The double ring ceremony was performed by Chaplain MacLeroy of Tyler, Texas, before an improvised altar decorated with orchids and other tropical flowers. The bride, who was escorted by Colonel Marshall, commanding officer of the base, wore her summer dress uniform with a corsage of gardenias.
She was attended by Lieut. Eleanor Loughlin, who wore her summer dress uniform and a gardenia, corsage.
Capt. Ray Fransen of Louisiana was best man.
Following the ceremony, the couple was tendered a reception at the station hospital club. After a honeymoon spent at a seashore village 180 miles from the island base, Lieut. and Mrs. Gurley returned to duty in their respective branches of the service. Mrs. Gurley is a graduate nurse. She studied at the Maine General hospital in Portland, and did graduate work at the Margaret Haguate Maternity hospital, Jersey City, N. Y. She is stationed at the present time with the 31st station hospital.
Lieut. Gurley received his education in Marlin, Texas, He received a B. A. degree in 1941 from Sam Houston State Teachers' college. He was trained in chemical warfare and received his commission in October, 1942, at Edgewood Arsenal, Md. He left for foreign service Oct. 31, 1942.
Among the many courtesies extended the couple by their friends at the base was a dinner by Colonel Marshall, followed by a dance at the Officers' club, during which the engagement was announced to over 200 guests.
Interesting is the fact that two licenses for the marriage were required, one for the French government of the island, and another issued by the United States government.
WED IN SOUTHWEST PACIFIC -- Lieut. and Mrs. Rodney D. Gurley are shown with their attendants following their wedding at a Southwest Pacific Base. Mrs. Gurley is the former Eva Dahlgren of Washburn. In the picture, left to right, are: Colonel Marshall, commanding officer of the base; Lieut. Eleanor Loughlin, Chaplin MacLeroy, Lieut. and Mrs Gurley and Colonel Lanman.