Theron Eldred Price was born in Bokoshie, Oklahoma on June 27, 1912. He was the son of Frank and Maud Price. He had two brothers, Doyle and Bryce, and three sisters, Mrs. Francis Blankenship, Glen, and Mrs. Roy Hollomon. The later sister lived at 1635 Crenshaw Blvd in Torrance. Price spent his schooldays in Torrance and later was employed by the Coast Insulating Co. He married his wife on October 13, 1934 and they resided at 16422 Harvard Blvd. in Gardena.

Theron enlisted on December 13, 1942 as a private in the Marine Corps. After basic training in San Diego, he was assigned to Company H, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Division. The battle for the Tarawa Atoll began on November 18, 1943 and continued for three days. Causalities were high with 1,113 killed, a 70% rate, among them PFC Price. A memorial grave at Betio, Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands was established. Price was actually buried at sea from the USS Harry Lee. After his death his wife, who worked as an aircraft welder, expressed an interest in joining the women Marines.