Ask the Scholar
Document scope · 1 page
Scholar
Ask about this object, its catalog metadata, its source description, or the page inventory.
For page-specific OCR and visual context, open one of the page chats.
Scholar Source Context
Document identity
localId
323154180
label
Wreath Laying--Guadalcanal Invasion Commemoration 8/7/92 [OA 7578]
core
doc
dtoType
document
citationUrl
pageCount
1
Source metadata
id
323154180
contentType
document
title
Wreath Laying--Guadalcanal Invasion Commemoration 8/7/92 [OA 7578]
citationUrl
identifierLocal
13825-007
collections
Records of the White House Office of Speechwriting (George H. W. Bush Administration)
Speech Backup Chronological Files
imageCount
1
hasImages
yes
source
import
hasTranscription
no
Source extras
naId
323154180
levelOfDescription
fileUnit
recordType
description
ocrSource
nara-archive
Single page context
seq
1
pageIndex
0
type
document
mediaId
6858f82be7a4daa1
ocrText
Originally Processed With FOIA(s):
FOIA Number:
S
S
FOIA
MARKER
This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the George Bush Presidential
Library Staff.
Record Group/Collection:
George H.W. Bush Presidential Records
Collection/Office of Origin:
Speechwriting, White House Office of
Series:
Speech File Backup Files
Subseries:
Chron File, 1989-1993
OA/ID Number:
13825
Folder ID Number:
13825-007
Folder Title:
Wreath Laying--Guadalcanal Invasion Commemoration 8/7/92 [OA 7578]
Stack:
Row:
Section:
Shelf:
Position:
G
26
22
7
1
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
August 7, 1992
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
AT CEREMONY HONORING THE
50TH ANNIVERSARY OF LANDING ON GUADALCANAL
Marine Corps Memorial
Arlington, Virginia
11:11 A.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all very much. Thank you, Mr.
Secretary. Senator Chafee, and the other members of Congress that
are with us who are veterans of Guadalcanal. May I salute the
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs General Colin Powell; Commandant of the
Marines Carl Mundy. General Sullivan, Commandant of the Army is with
us. The Acting Secretary of the Navy Sean O'Keefe; distinguished
Commandant of the Coast Guard William Kime; and of course, the Medal
of Honor recipient, Mitchell Paige. But most important, you Marines.
I would like to open -- (applause.) I thought they had
a little life left in them.
I'd like to open if I may with a story. It's a story of
heroism, a story of courage, sacrifice. It's a story from
Guadalcanal. Kenneth Bailey was commanding officer of Company c, 1st
Marine Raider Battalion, when his men were called upon to defend
Henderson Field during the Japanese assault September 12 and 13th of
1942. The enemy had penetrated our main line of defense, their
number superior to ours. And only a miracle it seemed could defend
that airfield.
And Major Bailey and his men provided the miracle,
turning back the flank attack, then covering the withdrawal of our
main force. And in the fighting, Major Bailey sustained severe
wounds to his head. And even so, for 10 hours he and his men engaged
the enemy in vicious hand-to-hand combat.
The attack was repulsed and Henderson Field was secured.
And Major Bailey died two weeks later from machine-gun fire in yet
another battle on Guadalcanal. He received the Congressional Medal
of Honor for his gallantry on Bloody Ridge.
Major Bailey's story serves as a summation for thousands
of other stories; tales that could be told by the brave men gathered
here who survived the hell that was Guadalcanal.
Secretary Cheney mentioned the lesson of those battles,
and I'm struck, recounting Major Bailey's story, of one lesson in
particular. Kenneth Bailey was from Pawnee, Oklahoma, a town of 2,00
near the Arkansas River in the north central part of the state. And
in the months and years before the great war in the Pacific, who
could have predicted that a son from Pawnee, Oklahoma; or the sons of
Raritan, New Jersey; or Sioux Falls, South Dakota; or Rutland,
Vermont -- who could have foretold that these young men from every
corner of America would be called upon to defend freedom 6,000 miles
away on an obscure Pacific island called Guadalcanal?
It's safe to say that few, if any, had ever heard of the
island. None could have predicted what would transpire there. But
MORE
- 2 -
it was on Guadalcanal that the forces of freedom began their long
march -- a march that wouldn't end until three years later in Tokyo
Bay on the deck of the USS Missouri. (Applause.)
No one can foretell when or where freedom will be
challenged. That is one of the lessons of Guadalcanal. How many
Americans in 1947 had heard of Inchon or Pusin or Chosin? How many
of us 15 years later had heard of De Nang or Khe Sahn? And how few
Americans in the summer of '90 had yet heard of Khafji or Safwan.
And yet today, these names are indelibly part of the roll call of
honor, places where Americans made their stand and offered up their
sweat and blood to a cause greater than themselves.
And we honor the dead, not merely for their sake, but
for our own sake as well. And in commemoration and remembrance, we
learn again that freedom, in the deepest sense, always hangs in the
balance. That we earn it day by day in hot wars and cold; that its
price, as Jefferson said, is eternal vigilance, an endlessly renewed
dedication to keeping our great country strong, our defenses second
to none, our leadership unquestioned and unchallenged.
There was a rhyme passed around during those dark six
months that I'm sure many Marines here today out front remember. Six
months, as the battle raged on, when freedom hung by the unbreakable
thread of American bravery and resolve. Every Marine who wasn't
fighting on the island knew the lines, "Say a prayer for your pal on
Guadalcanal."
This morning in this place -- and thank you, Pastor, for
your loving invocation -- this morning and in this place, we remember
those words and the men who inspired them. And with hearts full of
pride and awe and thanksgiving, we once again say a prayer for those
who fought and died in a place few had known of, but which all of us
will never forget.
May God bless them. May God bless you. And may God
bless our great country, the United States of America. (Applause.)
Thank you. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
END
11:18 A.M. EDT
(Ferguson/Aarhus)
August 6, 1992
WREATH
Draft One
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: WREATH-LAYING CEREMONY (GUADALCANAL)
ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETARY
AUGUST 7, 1992
11:00 A.M.
Thank you, Secretary Cheney, for that kind introduction.
(Acknowledgments)
I would like to open, if I may, with a story. It is a story
of heroism, a story of courage and sacrifice. It is a story from
Guadalcanal.
Kenneth Bailey was Commanding Officer of Company C, First
Marine Raider Battalion, when his men were called upon to defend
Henderson Field during the Japanese assault of September 12th and
13th, 1942. The enemy had penetrated our main line of defense;
their numbers were superior to ours, and only a miracle, it
seemed, could defend the airfield.
Major Bailey and his men provided the miracle, turning back
the flank attack, then covering the withdrawal of our main force.
In the fighting, Major Bailey sustained massive severe wounds to his
thead Even so, for ten hours, he and his men engaged the enemy
in hand-to-hand combat.
The attack was repulsed; Henderson Field was secured; Major
Bailey, his mission completed, soon died of his wounds He
recieved the Congressional Medal of Honor for his gallantry. Didnstliveto
Major Bailey's story serves as a summation for thousands of recrevethis Medal.
other stories, tales that could be told by the brave men gathered
here, who survived the hell that was Guadalcanal. Secretary
Cheney spoke eloquently of the lessons of those battles, and I am
struck, recounting Basi story, of one lesson in
particular.
Kenneth Bailey's
Kenneth Bailey was from Pawnee, a town of 2,000 near the
Arkansas river in north-central Oklahoma. In the months and
years before the great war in the Pacific, who could have
predicted that a son of Pawnee, Oklahoma -- or the sons of
Raritan, New Jersey; Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Rutland, Vermont
-- who could have foretold that these young men, from every
6,000
corner of America, would be called upon to defend freedom XX
thousands of miles away, in an obscure Pacific island called
Guadalcanal?
It's safe to say that few if any had ever heard of the
island. None could have predicted what transpired there. But it
was on Guadalcanal that the forces of freedom began their long
march -- a march that wouldn't end until three years later in
Tokyo Bay, on the deck of the USS Missouri.
No one can foretell when or where freedom will be challenged
that is one of the lessons of Guadalcanal. HOW many
Americans, in 1947, had heard of Pusin or Chosin or Inchon? How
many of us, in 1964, had yet heard of Da Nang or Khe Sahn? And
(Sanh)
(Pusan)
khafaji
Dhahran
how few Americans, in the summer of 1990, had yet heard of Dahran
or Khafji
Yet today these names are indelibly part of the roll call of
honor, places where Americans made their stand, and offered up
the last full measure of devotion to a cause greater than
themselves.
We honor the dead not merely for their sake but for our own
as well. In commemoration and remembrance we learn again that
freedom, in the deepest sense, always hangs in the balance --
that we earn it day by day, in hot wars and cold -- that its
price, as Jefferson said, is eternal vigilance, an endlessly
renewed dedication to keeping our country strong, our defenses
NEKIS
second to none, our leadership unguestioned and unchallenged.
There was a bit of doggerel passed around during those dark
five months as the battle raged on Guadalcanal, when freedom hung
by the unbreakable thread of American bravery and resolve. Every
Ency.
Marine who wasn't fighting on the islands knew the lines: "Say
Hist.
(Rusertos)
WEXIS,
a
prayer for your pal // on Guadacanal."
Mil. P 1152
This morning, in this place, we remember those words and the
men who inspired them. With hearts full of pride and awe and
(PF
thanksgiving, we once again say a prayer for those who fought and
died in a place few had known of, but which we will never forget.
May God bless them. May God bless you. And may God bless
the United States of America.
