William C. Erler
PFC William C. "Chuck" Erler was born on December 16, 1923, in Columbus, Ohio to William and Ruth Erler. He graduated from North High School in 1941 and began working for the Pennsylvania railroad. On December 9, 1942, Erler enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. During basic training, Erler became close friends with brothers from Columbus, Luther and Harold Crabtree. Erler proved himself in training, where he earned his marksmanship badge and qualified as an Expert Rifleman. Erler shipped overseas on July 20, 1944.
He was a member of the 4th battalion of the 1st Marine Parachute Regiment, an experimental group aimed at mirroring the roles filled by the Army parachute regiments. The parachute regiment was ultimately seen as impractical for the Pacific theater and Erler and his friends, Luther and Harold, were transferred to the 26th Marine Regiment, 5th Marine Division. This Division was formed for the upcoming landings on the island of Iwo Jima. On February 19, 1945, Erler went ashore during the invasion of Iwo Jima. A newspaper article suggests that he was a flamethrower operator during the battle, but this cannot be corroborated.
An astonishing episode involving Erler and the Crabtree brothers is told in historical records. Erler and brothers Luther and Harold were serving in the same company when Harold was killed by Japanese machine-gun fire on February 26, 1945. Luther and Erler ran under fire to retrieve his body. The following day, Erler wrote his parents, "Dear Folks, We just got relieved of off the front lines. Words can't describe my thoughts of the situation, still going. Love your son."
William Erler was killed in action at Iwo Jima on March 2, 1945. He was 21 years old. His remains were returned to the United States in 1948 and he is buried in Eastlawn Cemetery in his hometown of Columbus, Ohio.
By Tanner Christy
