Ellis, Earl Hancock, 1880-1923

Earl Hancock “Pete” Ellis (December 19, 1880 – May 12, 1923), in Pratt County, Kansas. He attended Golden Valley School, a rural grade school and later, Pratt High School. During his sophomore year, the Spanish-American War broke out. On September 3, 1900, he enlisted in the Marines. From there, he rose through the ranks to become an officer and ultimately a Lieutenant Colonel. 6 Lt. Col. Ellis disappeared while on an undercover mission in 1923. Records indicate that he was on a mission to expose Japanese fortifications in Micronesia. He was found dead in Palaua, Caroline Islands. Ellis was a recipient of the Navy Cross and the French Croix Le Guerre for his role in planning the last major victory in France in World War I; he is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.