#
#
#
AUG 6 '92 11:47 FROM WHMO 395-4076
PAGE. 001
UNCLASSIFIED
IMMEDIATE
PAGES 8 including COVER
PRIORITY
RELEASER CAPT JAY YAKELEY
ROUTINE
DTG 6AUG92
FROM:
THE WHITE HOUSE MILITARY OFFICE
TO:
1.
CAROL - SPEECHWRITING
2.
3.
4.
5.
INFO: 1.
2.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
Hutcheings Bob Beth Sanner 5732 Military Histories
McArthins
Nich Burns 6849
memoris
two fina- flag thing June
chafee:
John Saughan:
Elliot Brenner
Vivian Ravden
703-
697-
8191
AUG 6 '92 11:47 FROM WHMO 395-4076
PAGE. 002
August 6, 1992
I am delighted to send greetings to my fellow
World War II veterans and to all those who have
gathered to dedicate the Guadalcanal-Solomon
Islands War Memorial.
In his account of the epic battle that began at
BEOD
Guadalcanal, Samuel Eliot Morison wrote:
For those of us who were there, or whose
friends were there, Guadalcanal is not a
name but an emotion, recalling desperate
fights in the air, furious naval night
battles, frantic work at supply or
construction, [and] savage fighting in the
sodden jungle.
With those words, he described the extraordinary
sacrifices of the American and Allied service
members who stopped the infamous "Tokyo Express"
and thereby achieved what President Roosevelt
aptly called "the turning point" of the war in the
Pacific. Morison went on to say: "Sometimes I
dream of a great battle monument on Guadalcanal,
a granite monolith on which the names of all who
fell and of all ships that rest in Ironbottom
Sound may be carved." With the dedication of this
memorial, you make that dream a reality for every
veteran of "the 'Canal," and I am pleased to join
in remembering the courageous individuals who
fought so bravely on and near the island a half-
century ago.
While we can never repay the debt that we owe to
those who fought and died in the defense of
freedom, we can ensure that they will never be
forgotten. This monument will help to guarantee
that future generations appreciate the great
AUG 6 '92 10:30
2024562926 PAGE.002
AUG 6 '92 11:48 FROM WHMO 395-4076
PAGE. 003
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
I am delighted to send my warmest greetings to everyone
who has gethered in Honiara, Solomon Islands to participate in
the commemoration of the gallant landing on Guadalcanal, fifty
years ago today. I would like to pay special homage to my
CAROL
fellow veterans, both American and Allied, who have travelled
so many miles to be a part of this memorable occasion.
The landing of August 7, 1942 marked the first U.S.
offensive in World War 11. Our daring strike was an ultimately
successful effort to halt the enemy advance in the South
Pacific. For months, the issue was in doubt as fierce fighting
raged on the island. Despite continuous bombardment during the
early days of the struggle, Marines and soldiers fought
valiantly side-by-side to force the enemy finally to evacuate
the island in February, 1943. During the campaign, Sailors and
a
Coastguardsmen fought numerous battles at sea to forestall
И
enemy reinforcements. The "Cactus Air Force," comprised of
Marine and Army air elements, not only defended our men on the
ground but took the battle to enemy forces. All of the Allies,
aided by the brave and invaluable Coastwatchers, distinguished
themselves on this decisive field of battle.
bag
For hundreds of thousands of Americans, World War II was
their first exposure to the South Pacific. The warm reception
STuff
and assistance of all kinds given by so many Islanders made an
indelible impression on the United States and on our
Servicemen. As & veteran of the Pacific theater, I can attest
to these warm and lasting memories.
I find it especially noteworthy that today the U.S. shares
a broad commitment to democratic values not only with the now
independent Pacific Island Countries, but also with those
nations who were our enemies fifty years ago and are now our
allies. This represents a true victory for all of us.
Although half a century has passed since the honored
veterans present today and their comrades-in-arms hit the beach
and heroically changed the course of history, the name
Guadalcanal lives on as a permanent symbol for struggle and
self-secrifice in the honored cause of freedom.
I regret very much that I could not join you today. I
have, however, scheduled a solemn ceremony at the Iwo Jima
Memorial in Washington, also on August 7, so that I may
personally pay my respects to everything that Guadalcanal
stands for.
Barbara joins me in sending our very best wishes. May God
bless everyone of you.
George Bush
AUG 5 '92 11:32
2024562926 PAGE. 003
AUG 6 '92 11:48 FROM WHMO 395-4076
PAGE. 004
DRAFT REMARKS FOR PRESIDENTIAL REPRESENTATIVE
AUGUST 7, 1992 DEDICATION OF GUADALCANAL WAR MEMORIAL
HONIARA, SOLONON ISLANDS
PRIME MINISTER MANALONI, IAND OTHER VIPs], HONORED VETERANS,
DISTINGUISHED GUESTS, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN: ON BEHALF OF
THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA I WELCOME YOU
TO THIS DEDICATION CEREMONY.
GOOD
EXACTLY FIFTY YEARS AGO THIS MORNING, AN ARMADA OF 82 SHIPS
WITH 19,000 HBN OF THE 1ST MARINE DIVISION EMBARKED APPEARED
OFF RSD BEACH JUST TO OUR NORTH. THOUSANDS OF MRN WAITED
ANXIOUSLY ABOARD HUNDREDS OF SHIPS AND LANDING CRAFT FOR THE
SIGNAL TO BEGIN THE INVASION OF GUADALCANAL. THE PATTERN
AND COURSE OF THE SECOND WORLD WAR ITSELF STOOD AT A MAJOR
CROSSROAD. HISTORY ITSELF STOOD STILL FOR A BRIEF TENSE
MOMENT. THE VERY NATURE OF MODERN WARFARE WAS TO BE CHANGED
nnoc
THIS
BY
GONERNA
SEA-LAND-AIR CAMPAIGN-THE FIRST TIME THE
COMBINED INTO ONE EFFORT THREE
UNITED STATES HAD
PORCES
SUCH
DWOB THE HALLMARK OF THE EPIC STRUGGLE FOR GUADALCANAL.
FORCES
MANY WERE ABOUT TO EXPERIENCE COMBAT FOR THE FIRST TIME.
THEY WERE TO ENGAGE AN ENEMY TOUGHER THAN ANY WE HAD FACED
AUG 5 '92 11:32
2024562926 PAGE 001
AUG 6. '92 11:49 FROM WHMO 395-4076
PAGE. 005
-2-
REFORE. THESE YOUNG MEN, INCLUDING THE HONORED VETERANS
HERE WITH US TODAY, UNDERWENT AN ORDEAL THAT STRETCHED
ENDURANCE TO THE LIMIT OF HUMAN PERSEVERANCE.
[*** LIVING AMERICANS HAVE FACED THE BORRORS or WAR TO THE
KNOWN BY
TODAY.
DEGREE THESE VETERANS OF GUADALCANAL STANDING HERE (HAVE-
DONE]] THEY CEATTLED A PIERCE AND DETERMINED ENEMY), FACED
THRRIBLE DEPRIVATIONS OF FOOD AND SUPPLIES, PLIVED IN
APPALLING CONDITIONS FOR MONTHS ON ENIS. MOST TRAGICALLY,
froude 1700 groul 700
THEY BURIED OVER SEVEN THOUSAND OF THEIR SUDDIES. TO THE
denth
VETERANS OF GUADALCANAL, ESPECIALLY TO THOSE WEO PAID THE
450 am
opwar. THE
ULTIMATE SACRIFICE, THE AMERICAN PEOPLE ARE ETERNALLY IN
[YOUR DEST.)
THEFIRE
the
AMERICA'S STEEL WAS TEMPERED IN THE MUD AND RAIN FORESTS OF
GUADALCANAL IN WAYS THAT HAVE HAD A PROFOUND IMPACT ON
AMERICA'S ROLE IN THE POSTWAR WORLD.
THE JAPANESE HIGH COMMAND SAID AT THE TIME, "SUCCESS OR
FAILURE IN RECAPTURING GUADALCANAL IS THE FORK IN THE ROAD
WHICH LEADS TO VICTORY FOR THEM OR US.* JUST AS THE BATTLE
on writter MARKED THE JAPANESE HIGH-WATER MARK IN THE PACIFIC
and as 40mma soldiers the horrors of
These veterans standing with us today
AUG 5 '92 11:33
2024582926 PAGE. 005
AUG 6 '92 11:49 FROM WHMO 395-4076
PAGE. 006
-$-
WAR, GUADALCANAL HERALDED THE FIRST U.S. OFFENSIVE ACTION OF
WORLD WAR II,
WOULD Guadelcand CULMINATE THRSE YEARS LATER WITH THE
UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER OF JAPAN IN TOKYO BAY. GUADALCANAL
ALSO ESTABLISHED THE PATTERN OF BATTLE TEAT WOULD BE
EMPLOYED BY AMERICAN AND ALLIED FORCES: ISLAND-HOPPING
TOWARDS JAPAN BY MEANS OF SEIZING FORWARD AIR AND NAVAL"
BASES PROM WHICH TO ATTACK AND PENETRATE THE ENEMY'S
SHRINKING DEFENSIVE PERIMSTER.
