Ottie Brown Sentelle was born 3 August 1922 to William A. Sentelle and Sarah E. Gilland.
He was killed in action on 20 November 1943 during the asault on Betio Island, Tarawa Atoll

Private First Class
2nd Marine Regiment, Company H

The Greeneville Sun, 29 July 1943
According to a letter received a few days ago, Pfc. Ottie Sentelle is will with malaria. Sentelle, a former Greeneville truck driver, left for service in the Marine Corps, November 2, 1942 and has been overseas in service for five months. Part of the letter received reads as follows: “Tell everybody hello for me and I hope this war is over soon as we can all return to our homes together. Prayer and faith in God will win.”

The Greeneville Sun, 24 December 1943
Mr. and Mrs. W.A. Sentelle, of near Shiloh, have been notified that a son, Otto C. Sentelle, U.S. Marine Corps, has been killed in action somewhere in the South Pacific. The telegram was received yesterday. Before going to sea, he was stationed in New Zealand. His whereabouts for some time have not been known. The message did not state the exact date of his death. Sentelle enlisted in the Marine Corps on November 3, 1942 and did not get back home before leaving for foreign service. Mr. and Mrs. Sentelle have three other son, all of whom are serving overseas. Lottice C. Sentelle, U.S. Navy, is in Hawaii and Tracy of the U.S. Air Corps and Thomas of the U.S. Navy are both in England.

Photo courtesy; Scott Green

  • Rank: Private First Class
  • Date of birth:
  • 3 August 1922
  • Date of death: 20 November 1943
  • County: Greene
  • Hometown: Greeneville
  • Service Branch: Marine Corps
  • Division/Assignment: 2nd Marine Regiment
  • Theater: Pacific
  • Conflict: World War II
  • Battles: Tarawa
  • Awards: Purple Heart
  • Burial/Memorial Location: Mount Tabor UMC Cemetery, Camp Creek, Greene County, TN
  • Location In Memorial: Pillar IX, Middle Panel
  • Contact us to sponsor Ottie B. Sentelle

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