I have one more research question for all you knowledgable folks out there!!!
My husbands Grandfather and Great Uncle were in the Marines in WWII. Hi Great Uncle was Tadeus J Kinczkowski.
Buried at Sea by Administrative Decision
Name: Tadeus J Kinczkowski
Date of Loss: 23 Nov 1943 0
Branch: U.S. Marine Corps
Rank: PVT
Service Number: 444519
STATUS: Lost at Sea
After a little research I found that the Marines in Nov. 1943 lead a huge amphibius assult on an Island in the Pacific which lead to a lot of controversy because the American people didn't think the small Island was worth the losses.
Its around the same time of his death...but not sure if he was a part of this or not. I am currently trying to get his information for the National Archives Site.
I know this is for the Corps of Engineers...but you all seem so informative, I thought you may have some info 
Thanks
(AGAIN)
Misty
Ahh, more research to keep me busy 
Name: Tadeus J Kinczkowski
Date of Loss: 23 Nov 1943 0
Branch: U.S. Marine Corps
Rank: PVT
Service Number: 444519
STATUS: Lost at Sea
That was in the time frame of the battle of Tarawa but there was also battles going on at Bougainville where on Feb 17, the transport ship USS McKean (APD 5) was sunk after being torpedoed by japanese aircraft, 64 of her crew and 52 marines were lost.
Also, most Navy ships probably had Marine detachments aboard, even those in the Atlantic and Mediteranian at that time so we gotta do alot of digging on this one. Again, it would help if we had his Division or Regiment number.
Larry
Larry
"I'm proud to be an American, Where at least I know I'm free
And I won't forget the men who died, Who gave that right to me."
God bless the USA - Lee Greenwood
Were I a betting man, I would put my money on Tarawa. The last day of the battle was November 23rd, 1943. ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Tarawa ) Lots of Marines died in many place concurrently throughout the war but simple law of averages would say that it is more likely to have occurred on Tarawa if his date of death was during the three days of the battle.
Maj Todd O. USMC, Retired
Grandson of LTC John O'Brien
Found some more info on Mr Kinczkowski
Tadeus J. Kinczkowski
ID: 00444519
Entered the Service From: Michigan (Detroit)
Rank: Private
Service: U.S. Marine Corps, United States Marine Corps
Died: Tuesday, November 23, 1943
Memorialized at: Manila American Cemetery
Location: Fort Bonifacio, Manila, Philippines
Awards: Purple Heart
Larry
"I'm proud to be an American, Where at least I know I'm free
And I won't forget the men who died, Who gave that right to me."
God bless the USA - Lee Greenwood