GUADALCANAL NOT ONLY CHANGED THE PATTERN AND COURSE OF THE
WAR IN THE PACIFIC, BUT IT BECAMS THE PROTOTYPE OF THE
HODERN BATTLE IN WHICH LARGE-SCALE AIR, LAND, AND SEA
ELEMENTS WORK TOGETHER AS AN INTEGRATED WHOLE. THE COMBINED
ARMS WARFARS SQ HIGHLY TOUTED AND so SUCCESSFULLY EMPLOYED
IN OPERATION DESERT STORM [RGAINET HAD ITS ROOTS
RIGHT HERE ON GUADALCANAL.
IN THE END, HOWEVER, GUADALCANAL'S MOST LASTING IMPACT MAY
BE ON THE ESSENCE OF THE AMERICAN CHARACTER ITSELF. AMERICA
VIEWED ITSELF DIFFERENTLY BEFORE AND AFTER GUADALCANAL.
LINGERING EFFECTS OF THE GREAT DEPRESSION AND A STRONG
ISOLATIONIST TENDENCY AMONG MANY AMERICANS HAD MADE US
AUG 5 '92 11:34
2024562926 PAGE. 006
AUG 6 '92 11:50 FROM WHMO 395-4076
PAGE. 007
-4-
UNSURE OF OUR ROLE ABROAD. WOODROW WILSON'S OPTIMISTIC
VISION OF GLOBAL DEMOCRACY SEEMED CRUSHED UNDER THE JACKBOOT
OF FASCISM AND MILITARISM. IN THE EIGHT MONTHS FOLLOWING
AND ITS ALLIES
PEARL HARBOR, THE UNITED STATES ENDURED THE HOMILIATION OF A
DISSEARTENING STRING OF DEFEATS AS THE JAPANBOR OVERRAN. MUCH
OF EAST ASIA AND THE PACIFIC.
ALTHOUGH THE BATTLES OF MIDWAY AND CORAL SEA DEMONSTRATED
OUR NAVAL AND AVIATION CAPABILITIES, THE AMERICAN FIGHTING
MAN HAD YET TO SHOW THAT HE COULD MATCH THE VAUNTED JAPANESE
MILITARY MACHINE ON THE GROUND. PRINE MINISTER WINSTON
CHURCHILL WORRIED PRIVATELY THAT AMERICANS HAD BECOME TOO
Goon!
SOFT AND ILL-DISCIPLINED TO STAND OP AGAINST THE EMPEROR'S
COMBAT-MARDENED LEGIONS WHO HAD BEEN AT WAR SINCE 1931.
THE DETERMINATION, COURAGE, AND PLAIN BARDSCRABBLE GRIT
AND SAILORS,
DISFLAYED FIRST BY THE MARINES AND LATER BY OUR SOLDIERS,AT SOLDIERS, AT
GUADALCANAL QUICKLY DISPELLED ALL SUCH DOUBTS ABOUT THE
CHARACTER or THE AMERICAN FIGHTING MAN, AND HELPED INFUSE
THE AMERICAN PEOPLE WITH AN OPTIMISTIC "CAN-DO" ATTITUDE
THAT HAS BECOME THE HALLMARK OF OUR NATIONAL CHARACTER.
AMERICAS STRENGTH OF WILL HAD PREVAILED OVER THE FORCES OF
should change "hallmark" here or
above.
AUG 5 '92 11:34
2024562926 PAGE.007
AUG 6 '92 11:50 FROM WHMO 395-4076
PAGE. 008
-5-
AGGRESSION, OPPRESSION, AND MILITARISM ON GUADALCANAL-AND
WOULD DO so THROUGHOUT THE WORLD.
WB HAVE COME TO GUADALCANAL AS GUESTS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE
SOLONON ISLANDS, A DEMOCRATIC NATION WHICH ACTIVELY PRONOTES
AND DEFENDS THE CIVIL AND HUMAN RIGHTS OF ITS CITIZENS: MANY
OF THE AMERICAN VETERANS STANDING HERE
tarbor mazer WARM MEMORIES AND PROTOUND GRATITUDE FOR
I COULD NOT BE PROUDER TO REPRESENT THE PRESIDENT OF THE
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA HERE TODAY AND TO PAY TRIBUTE TO
OUR COUNTRYNEN WHO so VALIANTLY DEFENDED THE PRONTIER OF
FREEDON AND DEMOCRACY ON THIS ISLAND FIFTY YEARS AGO. IN
1992 FREEDOM AND DEMOCRACY FLOURISE IN THE UNITED STATES,
THE BOLOMON ISLANDS, AND AROUND THE GLOBE TO AN
UNFRECEDENTED DEGREE. THIS BEAUTIFUL MONUMENT we CONSECRATE
THIS HORMING STANDS AS A PHYSICAL MEMORIAL TO THE VETERANS
OF GUADALCANAL. IT IS THEREFORE ENTIRELY APPROPRIATE THAT
WE VIEW AS THEIR ENDURING MORAL AND SPIRITUAL LEGACY THE
THE VALUES FOR WHICH THEY FOUGHT
SPREAD OF NOT ONLY IN THE PACIFIC BUT
THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE WORLD.
WHICH COMMENCED AALFA A CENTURY TODAY. AGO
THE BY SOLOMON ISLANDERS IN THAT HEROK TRIGGLE
SUPPORT AND SACRIFICE DISPLAYE
RKM
AUG 5 '92 11:35
2024562926 PAGE. 008
D767
1469
WH
in the Central Pacific
r Struck America
JAPAN'S
tle of the Coral Sea
WAR
THE GREAT
Pacific
PACIFIC
CONFLICT
ory
1853 TO 1952
BY EDWIN P. HOYT
McGRAW-HILL BOOK COMPANY
New York St. Louis San Francisco
Toronto Hamburg Mexico Tokyo
JAPAN'S WAR 305
by troops moving overland
August 1 was set as the date that the American navy would take
defeat the Allied air effort
over Tulagi, that aborted Japanese seaplane base. In the meantime,
vas the only Allied naval
MacArthur moved with Australian troops to take Buna, across the
Owen Stanley Mountains from Port Moresby. The 39th battalion of
e road across the Owen
Australian militia and a battalion of New Guinea constabulary troops
naps. What the Japanese
were. ordered to move. On July 7 they started across the Owen
new: the "road" was noth-
Stanley range on the road called the Kokoda Track. They had a force
ross some of the steepest
of 600 native porters and ahead of them their Australian guides had
wen Stanley Mountains.⁷
built bivouac camps. Even so, it took this force eight days to climb
up and down the 100 miles of the Owen Stanley range to Kokoda.
been trying to make the
Next, two weeks later, would come four Australian army companies
was needed to fend the
and a party of U.S. Army engineers. At the same time, anticipating
Guinea, and thus threaten
operations, General MacArthur prepared to move his headquarters
ern coast of New Guinea,
up from Melbourne to Brisbane.
e in the beginning from
General Hyukatake had the word of the Australian crossing of
inted swiftly with a steady
the Owen Stanley range within hours after the arrival at Kokoda.
Behaving in a manner especially Japanese, without waiting for the
Milne Bay, at the tip of
reconnaissance reports from the Salamaua detachment, or a proper
had a plantation and an
assessment of the possibilities open to the enemy, he hurriedly or-
Midway battle the Amer-
ganized a sea lift and landed 2000 troops of the South Seas Detach-
n to believe the Japanese
ment near Buna, with orders to cross the Owen Stanley Mountains
et up by Admiral Nimitz
and capture Port Moresby.
iffered to a lesser degree
When General MacArthur reached Brisbane on July 21, he was
d navy from each other,
informed that the Japanese were landing at Buna. They were to go
under MacArthur. That
to Kokoda, cross the Kokoda Track, and then take Port Moresby.
ave been about a year's
They would soon be reinforced by the remainder of Major General
ar. Just after the Midway
Tomitaro Horii's South Seas Detachment. The initial force was to
e Allies capture the Jap-
"put the road in order" to handle tanks and trucks. Outnumbered,
Washington approved a
the Australians began to fall back across the Kokoda Track. The
sand planes, one marine
battle for New Guinea began.
he Japanese to retreat to
vould be safe.
After the Battle of the Coral Sea, unnoticed by the Allies, the
, but the real reason was
Japanese began building an airstrip in the Lunga district of Guadal-
to the army. The feeling
canal Island, across Lunga Strait from Tulagi. Australian coastwatch-
the American equivalent
ers, who had been recruited from the corps of planters and missionaries
tter by setting up a navy
who had worked in these islands before the Japanese came, watched
ategically responsible to
the Japanese and reported by radio to Australia.
ch meant the navy had
As the importance of the Japanese activity on Guadalcanal sank
it would carry them out
in, Admiral King decided a stroke must be made to prevent Japanese
use of that airfield. The Americans must seize Guadalcanal. General
306 EDWIN P. HOYT
JAPAN'S WAR
307
MacArthur was opposed and so was Admiral Robert Ghormley, the
were orders. The Americans were to be driven off Guadalcanal by
navy's new commander of the South Pacific. But on August 7 the
a battalion. It was odd that neither Admiral Yamamoto nor General
Americans landed a force on Tulagi and another on Guadalcanal and
Hyukatake had any real conception in the middle of July that they
in a few days 17,000 Americans were ashore there, building the
faced a major American landing. General Hyukatake could be more
airstrip, building roads, and digging in.⁹
easily forgiven because the Solomons were not his worry. But the
The Japanese had a convoy at sea on its way to New Guinea
navy's ignorance was another matter, and indicated a real breakdown
when the word came of the American landings. The convoy stopped,
in intelligence.
turned around and went back to Rabaul to await developments. Ad-
miral Yamamoto sensed that something important was going on when
Admiral Yamamoto did send the Second Fleet and part of the
the Americans invaded Guadalcanal just one week before he was to
Third Fleet to Rabaul and also moved the Eleventh Air Fleet from
begin using the airstrip to fly off planes that would attack Australia.
