John Joseph Yatsko was born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania to parents John and Kathleen on September 5, 1921. He enlisted in the Marines on July 25, 1942 in Philadelphia, and was sent to Parris Island for basic training. He spent time on the east coast including a stint in guard duty in New York Navy Yard.
PFC Yatsko was promoted to PFC on January 1, 1944. He was assigned to Co. B, 1st Bn,, 8th Marines Second Division on January 4, 1944, whereupon they sailed to the Pacific area. On May 13, he sailed on USS Monrovia from Hilo to Maui for training. He sailed to the Saipan area and was in the invasion on June 15, 1944. He received fatal gunshot wounds to upper body June 20, 1944.
PFC Yatsko was first buried in the 2nd Marine Division Cemetery in Saipan, Grave 17, Row 1, Plot B. He was re-interred in the cemetery in Hanover, PA in 1947.
PFC Yatsko's group includes his officially engraved Type 1 split brooch Purple Heart with its small purple presentation box, and its cardboard shipping box. Also included is internet research and records from the National Archives. An original letter to the parents conveying his purple heart is also included. Yatsko was also entitled to a WW2 Victory medal and Asiatic-Pacific Campaign medal.
