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WILLIAM 'Bill' CUMBAA of Columbus GA

WILLIAM 'Bill' CUMBAA of Columbus GA

Barbara McNamara (View posts)
Posted: 15 Sep 2003 1:12AM GMT
Classification: Query
Surnames: CUMBAA
I'm trying to get in touch with William 'Bill' Cumbaa of Columbus GA who was in the 1st Marine Division, 7th Regiment, at the Battle of Pelelieu. I have just seen the video on Fox News of that battle. My father, Arthur Russell McNamara, was in the same division and regiment at that battle, and went on to Okinawa. If someone can put me in touch with Bill Cumbaa, please do so. Thank you.

Re: WILLIAM 'Bill' CUMBAA of Columbus GA

Posted: 29 Jun 2007 1:53AM GMT
Classification: Query
Dear Barbara: I just read where you were trying to contact me. I was in the battle for Peleliu in 1944 . I was in Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division and was a second lieutenant in charge of a rifle platoon.
I also went on to Okinawa with the same unit and then on to China. I am sorry I do not remember your father but would be interested in knowing more about him. I have been back to Peleliu for both the 50th and 60th anniversaries of our September 15th landing there. I also went back to Okinawa to observe the 50th anniversary of our landing there April 1st l945 which was Easter Sunday morning. I am 86years old.

Re: WILLIAM 'Bill' CUMBAA of Columbus GA

Posted: 3 Aug 2007 10:21AM GMT
Classification: Query
Surnames: McNamara
Thank you for responding. My father was Arthur Russell McNamara b. 3 Jul 1910 d. 18 Aug 1997. I have been able to find very little information from his service records.

He enlisted in the U.S. Marines at Birmingham AL in Jan 1943, trained at Camp Pendleton, San Diego CA. Discharged Dec 1945. Served in South Pacific battles: mop-up at Guadalcanal and initial landings at Peleliu and Okinawa.

He talked about being among these islands: Marshall, Russell, Gilbert, Solomon.

He accumulated 67 points upon his discharge; his Company went to China following atomic bomb on Japan.

He talked about having Japanese prisoners on a train in China, when the train came under attack by Chinese revolutionaries.

Do you know where I can find more information about my father's career in the Marines? I obtained his service record and there is very little in it. I would like to know the names of the ships he was on and more detailed history of the battles of Peleliu and Okinawa (landing beach names, dates, etc.)

I'm so sorry I didn't discuss this more with my father while he was alive, but there never seemed to be an open opportunity. He did not talk much about it. Now I am trying to write a history of his military service for my sons who are both active military (Navy and Air Force). I would like for them to know and appreciate the service of their grandfather.

God bless you for your service to our country and I wish you well. Please contact me at my personal email address: mart2542@aol.com

Barbara McNamara

Re: WILLIAM 'Bill' CUMBAA of Columbus GA

Posted: 5 Aug 2008 6:32AM GMT
Classification: Query
Surnames: Cumbaa
hey, Barbara.

Bill Cumbaa is my grandad. If you're still interested, I can help you out.

Re: WILLIAM 'Bill' CUMBAA of Columbus GA

Posted: 7 Aug 2008 1:49PM GMT
Classification: Query
Surnames: CUMBAA, McNAMARA
I surely am interested! I have photos that my Dad took while in the South Pacific with his 1st Marine Division. Some photos have names written on the back -- others do not. Please contact me direct and I will email them to you. Your grandfather may be able to help me identify these men. Thank you. Email me at: mart 2542 @ aol com
(I have inserted spaces to avoid SPAM; please type as normal email address).

Re: WILLIAM 'Bill' CUMBAA of Columbus GA

Posted: 11 May 2015 10:07PM GMT
Classification: Query
Hi,
Hope you get this ok. It has been a while since I have done much in the way of family research.
Lance Young and I asked Bill to help us with family research by doing DNA. I believe he went ahead and had more markers done after that.
In the meantime, both Lance and I made a move out of state, so I am not sure what has happened to Bill's genealogy research.
I would appreciate hearing from anyone connected to the family who is doing this search.
Thank you for any help. Gloria
gloriamc4@gmail.com
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