Tinian Island in the Marianas group to Rabaul. He decided to shift
He ordered Admiral Mikawa, commander of the Eighth Fleet at
the command of the Combined Fleet to Truk, where he would be
Rabaul, to attack immediately and destroy the enemy transports so
closer to the scene of what might become the "decisive battle" he
the troops could not be supplied and could not escape. Mikawa took
sought.
a cruiser force down to Guadalcanal, and in a night battle on August
August came. The marines were dug in but their supply line
9 he sank four Allied cruisers, and damaged another cruiser and two
was tenuous. The Eleventh Air Fleet began attacks on the airfield
destroyers. But when he got back to Rabaul he was greeted by faint
area. On August 7, Warrant Officer Saburo Sakai, who was to become
praise from Admiral Yamamoto, who was privately angry that Mi-
one of Japan's greatest air heroes, noted an "almost unbelievable"
kawa had not followed his orders and destroyed the transports. He
armada of American warships and supply ships in the waters off the
issued those orders again. 10
island. 11 But naval air force intelligence did not get in touch with
At Rabaul General Hyukatake paid but scant attention to the
army intelligence or naval fleet intelligence. The army remained un-
Americans on Guadalcanal. It was the navy's province, not his. He
aware of the strength of the enemy, and so did Admiral Yamamoto.
was concerned with New Guinea, and after the naval victory of
On Guadalcanal on August 12, the Japanese began attacking in
Mikawa he felt all was well and dispatched the convoy back toward
small groups. Planes flew over the Japanese area, dropping food
Buna. It arrived on August 13. The Japanese began sending more
packages and leaflets telling the soldiers to hold on, help was coming.
reinforcements and soon the number of troops reached 12,000.
On August 5 Admiral Tanaka delivered a thousand troops of the
Soon Rabaul learned that the Japanese contingent on Guadal-
Ichiki Detachment at Taivu-Point. They thought there were only
canal was threatened with total defeat. A report came that thousands
2000 Americans on the islands and that with the help of the Sasebo
of Americans were on the island, but the army did not believe it.
Special Landing Force troops who were already on Guadalcanal, they
Admiral Yamamoto believed there was reason for concern at least,
would be able to put an end to the American threat in short order.
and he created the Guadalcanal Reinforcement Force, which con-
The Japanese destroyers began what became an almost nightly event:
sisted of a number of destroyers of Rear Admiral Raizo Tanaka's
they shelled the airstrip which the Americans now called Henderson
Destroyer Squadron Two. At the time Tanaka was at Truk loading
Field.¹²
supplies. He was told to pick up 900 men of the Ichiki Detachment
Thus, slowly, a giant naval, air, and land battle was joined.
and take them to Guadalcanal. The Ichiki Detachment consisted of
Beginning on August 20 the Japanese attacked. Most of Colonel
about 5000 men, built around a regiment commanded by Colonel
Ichiki's men were killed in one night battle in the early hours of
Kiyonao Ichiki. Originally they had been scheduled as the attack
August 21. Colonel Ichiki committed suicide. The Americans did
force for Midway. Now they had nothing to do. Yamamoto's des-
not know it, but this was a historic moment, pregnant with meaning
ignation of only 900 men showed what he thought of the American
for the war: Colonel Ichiki had been the man in command of Japanese
activity on Guadalcanal. Admiral Tanaka was indignant but orders
troops on Marco Polo Bridge that night in 1937 at the beginning of
308 EDWIN P. HOYT
JAPAN'S WAR 309
the China incident, the China incident that had triggered this Pacific
about keeping him in that position. The Shokaku was damaged and
War. His force had lasted less than a week on Guadalcanal. The
so was the Zuikaku, but they were still operational at the end, on
manner in which it was sent to Guadalcanal, without adequate knowl-
the night of August 24. In this battle Nagumo had six carriers, and
edge of what was to be found there, the idea that a thousand men
Yamamoto was furious that Nagumo had by indecision and confusion
could do the job of a regiment, and the tightly disciplined behavior
once more lost a chance to wipe out the American carriers. The
that caused most of the men of the Ichiki unit to charge into guns
Americans had a chance to do the same, but they had Admiral Frank
and be mowed down were all typical of the Japanese approach to
Jack Fletcher, who surpassed Admiral Nagumo in timidity. Between
the war. Admiral Yamamoto spelled it out:
the pair, they avoided the grand confrontation.¹⁴
"The real battle now is a competition between Japanese disci-
Guadalcanal and New Guinea became a two-ring circus. The
pline and American scientific technology."
Americans were fighting with two forces, the marines on Guadalcanal
The Imperial army and navy, unfortunately, were wedded to
and the army, with its air forces and Australians, in New Guinea.
the idea that fighting spirit was everything, and material resources
The Japanese were fighting with one land force sent in two directions
were nothing.
by General Hyukatake. He was supported by both naval and army
During August and September the army continued to feed troops
air forces, but the navy was far more effective than the army. At sea,
into Guadalcanal in battalion and regimental strength. They did not
the navy won engagement after engagement with the Americans, and
recognize the nature of the problem even yet. General Hyukatake
Admiral Tanaka's destroyer force became the night terror of the
had little time to worry about Guadalcanal. He was just launching
island, moving almost at will. But in time the Americans wore the
the attack over the Owen Stanley Mountains against the Australians.
Japanese down; the same Japanese ships had to fight one engagement
The Japanese landed troops to attack the airfields at Milne Bay. They
after another and ships and crews tended to become battle-weary.
did not capture them.
On the land, Major General Seiken Kawaguchi's brigade, in-
The Japanese controlled the air over Guadalcanal. They basi-
tended for New Guinea, finally had to be diverted to Guadalcanal,
cally controlled the sea, or could have with their resources. Imperial
but the ships bringing it were hit by American planes; two-thirds of
General Headquarters gave the army the task of restoring Guadal-
the ships were destroyed, and most of the equipment was lost as
canal to Japanese control, almost offhandedly. If General Hyukatake
well as many of the men. About 4000 Japanese soldiers arrived on
had understood the nature of the American invasion, and had been
the island. Even in September, Kawaguchi did not know how many
able to put two divisions on the island, it could have been all over
Americans were on the island, and there were about 20,000 by that
in a week or two. The American supply situation in August was very
time.¹⁵
serious.
General Hyukatake offered to send a whole division, but Ka-
But Imperial Headquarters did not pay much attention to the
waguchi said he would not need it. As the Japanese force grew
Guadalcanal problem, and instead of sending divisions, the army sent
greater, battles were fought around Henderson Field. The Japanese
battalions.
lost all the battles. They never did have enough force to do the job
in the period that they held air superiority. On the sea, the navies
The opportunity for the "decisive" sea battle seemed to arrive
traded ships, the Japanese proving themselves far superior as night
off the Eastern Solomons on August 23. Two of the five American
fighters (partly because their night binoculars were far superior to
carriers in the Pacific were in the area. The sea battle became a trade-
the American), but the American radar changed the ratio. Even then
off: the Americans sank the carrier Ryujo, and the Japanese damaged
the Japanese torpedoes were much more effective than the American.
the Enterprise severely.
The fighting spirit of destroyer men like Admiral Tanaka was matched
Unfortunately for the Japanese and fortunately for the Amer-
by that of men like Captain Arleigh Burke. In these desperate months
icans, Admiral Nagumo was still in charge of the carrier striking
of the summer and fall of 1942, the war seemed to hang in the
force, although Admiral Yamamoto had the gravest of misgivings
balance, although this was hardly true in the long view. The Amer-
310 EDWIN P. HOYT
JAPAN'S WAR 311
icans, fighting on the European front and devoting most of their
resources to that area, were still beginning to bring new warships
Even so, the Japanese managed to land the Second Army Di-
into action, cruisers and destroyer escorts and carriers. The Japanese
vision on Guadalcanal and the fighting continued. Steadily, however,
had to work mostly with the ships at hand. There was no question
the Japanese were being worn down, their supplies intercepted until
for them of a change in naval strategy to match a different sort of
many troops were thin as scarecrows, moving barefoot through the
force, as there was for the Americans.
forest, trying desperately to stay alive.
American leadership faltered, and finally Admiral William F.
Naval battle after battle created an immense demand for fuel,
Halsey took over the South Pacific command and brought to it his
and the fuel supplies of the East Indies were not great enough to
fighting spirit, which matched that of any Japanese general or admiral.
accommodate all the demands of army and navy, from Manchuria to
Just before Halsey entered in October, the Japanese decided on a
Rabaul. By mid-November, the sea battles more or less ended, as
great push to defeat the Americans, a combined air, sea, and land
the Japanese quit dispatching ships into the waters around Guadal-
assault. They had waited too long. They still had air superiority but
canal to save fuel. Given his carrier commander, Admiral Yamamoto
by sheer courage the American fliers held off the Japanese attackers.
seemed to have given up the hope of staging the great naval battle
X-Day was the date set for the Japanese attack. It was delayed, and
that would bring victory.
