Spoke with Dominic Ragucci ( 86 yrs old ) on July 28, 2018 concerning his brother Emil.
There were 9 brothers & two sisters. Emil was 19 yrs old Marine when he was KIA on 20 Nov 1943 on Tarawa, his Army brother Nick was 21 yrs old when he was KIA in Italy.

Five years ago Dominic Ragucci submitted his DNA to the United States Marine Corps which eventually lead to the identification of his brother Emil's remains.
DPAA is grateful to History Flight, Inc., for their partnership in this mission.

In November 1943, Marine Pvt Emil F. Ragucci was assigned to Company E, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, which landed against stiff Japanese resistance on the small island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll of the Gilbert Islands, in an attempt to secure the island. Over several days of intense fighting at Tarawa, approximately 1,000 Marines and Sailors were killed and more than 2,000 were wounded, but the Japanese were virtually annihilated. Ragucci died on the first day of the battle, Nov. 20, 1943.

Marine Pvt Emil F. Ragucci and his brother Nick Ragucci made the ultimate sacrifice during World War II. Nick was killed in battle near Monta Casion, Italy

This telegram was received on December 23, 1943. Dominic's sister read this message to their Mother:
Deeply Regret To Inform You That Your Son Private Emil F. Ragucci USMCR Was Killed In Action In The Performance Of His Duty And In The Service Of His Country. To Prevent Possible Aid To Our Enemies Please Do Not Divulge The Name Of His Ship Or Station Present Situation Necessitates Internment Temporarily In The Locality Were Death Occurred And You Will Be Notified Accordingly Please Accept My Heartfelt Sympathy Letter Follows=
T Holcomb Lieut General USMC The Commandant US

Marine Pvt Emil F. Ragucci was given a police escort to the John F. Murray in Flourtown, PA for his full honors burial tomorrow, August 14, 2018 in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, 3301 W. Cheltenham Ave., Philadelphia. PA.

Marine body bearers prepare to move the remains of Marine Pvt Emil F. Ragucci into the John F. Murray in Flourtown, PA

Salute

Brother Victor Ragucci pays his respects to Emil

Associated Press did an interview with Dominic Ragucci while brother Victor looks on.

Emil's long time boyhood friend 93 year old John Crescenzo paid his final respects. John was part of the Normand invasion receiving a purple heart.

Long time family friend Father Richard Rock with Dominic Ragucci

Father Rock gave the memorial homily

Marine Pvt Emil F. Ragucci was laid to rest next to his parents, Nicola and Carmela at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Philadelphia. PA

Rifle Salute

Then TAPS was performed.

Marine Gunnery Sergeant Nathan McGinnis and Captain Jeremiah Culp folded the flag of our country.

Captain Culp presented the flag to Victor Ragucci while brother Dominic looked on.

In November 1943, Ragucci was assigned to Company E, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, which landed against stiff Japanese resistance on the small island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll of the Gilbert Islands, in an attempt to secure the island. Over several days of intense fighting at Tarawa, approximately 1,000 Marines and Sailors were killed and more than 2,000 were wounded, but the Japanese were virtually annihilated. Ragucci died on the first day of the battle, Nov. 20, 1943.

DPAA is grateful to History Flight, Inc., for their partnership in this mission.

Tarawa grave marker for Pvt Emil F. Ragucci

Requiem
November 1943

To you, who lie within this coral soil
We, who remain, pay tribute of a pledge
That dying, thou shalt surely not
Have died in vain.

Rest, warriors, rest
Against the day of journeying forth
Tender hands shall lift thee out
To home soil waiting.