr. was brought home after the war. He was buried on June 19, 1948, at Berlin Cemetery in Berlin, NJ.
Military Funeral For Sgt. Blaese
Camden Courier-Post —
Military rites will be accorded Sgt. George Blaese, 35 Jackson road, Berlin, by George R. Duncan post 271, American Legion, and Amnac post 6253, VFW. He was killed in action on Saipan, June 17, 1944. Services will be held at 2 p. m. Saturday in the residence, where friends may call tomorrow night. Burial will be in Berlin cemetery.
Sgt. Blaese attended Haddon Heights High school two years and was employed by Bartlett & Seamen Co., Collingswood, prior to his enlistment in the Marines, Nov. 16, 1942. After basic training at Parris Island, S.C., he was sent overseas in Oct., 1943, and was attached to the Fourth Marine division.
Surviving are his parents, Mr. and Mrs. George Blaese; a sister, Darlene, and his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Blaese, Berlin, and Mr. and Mrs. Edward McClain, Tansboro.