Y-Day was set for October 2. That was the day the Japanese would
The Japanese brought still another division to Guadalcanal, the
take Henderson Field, and the day that Admiral Nagumo would find
38th Division. But once again it was a story of American air attacks
and defeat the American fleet. But Y-Day failed, and at the end of
that sank so many ships the division arrived without most of its
it the Americans still had Henderson Field, Guadalcanal, and the air
equipment and without adequate food supply. By the end of the
superiority over the island was split. When the Japanese came down
month there were 28,000 Japanese on the island and most of them
in force from Rabaul, they controlled. When they left, the Americans
were starving. The attempts to resupply the troops by destroyer did
controlled. And the Americans were bringing in ever more aircraft,
not work because too many times the destroyers had to fight. Even
while the Japanese at Rabaul were scraping the bottom of the barrel
such desperate measures as packing rice in drums and throwing them
to keep the old battered planes flying.
overboard to float in to land did not work. Too many drums went
By October the Imperial Army had begun to regard the recap-
out to sea. Attempts were made to supply the garrison by submarine.
ture of Guadalcanal as a matter of national pride. The Naval General
It was too little and too late.¹⁷
Staff suggested that the island was not that important, and that they
Early in November 1942, General Hitoshi Imamura was sent
ought to let it go without further effort. The army said, no, the island
down to Rabaul to take a new job, commander of the Rabaul area
would be retaken. The navy must supply the troops with food, cloth-
army. He flew down by way of Truk and stopped off for a meeting
ing, and ammunition. 16 This was the rub, for the Americans were
with Admiral Yamamoto. The admiral spoke frankly to this old bridge
growing stronger all the while. The new battleship Washington now
partner from London days when he had been a delegate to the naval
came to the Pacific. She was a bigger, more powerful battleship than
disarmament conferences and Imamura had been a military attaché.
those trapped by the Japanese at anchor in Pearl Harbor. She could
They talked as did few admirals and generals. Yamamoto said that
make thirty knots and keep up with the new fast carriers. The new
the Zero, a few months earlier the best fighter plane in the Pacific,
carriers were also beginning to make their appearance. Together the
had now been challenged by the U.S. Army P-38 and the improved
new fleet-carriers, the fast battleships, and the new cruisers that were
navy and marine Grumman fighters.
also coming would make up new multi-carrier task groups, and, ul-
The worst of it was that American production was now begin-
timately, the greatest carrier task force in the world.
ning to tell in the whole of the South Pacific and Southwest Pacific.
The American air forces on Guadalcanal had survived the des-
In the air the Americans had a margin of three to one in aircraft
perate period and were growing stronger, with reinforcements of
numbers. As for training, the Americans were growing steadily more
planes and men. By November the United States controlled Gua-
skillful, while the level of Japanese pilot skill was dropping. Too
dalcanal's skies.
many pilots had been lost in the Coral Sea and Midway battles and
in the air fights over New Guinea and Guadalcanal. In the past six
312 EDWIN P. HOYT
JAPAN'S WAR 313
months the navy had lost 893 planes and 2362 airmen. Under the
naval system it took two or three years to train a flier. No acceleration
starving to death. At the same time, Admiral Yamamoto had come
program had been pushed through with the coming of the Pacific
to the conclusion that Guadalcanal was draining far too many of the
War; now times were being shortened. That meant the replacements
navy's resources, and must be evacuated. Imperial Headquarters re-
coming in were neophytes, coming direct from school to battle. Too
mained adamant: Guadalcanal must be held as a matter of pride.
many did not survive their first mission. As Admiral Yamamoto said:
The final decision was forced by the war ministry, when the
"Our emphasis on intensive training and discipline isn't wrong,
army asked for 300,000 tons of ships to deliver supplies to Gua-
but we should have made sure it was accompanied by scientific and
dalcanal. General Shinichi Tanaka, chief of the Operations Bureau
technological improvements as well. I have a strong sense of re-
of the army, insisted flatly. He was supported by Colonel Takushiro
sponsibility for our failure in that regard.
Hattori. On the other side stood General Tojo, as minister of war,
General Imamura could see that his old friend was depressed
as well as premier. Tojo said Guadalcanal must be evacuated. Tanaka
and he tried to raise his spirits by telling him of his orders. He was
said no. They almost came to blows. Some of their subordinates did
to establish the Eighth Area Army and utilize the Seventeenth and
actually come to blows. A few days later General Tanaka was trans-
Eighteenth armies to capture Guadalcanal and the Solomons in con-
ferred to a minor operational post and so was Hattori. It was the
nection with the navy. He was also to secure the strategic points
first breakdown of army unity since the beginning of the war and
necessary to prepare for a major action the next year in New Guinea,
was followed by the seizure of operational control of the army by
to capture that territory. Imperial General Headquarters was pre-
General Tojo through his new appointee, Major General Kitsuju
pared to employ virtually all of the strength of the Combined Fleet
Ayabe. Guadalcanal was lost. And, as Admiral Yamamoto now knew,
for that purpose. Four new divisions would be brought down.
so was the war.
What Admiral Yamamoto knew but did not tell General Ima-
mura, was that every day the planes and pilots of his beloved carriers
were being sucked away to Rabaul and battle. If the "decisive battle"
had been laid out for him for the next day, and there was no timidity,
no failure to meet the enemy, it was now questionable if the Japanese
would have any advantage at all.
November became December and still the Japanese were trying
to capture Guadalcanal. In New Guinea the Americans committed
thousands more troops, and at the end of November the Americans
broke through the perimeter of the Japanese Buna beachhead for
the first time. Early in December the Australians took the embattled
town of Gona. With the army's view that the capture of New Guinea
was much more important than Guadalcanal, matters began to change
at Imperial Headquarters in Tokyo. Lieutenant Colonel Tsuji, who
had behaved so badly in the Philippines, came down full of venom
to see for himself what was happening on Guadalcanal, and returned
to Rabaul a much chastened officer. He went on to Tokyo, and there
shocked his friends of the Imperial General Staff by telling them the
true situation in the south: that the Americans were in control of air
and land and sea around Guadalcanal, and that Japanese soldiers were
JAPAN'S WAR 315
IMPERIAL UNITS WADED
INTO ENEMY FLEET IN
PITCH DARKNESS
FLIERS BRAVED SQUALL
ALLIED WARSHIPS GO DOWN IN
29. "Here the progress stops"
RAPID SUCCESSION BEFORE
BLAZING NIPPON GUNS'
Correspondent Niwa's eyewitness account began with homage
and historical comparisons to the glorious Japanese past, but he also
described some thrilling moments:
We all held our breaths when a San Francisco type
cruiser suddenly re-pointed its prow and plowed its way
toward us. With its aft enveloped in flames, the ship was
T
he invasion of Guadalcanal had brought a subtle, unannounced
plunging toward us. What a magnificent sight! For the first
change to the Japanese war that was felt by the people long before
time I realized the imminent danger that threatened
official announcements gave any indications. All autumn it had be-
me. Half paralyzed, the San Francisco type was spitting
come growingly apparent that the euphoric days of constant victory
fire from its fore embrasure in the last desperate resis-
had ended.
tance.
Six months earlier, the newspapers were so bursting with re-
Because of that A-type cruiser I was wounded. My
ports of Japanese victories throughout Asia and the Pacific that the
left arm was hit by one of the fragments from the three
news editors of the newspapers found it hard to decide which stories
shots that struck the bridge. My body was covered with
to report in the most prominent columns. By September 1942,
countless wounds and my face and my heatproof suit stained
fully half the front pages were devoted to stories of the world war
in a bright yellow. Many of the men had fallen. The collar
on the Western and Soviet fronts, and to articles about life inside
of my heat suit was stained with blood and my hat was
the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere. It was mandatory (to keep
spotted too.
up civilian morale) to have reports of victories. This took a bit
"Damn the shot." This was my feeling. The note in
of sleight of hand. On September 1 several newspapers published
my right hand was smeared with blood. However, that was
a report released by naval censorship by novelist Fumio Niwa,
the enemy's last struggle. The bridge was right in front. It
who had been aboard Admiral Mikawa's flagship Chokai as
was blown off and the San Francisco type cruiser reared
a war correspondent during the first battle of the Solomon Islands
up its prow, stood upright, and then slipped into the sea.
(Savo Island) when Admiral Mikawa had sunk four Allied cruisers.
The detestable enemy had been sunk.
The battle had been fought on August 9. The report appeared on
A tumult of excitement rose within our ship, but the
September 1.
sunken cruiser was soon forgotten as we turned about in
search of another prey.
VIVID STORY OF VICTORY
BY JAPAN OFF SOLOMONS
Correspondent Niwa went below to the wardroom, and found
GIVEN BY WAR REPORTER
a surgeon there who dressed his wounds.
316 EDWIN P. HOYT
JAPAN'S WAR 317
The sound of firing ceased after I came down to
the officers' quarters. Our fleet was making a striking
In September Prime Minister Tojo announced the creation of
withdrawal. Not one enemy ship was following us. Eight
the Greater Asia Ministry, to bring the economies of all the captured
A-type cruisers and six destroyers instantly sunk, two de-
stroyers damaged beyond repair. All this achieved with
territories under control. That is not how it was put, but concurrently
our ship in the condition of "At Your Posts." No disorder
the China Affairs Board, Manchurian Affairs Bureau, Ministry of
Overseas Affairs, and the East Asiatic Affairs Buréau of the foreign
with the ship from the ordinary except for taking care of
the wounded.
ministry were all abolished.⁴
Satisfaction and joy lighted the faces of the chief gun-
ner and the chief engineer. The chief torpedo officer mod-
Without victories, the government must have heroism to laud.
On September 21, 1942, a splendid military funeral was held for
estly showed his joy in being the first to put the coup de
Major General Takeo Kato of the Imperial Japanese Army Air Forces,
grace to an enemy cruiser.
