Loren Elmer Love

Last changed on Wed, 12/31/1969 - 16:00

Pre-WSC Life

Loren Love was born in the central Washington village of Connell on November 26, 1917 as the oldest of three children and the only son.  The family moved to Colville, in eastern Washington, in 1929 and Love graduated from Colville High School in 1934, participating in the school orchestra.

WSC Experience

During his five years at WSC, Love was known as an accomplished bassoonist, singer, orchestra director, pep band leader, and head of the Phi Mu Alpha fraternity for music majors (he was also a member of a “regular” fraternity, Tau Kappa Epsilon).  He even made the top ten in the competition for “the most handsome man on campus” in his final semester, Spring 1940.

Military Service

At the time of Pearl Harbor, Love was teaching music in the schools of rural Omak, Washington.  He finished out the school year and then volunteered for the Marines, completing basic training at Quantico, Virginia and being commissioned as a second lieutenant with the Sixth Marines (Regiment), 2nd Marine Division.  He survived the terrible Battle of Tarawa in the Gilbert Islands (November 20-24, 1943), and was promoted to the rank of first lieutenant.  In June 1944, the 2nd Marines were in the initial assault on the island of Saipan in the Mariana Islands, control of which would enable the Americans to launch long-range bombing attacks on the Japanese home islands.  As such, Saipan was fiercely defended.  Love’s Silver Star citation reads, in part:

 

“For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as leader of a regimental weapons platoon attached to the Sixth marines, Second Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces at Saipan, Marianas Islands, on June 15 and 16, 1944. With his platoon units disembarked at various points on the heavily fortified beach, First Lieut. Love boldly faced concentrated artillery, machine-gun and mortar fire to reorganize his men, and fearlessly proceeded across fire-swept areas, personally guided them to a designated area. Immediately leading his platoon into action, he fought valiantly against a fanatic enemy, contributing essentially to the success of the landing and the expeditious establishment of the beachhead. When Japanese forces launched a counter-attack against the sector held by his unit the following day, First Lieut. Love skillfully deployed his men, and accurately directing their gunfire, succeeded in repelling the vicious onslaught.”

Burial, Recognition, and Remembrance

Love died of his wounds on board ship and was buried at sea.  He was posthumously awarded the Silver Star, the third-highest military combat decoration awarded to members of the United States Armed Forces.  Later that year, the Omak Chronicle reprinted part of a letter from a Lieutenant Wiggin who described Love as “one of the finest men I ever knew, a true gentleman and a good friend … As an officer he was one of the best,  He was a fine leader of his men.  He taught them well, protected them, fought for them and led them in battle…  In this a military service with the best officers in the world, he was one of the best.”  Although Love’s body is lost, his name is commemorated at the WSU Veterans Memorial.

Referenced Content

The WSC Music Education major from Colville participated in the Battle of Tarawa (November 1943) with the United States Marines before suffering mortal wounds in the landing at Saipan in June 1944. He received a posthumous Silver Star for his leadership
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