Hello Sir,
The information on PFC Bernard J. Fien is as follows:
He was original in the 2nd Amphibian Tractor Battalion Company C. he was transfered along with 43 other Co. C men to the new A-1 Company. He sailed from New Zealand to Samoa aboard the USS Robin Wently on October 15, 1943.
He would help prepare the new LVT-2's coming from San Diego, Ca for the upcoming Tarawa Operation.
His company then sailed on Novermber 8,1943 from Pago Pago, America Samoa aboard LST 34 with 17 new LVT-2's. On the 13th they arrived at FanuFuti,Ellice Island for landing operations. They sailed on the 19th and arrived off Betio on the morning of the 20th.

LST 34 sent 15 LVT-2's to the USS Middleton to land elemnt of 3/2 on Red Beach 1. Two LVT-2's went to the USS Zeilin to land elements from 2/2 on Red Beach 2.

He is listed as KIA from an enemy mortar fire on the 20th.

Through my research most of the 2nd Amphib KIA's happened while they where still operating their LVTs.

PFC Fien would have be a crew member to an LVT-2

The After Action Report list the following;
1. Twelve (12) LVT-2's running after the battle, loaded onto LST's.
2. Eight (8) LVT-2's out of action, loaded onto LST (4-mechanical, 4 -gunfire)
3. Four (4) LVT-2's running, used at Apamama.
4. Twenty-one (21) LVT-2's out of action by gunfire , sunk at sea and lagoon. ( Many operated several days before sinking- no repair facilities).
5. One (1) LVT-2 burned on reef, enemy gunfire.
6. Two (2) LVT-2's on reef due to enemy small arms fire.
7. One (1) LVT-2 demolished on GREEN BEACH by enemy mine.
8. One (1) LVT-2 burned on beach by enemy gunfire igniting the gas tank.

I hope this helps.

Al