Two staff members of Headquarters also joined the
who had been killed in Burma. General Tojo made a funeral oration.
group and started to make out reports of the battle for
So did General Sugiyama, chief of the Army General Staff, and
Imperial Headquarters.
General Doihara, who was now chief of army aviation; General Ter-
Leaning against the long sofa, I withstood my pains.
auchi, commander of Southeast Asia, sent a telegram. So did the
I watched the results of tonight's battle being written on
German general staff. Students at the various military academies and
the blackboard in the officers' quarters. I thought of how
military units were called up to parade. The public was invited to
burn incense, all in honor of this "hero God."5
the chief gunner must be feeling after he had struck to his
heart's content.
A week later another "hero God" was laid to rest with the same
sort of ceremony: Lieutenant General Naotsugu Sakai, commander
The Niwa report was not much different from the sort of eye-
of the Chekiang-Kiangsi front, who had been killed by a land mine
witness accounts that American correspondents were writing from
laid by a Chinese guerilla.⁶
shipboard. It was, however, a "feature story" and not the sort of
On October 9 the Japanese minister to Australia was repatriated
material that would have appeared on the front pages a few months
and he brought home with him the ashes of four more God heroes,
earlier. Less than a year after the beginning of the war, editors were
the crews of the two-man submarines which had penetrated Sydney
searching for victory stories. This account and a story from Nanking
harbor on May 21 in an abortive attack. Huge picture spreads and
about the Imperial forces "adjusting their lines" after the end of the
long articles appeared in the press in connection with the funeral
Chekiang-Kiangsi campaign, were all that Asahi Shimbun could find
ceremonies. Four months had gone by and there had been no pre-
to raise civilian morale that September 1.²
vious mention of any attack on Sydney. This occasion of the funeral
Next day the front page was dominated by a war ministry article
and memorials defied censorship; it was the method by which the
describing citations for valor presented to two army tank companies
Japanese received much of their information about the conduct of
the war.⁷
for especial heroism in the Malaya campaign which had ended
in February. The only "news" from the front concerned Shantung
Occasionally a glimpse of reality pushed through the censorship.
Province of China, where the Japanese "annihilated" eleven hundred
On October 19, 1942, Tomokazu Hori, spokesman for the Japanese
more Chinese troops. The Japanese had been annihilating the Chi-
Board of Information (the cabinet's mouthpiece), warned of a "sec-
ond front" in the war.
nese now for five years, and yet they were still encountering the
Nationalist forces in the coastal provinces.³ No wonder the Japanese
"The creation of a second front in the Pacific means America's
people were beginning to have some doubts about the progress of
plan to launch a general offensive against Japan and Chungking's
the war.
attempt to recapture Burma and other Japanese-occupied areas.
"The war situation has now entered a new stage," Hori said,
318 EDWIN P. HOYT
JAPAN'S WAR 319
"indicating every sign of a protracted strife.
We are facing a stage
Point area. The navy failed. The Japanese "won" one naval engage-
of real war, a stage which demands the nation's totalitarian strength."
ment after another, but they could not reach Guadalcanal with enough
Three days later the Asabi Shimbun announced that China's
supply ships or keep those that did get through on the shore long
"jugular vein has been slashed" with the capture of the Burma Road.
enough to empty them. The Japanese troops continued to starve, so
But.
Even with a slashed jugular vein, the Japanese noted, China
weak that simply going out to forage for food became a day's major
fought on.⁹
occupation. The rice had given out. The Japanese lived on rats and
The confused battle off the Santa Cruz Islands, in which the
insects and on the roots of jungle plants.
Americans and Japanese exchanged carrier strikes like chess players
By December, the South Pacific situation had become so serious
exchanging knights, was greeted in Japan as an enormous victory. In
that drastic measures were demanded. A new China offensive, against
fact, it was a Japanese victory in the sinking of the carrier Hornet,
Chungking, was scheduled for September. But all available resources
and other damage to Allied ships. But three Japanese carriers had
were being pushed south, and before the end of the year General
been damaged, two of them badly, and at this stage of the war the
Tojo put the China assault aside. Divisions from Korea and China
Americans were nearly in a position where an American carrier sunk
were ordered to the South Pacific. The war was changing. General
could be regarded even up for a Japanese carrier seriously damaged,
Tojo hoped to regain the initiative with the capture of Port Moresby,
so great was American ship production by the fall of 1942.
but Admiral Yamamoto had no such hopes. Better than Tojo or the
At the moment, the sinking of the Hornet posed serious prob-
Imperial General Staff, he knew the enemy, and the enemy's rising
lems for the Americans, reducing their South Pacific carrier force to
capability. More important, he was only too well aware of his own
one. Admiral Halsey would have to avoid "the decisive battle" for
falling capability to carry the battle.
a while.
On December 31, 1942, for the first time the Japanese held an
Japan literally went wild with the news of the battle victory. It
Imperial Conference, the subject of which-no matter how it was
had been so long since there had been anything to crow about that
masked-was defensive. Guadalcanal would be evacuated by the first
Imperial Headquarters pulled out all the stops:
week in February. The defense line would then run north of New
The Invincible Japanese Naval Forces, said headquarters, had
Georgia and Isabella islands. The offense would turn to New Guinea,
scored an enormous victory, sinking four American aircraft carriers,
where reinforcements were to help capture Port Moresby.12
one battleship, many other ships, damaging more ships and shooting
In the first week of February 1943 the Japanese navy carried
down two hundred American planes. Japan's navy, in turn, had lost
out one of the most successful retreats in history, moving nearly all
no ships, but suffered slight damage to two carriers.
of the 17,000 remaining troops on Guadalcanal. One unit, the Oka
"Note:" said Imperial Headquarters. "This battle shall be called
Regiment on Mount Austen, was surrounded and wiped out, except
the Battle of the South Pacific." The statement read as though the
for one lieutenant who wrapped the regimental flag around his body,
spokesman was describing a victory as important as the Battle of
broke through the lines and found his way to one of the evacuation
Trafalgar.¹⁰
points. Another unit, the Yano Battalion, fought a rearguard action
The victory, said Imperial Headquarters, had completely foiled
to assist the evacuation with such vigor that the Americans believed
the American attempt to launch a counteroffensive against Japan.
reinforcements had come in and that they could expect a new Jap-
"The results," said the editor of Asabi Shimbun, "were enough
anese attack. The Americans were planning an attack of their own
to make us all dance with joy."¹¹
to crush the Japanese in pincers coming from east and south. The
But once again, although "annihilated," the enemy refused to
two U.S. forces met at Cape Esperance on February 9, but there was
stop fighting.
nothing to pinch. Every living Japanese had left Guadalcanal. 13
The Imperial Navy's problem, not at all helped by the damage
The battle was over. It had cost the Americans two dozen war-
to the carrier fleet, was to keep Henderson Field under bombardment
ships, about two thousand killed and five thousand men wounded.
at every opportunity, and to supply the Japanese forces in the Taivu
Japan had also lost twenty-four ships, plus nine hundred aircraft and
320 EDWIN P. HOYT
JAPAN'S WAR 321
more than two thousand air crewmen. On land eight thousand Jap-
vernacular and the English newspapers. Some of it was
anese soldiers and sailors had fallen in battle, and eleven thousand
printed under the datelines of neutral countries-Stock-
had died of starvation and disease. Guadalcanal was the saddest page
holm, Zurich, Lisbon, Buenos Aires, where there actually
yet written in Japanese military history.
were Mainichi correspondents, isolated by the outbreak
As the war situation deteriorated the demands on the Japanese
of the war. This valuable but highly secret newsgathering
people for more patriotic efforts grew steadily. "Down with the
activity was given an inglorious name, Benjo Press (Toilet
American and English Devils" was one theme, hammered week after
Press).¹⁶
week by radio and press.¹⁴
"Ichioku Ichigan" was another-One hundred million as one
In February 1943, Rabaul and New Ireland really represented
bullet. Such slogans were presented in all seriousness, and in all
the reality of the Japanese defense line. Everything south, in the
seriousness they were accepted by the vast majority of Japanese. The
Solomons, was expendable, but it was expected that the fight would
almost total acceptance of every measure, every slogan, led some on
be island by island. Perhaps by the time the Americans moved up
the staff of Mainichi Shimbun (then called Nichi Nichi) to suggest
the string of the Solomons, the army would have defeated Mac-
(long after the war) that a look back into the files indicated that "the
Arthur's forces in New Guinea, and the South Pacific effort would
Japanese have had an incurable liking all along for totalitarian-
be deemed by the Americans to be useless. Perhaps, even more
ism.
The Japanese once liked, and may in the future like, to bask
desirable, a new drive into China would bring an end to the China
in a blissful sense of national one-ness."¹⁵
incident and thus eliminate the whole United States reason for fight-
When 1943 came in, the supernationalism grew. Take besu-boru,
ing the war. If the China war could only be settled, Tojo was certain,
that fine old sport of Abner Doubleday's derived from the Ameri-
the war against the Americans and the British could be brought to
cans. It became yakyu. A sutoraiku became a yoshi. Boru became
a successful climax at the peace table. By this time, Tojo would have
tama, "you're out" became bike (heekay).
been willing to withdraw from the South Pacific.
The teaching of English ended in the public schools and in the
In January 1943, at the Casablanca conference the United States
universities; finally, only the naval academy continued to teach the
and Britain promised to give more help to Nationalist China. A new
English language. Crowds would descend on the English-language
road was to be built through the Himalaya Mountains from Assam
newspapers to demand that they close down. The argument used to
Province, India, to pick up the old Burma Road in Northern Burma.
prevent violence was that the editors were representing the Japanese
The American air force also began launching air raids on In-
people, keeping track of the English language so they would know
dochina, to destroy the Japanese potential to strengthen forces in
their enemies after they had defeated them.
Burma.
Many of the media people of Japan were up front with the
The Japanese response was to prepare new troop units for dis-
jingoists, but a few were dedicated to trying to tell the truth about
patch to Indochina and to send three battalions to Hainan Island.
the war. Here is a recollection from the Nichi Nichi offices:
At the same time, Tojo wanted to attack India. Since the be-
ginning of the war, the Japanese had gained the adherence of the
A part of the Mainichi Daily News staff stealthily
Provisional Indian Government of Subhas Chandra Bose, a nation-
vanished into the women's toilet converted into a "black
alist leader who had abandoned Nehru and the Congress party to
chamber." They set up a monitoring apparatus inside the
embrace Japan's Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere and the
toilet converted into a sanctuary free from military in-
concept of Asia for the Asiatics. For months Bose had been pleading
spection and listened to shortwave radio (forbidden to
for an advance against India, to seize a corner of that country where
civilians at the time) to the BBC, Voice of America, Treas-
he could set up his government "on India's soil." He promised the
ure Island, Ankara, and other foreign broadcasts. The news
Japanese that if they would do that much, he would bring millions
obtained was circulated among the editors of both the
of Indians flocking to his banner.
PAGE
2
2ND STORY of Level 1 printed in FULL format.
The Associated Press
The materials in the AP file were compiled by The Associated Press. These
materials may not be republished without the express written consent of The
Associated Press.
August 5, 1988, Friday, PM cycle
SECTION: Washington Dateline
LENGTH: 686 words
HEADLINE: Wright Pleads for Benefits for Underage War Hero
BYLINE: By JENNIFER DIXON, Associated Press Writer
DATELINE: WASHINGTON
KEYWORD: Underage Combat
BODY:
House Speaker Jim Wright is asking Congress to lift "a pall of shame" from
the government and override the military's steadfast refusal to grant full
benefits to a man who became a World War II hero at the age of 12.
Wright testified Calvin Graham was "hardly old enough to be a Boy Scout, let
alone be a soldier or a sailor," when he lied about his age and enlisted in
the Navy in 1942, burning with "a youthful enthusiasm to get into the fight and
be a part of our country's effort."
Although Graham ignored his injuries aboard the USS South Dakota during the
battle of Guadalcanal to help those who had lost limbs, the government has
turned a cold shoulder on the disabled man from Fort Worth, Texas, Wright
testified Thursday before a House Judiciary subcommittee.
"From a narrowly legal point of view, perhaps those who 50 long have thwarted
efforts to restore simple justice to Calvin Graham may feel they were justified.
But on the basis of common sense, ethics, morality, valor, simple decency,
justice and fairness, they were painfully wrong," said Wright, D-Texas.
"The denial of full benefits to Calvin Graham brings a pall of shame over the
government of the United States," the speaker said as his wheelchair-bound
constituent sat at his side.
When asked whether he wanted to testify on legislation to give him disability
benefits and back pay, Graham, 58, said: "I've got a lump in my throat right
now."
In an interview, Graham said patriotism was at a fevered pitch when, weighing
125 pounds and standing at 5-feet-2, he joined the Navy in Houston and was
assigned to the battleship as an anti-aircraft gun loader.
After shrapnel ripped through his mouth during the battle of Guadalcanal,
Graham said he remained aboard the ship's deck applying tourniquets to those who
had lost an arm or leg.
TM
LEXIS:NEXIS®
LEXIS-NEXIS®
LEXIS-NEXIS®
Services of Mead Data Central, Inc.
Recyclable
PAGE
3
The Associated Press, August 5, 1988
"I remember everything that happened to me that year like it was yesterday,"
Graham said. "It burns in my mind. I dream about it a lot."
The military has fought Graham at every turn since a bureaucratic error
landed him in the brig in Corpus Christi, Texas, upon his return from the
Pacific. His ship's captain had given him leave to get a notarized letter from
his mother permitting him to stay in the Navy despite his age. But when he
returned with the letter, naval authorities treated him like a deserter because
they thought he was really 17 and trying to lie about his age. His medals,
including the Bronze Star, were taken away, and his record was voided.
It took the Navy until 1978 to grant him an honorable discharge and return
the medals to him, Wright said.
In 1980, the government decided to give him $337 in back pay for the three
months he spent confined in the brig and his mustering-out benefits, which would
have been right amount at the time of his discharge in 1943.
He also was granted disability status for one tooth, although he said he lost
all of his teeth because of war wounds.
Graham has not cashed the two checks sent for his back pay.
Legislation introduced by Rep. Martin Frost, D-Texas, seeks to grant Graham
disability benefits for his mouth injuries and back pay in 1988 dollars, with
interest.
Graham rejoined the service when he reached the proper age and served with
the Marines during the Korean War. He said he broke his back and his right ankle
when he lost his footing and fell from a pier in California, and those injuries
now keep him in a wheelchair.
Graham's story was the subject of a CBS television movie, "Too Young The
Hero, = earlier this year.
Even presidential promises have not helped Graham, Wright said. "President
Roosevelt is said to have offered his help shortly before his death and
President Reagan in a California radio address during his campaign for the
presidency described Calvin Graham's case as the kind of problem he wanted to
address if elected. So let's help him do it."
John Thompson, legal counsel for the Veterans Adminstration, in response to
questioning by Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., said he had not heard of any request
from the administration to help Graham. Thompson said there was no need for
Frost's bill.
LEXIS:NEXIS®
LEXIS-NEXIS®
LEXIS·NEXIS®
Services of Mead Data Central, Inc.
Recyclable
PAGE
4
4TH STORY of Level 1 printed in FULL format.
The Associated Press
The materials in the AP file were compiled by The Associated Press. These
materials may not be republished without the express written consent of The
Associated Press.
March 26, 1988, Saturday, AM cycle
SECTION: Domestic News
LENGTH: 678 words
HEADLINE: World War II Hero's Age Both a Blessing, Curse
DATELINE: FORT WORTH, Texas
KEYWORD: Boy Hero
BODY:
An underage World War II soldier dubbed "the Boy Hero, = who was decorated
for shooting down Japanese aircraft and helping shipmates in two battles, says
his age was both a blessing and a curse.
At age 12, Calvin Graham was one of this country's youngest war heroes.
For his exploits, which will be the subject of a two-hour television movie
Sunday night, Graham was awarded a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart.
But his youthful looks and a bureaucratic error landed him in the brig and
cost him his medals. It took him over 30 years to win back his decorations, and
the former gunner, now 58 and a resident of a Fort Worth suburb, is still
seeking disability benefits for his war injuries.
The son of sharecroppers, Graham left home after his father died in a traffic
accident and his mother remarried. He said his stepfather beat him and his
brother and then threw them out of their Houston home when they tried to fight
back.
Graham shined shoes and sold newspapers to make money until he joined the
Navy in July 1942, enlisting with the aid of forged papers that claimed he was
17. He was sent to the USS South Dakota for a Pacific tour.
Assigned to a 40mm gun crew on the ship's fantail, Graham helped shoot down
about 300 enemy planes launched from five Japanese aircraft carriers in the
battle of Santa Cruz.
Graham's gunnery officer asked him his age when he congratulated the crew.
"I told him I would be 13 in April," Graham said, according to a story in the
Fort Worth Star-Telegram. "He was shocked and I knew I had made a mistake. But I
was proud of what we had done and I felt like I was 6-foot tall. I didn't care
at the time if people knew how old I was. I felt like I had done what I set out
to do."
TM
TM
TM
LEXIS·NEXIS®
LEXIS-NEXIS®
LEXIS·NEXIS®
Services of Mead Data Central, Inc.
Recyclable
PAGE
5
The Associated Press, March 26, 1988
Later, Graham tried to tell the officer he had been kidding, but the boy
hero was called before the ship's captain, who told him he would have to go
back home.
"He told me it wasn't anything to be ashamed of, he had already sent three
others back that same day. But I stuck to my story and claimed I was 17," Graham
said.
"He said, 'Well, you may have wished you took me up on this in the next 24
hours,' = Graham remembered. "We were headed for another battle. $1
At Guadalcanal, an enemy ship knocked out Graham's gun with a 14-inch
shell, and he was assigned to help the wounded. The ship later took 47 hits on
its superstructure.
"Everyone who was in there that night was either killed or wounded," said
Graham. "I went up there and there were guys' hands and arms and legs floating
around in the water. The bloody water was waist-high."
Exploding shrapnel hit Graham in the mouth but he continued to help medical
officers attend to injured crewmen.
Graham received the Bronze Star for his actions. When his ship returned to
Brooklyn Naval Yard in New York, the captain gave him leave to get a notarized
letter from his mother permitting him to stay in the Navy despite his age.
But when Graham returned with his letter, he was told instead by an executive
officer to turn himself in to naval authorities in Houston. He was sent to the
brig at the Naval Air Station in Corpus Christi for over a month and treated
like a deserter because authorities thought he was really 17 and trying to lie
about his age. He also had his medals taken away..
Then the Navy admitted its mistake and released Graham after his 13th
birthday, giving him a "cancellation enlistment" with honorable conditions. But
the Navy did not return his medals.
Years later, Graham enlisted the support of Rep. Jim Wright and Sen. Lloyd
Bentsen and won his honorable discharge from the Navy and reinstatement of his
medals. But he is still denied disability benefits for his war injuries.
Now confined to a wheelchair and crutches because of injuries he suffered
after the war while a legitimate member of the Marine Corps, Graham monitors the
status of proposed legislation that could restore his war benefits, corresponds
with former shipmates and writes stories of his experiences. He helped write
some of the material for "Too Young the Hero, " to air on CBS.
TM
TM
TM
LEXIS·NEXIS®
LEXIS·NEXIS®
LEXIS·NEXIS®
Services of Mead Data Central, Inc.
Recyclable
PAGE
9
6TH STORY of Level 1 printed in FULL format.
The Associated Press
The materials in the AP file were compiled by The Associated Press. These
materials may not be republished without the express written consent of The
Associated Press.
July 9, 1978, AM cycle
LENGTH: 620 words
BYLINE: By PETER O'LOUGHLIN, Associated Press Writer
DATELINE: HONIARA, Solomon Islands
KEYWORD:
Guadalcanal
BODY:
A handful of U.S. Marine veterans and some of their Japanese opponents in the
bloody fight for Guadalcanal returned to the 1942 battle -ground Sunday this
time as friends.
On a ridge overlooking Henderson Field former Gunnery Sgt. Ed Twohill
exchanged salutes and shook hands with Takeo Kameoka who was a Japanese company
commander here. Under the hot tropical sun they compared accounts of the World
War II battles they survived.
"The war was a mistake," Kameoka said. "All we want now is peace and we must
join together to watch the threat from the Soviets."
Twohill said: "I never thought I'd be doing this when I was here 35 years
ago. But the war is over a long time."
Both men had come for a week of independence celebrations in these Pacific
islands 1,000 miles northeast of Australia. The Solomons had been ruled by the
British for 85 years.
Guadalcanal was the site of America's first thrust into the pacific and 5,000
Americans and 24,000 Japanese eventually died on this 2,500-square-mile island.
Honiara is the main town.
Twohill, 55 a retired New York City policeman brought with him a list of 21
Marines in his company killed in the bitter fighting.
He was 19 years old when he landed with the first wave of Marines on Red
Beach. Now portly and graying" he wore his Marine cap and fade fatigue jacket
on his visit with a group of 15 Americans veterans.
Kameoka, 57 still looks fit. He was wounded three times went home a war
hero and went on to become a member of the Japanese Parliament and Cabinet.
Leading the delegation of Japanese veterans Kameoka also brought a list of
names including 60 who died fighting for control of the island's airfield then a
vital Marine base. He talked of building a "peace garden" here to honor the
dead.
TM
TM
LEXIS·NEXIS®
LEXIS-NEXIS®
LEXIS-NEXIS®
Services of Mead Data Central, Inc.
Recyclable
PAGE 10
The Associated Press, July 9, 1978
Retired Marine Capt. Conn. was an artillery spotter. Vitka told Kameoka, "It
was me dropping artillery on your haed," and gave him a war diary and a packet
of cigarettes he took from the body of a dead Japanese soldier in 1942.
"It is like the war coming back again" Kameoka said.
"This man was from the same province. I will return the diary to his
family."
Chuck Breijak 58 a meatcutter from Seattle displayed scars from a head wound,
and Sigurd Carlson 51 a teacher from Pasadena Calif. showed the traces of a
massive stomach wound from three machine gun bullets on Okinawa.
Kameoka was impressed and said 50 especially after he was told Carlson was
only 15 when he came ashore with the Marines in 1942.
"For me it was Camelot we had a cause" Carlson said.
"Out of my boot camp group of 65 I only know of three who survived the war.
"But the memories are fading. Now I'd like to come back to Guadalcanal as a
teacher. I think now they've got independence, they'll need people like me."
Hell it seems like yesterday" said Wally Stanford 64 a community college
administrator in West Covina Calif. "But I weighed 120 pounds when I left
Guadalcanal. Lok at me now 215."
Back on Red Beach there were arguments among the vets about the placement of
a signpost marking the first invasion point.
"Sure doesn't look like where I came ashore," said Stanford surveying the
coconut palm-studded shoreline. "But I remember we had real trouble getting our
five-inch anti-aircraft guns up the sands."
Twohill looked over his list of the dead of K Company 5th Regiment 1st Marine
Division:
Goodwin Horace E. KIA, chest; Gunter, Paul O. private KIA, bayonet; Shute
David G. private KIA, face
"I don't know why but I feel guilty," Twohill said. "I'm here they'r dead.
I got shipped out of here with appendicitis and they got killed and I wasn't
with them. You have to talk to a psychiastrist to sort that one out."
GRAPHIC: Laserphotos HON1, 2
TM
TM
TM
LEXIS:NEXIS®
LEXIS-NEXIS®
LEXIS·NEXIS®
Services of Mead Data Central, Inc.
Recyclable
fall on the same Bloody Ridge defended by Red Mike Edson a month earlier.
Thick sheets of rain fell in the pitch-black moonless night. The marines
The results would be the same as before. Only this time, much of the credit
huddled under ponchos, trying to keep their weapons, and themselves, dry.
would go to an intrepid machine-gun section leader.
Just past 9:30 P.M. an outpost provided the first news that Maruyama's troops
were beginning their assault. "Colonel," the scared private reported to Puller,
"there are about three thousand Japs between me and you." Puller alerted
JOHN BASILONE
his line companies.
Seconds later, the Japanese came pouring out of the rain-soaked jungle.
One of the marines who came ashore with the 7th Marines was a colorful
High-pitched voices yelled, "Blood for the Emperor! Marine, you die! Banzai!"
PENTAGON NEWSROOM
sergeant in the heavy weapons company known to one and all as "Manila
Ferocious fire from Basilone's machine guns mowed down the first wave.
John" Basilone. Born November 4. 1916, in Buffalo, New York, Basilone grew
With a slight decline in front of him forcing the Japanese to expose themselves
up in Raritan, New Jersey, where his father, Salvatore, was a tailor. As one
as they made for his position, Manila John had no trouble picking out targets.
of ten children Basilone knew intimately the tough life of a "depression-era
He fired full trigger-250 rounds per minute streaking out of his weapon.
family. His parents struggled financially to send all their children to parochial
Japanese bodies dropped by the dozens in front of him.
school because Salvatore believed in education. But when he finished the
The heavy rain made it very difficult to see. An occasional lightning flash
eighth grade at age fifteen, John Basilone went to work to help the family.
or a bursting mortar round provided the only illumination. Fanatical groups
He got a job driving a laundry truck. It wasn't much money, but it helped
of screaming Japanese rushed forward, hurling grenades, firing rifles. They
TEL:
his parents. Then, in 1934, he was laid off. Unwilling to hang around on the
overwhelmed two machine guns to Basilone's right.
street corner with others of his age, Basilone enlisted in the army. After basic
At about that time Basilone's guns started running low on ammo. He knew
training he was sent to the Philippines.
there were probably Japanese infiltrators between him and the ammo dump
Basilone fell in love with Manila. A big kid with dark, handsome features,
back at the command post, but if they were going to hold the enemy he had
he was a hit with the girls in the bars along Dewey Boulevard. The dark-
to have more ammo.
eyed Filipino girls reminded him of the Italian girls he used to date back in
"I'm going back for ammo," he yelled to his crew. He pulled off his mud-
Raritan. It was a fun-filled two years for the young soldier.
caked boots so they wouldn't weigh him down and took off down the mud-
After his three-year hitch ended Basilone took his honorable discharge and
slickened trail. Scurrying into the CP he grabbed several belts of ammo and
went home to a job in a chemical plant in Raritan, but he never forgot Manila.
some needed parts. then turned and headed back to the front.
Three years of civilian life were all he could take. In 1940 be reenlisted. This
Back at his gun pit a runner slid in next to him. "They got the guns on
time, though, he joined the marines; he thought he might get back to Manila
the right," the man sputtered. Basilone swore. Without those heavy weapons
quicker with them.
to stop them the Japanese would soon be pouring through the lines. He headed
To a Marine Corps rapidly expanding with eighteen- and nineteen-year-
for the abandoned weapons. He jumped into the silent pit and found both
old recruits, Basilone was a godsend. His previous military experience earned
guns jammed. He ran back to get one of bis own.
him rapid promotion. And his many tales of his love-filled adventures in
At his pit Basilone seized a machine gun and threw it across his shoulder.
Manila quickly got him tagged "Manila John." Soon everyone, even his
"Follow me," he shouted to a crew, then raced up the slippery trail. His men
officers, called him by that name.
came behind him, overtaking him just as he bumped into half a dozen Japanese
Like the others of the 7th Marines Sergeant Basilone was disappointed
infiltrators. The marines killed them and ran on.
to be left on Samoa while the rest of the 1st Marine Division landed on
Once in the pit Basilone hurriedly set up the new machine gun. While his
Guadalcanal. When word came they were embarking for Guadalcanal Basilone
crew fired that one, Manila John lay in the mud, frantically working on one
was pleased. It put him that much closer to Manila.
of the jammed weapons. Below them the Japanese formed for another charge.
The three companies of Lt. Col. Lewis B. Puller's 1st Battalion, 7th
Finally, Basilone had the jam cleared. He fed a belt into place and fired away.
Marines, occupied tight defensive positions on Bloody Ridge on the night
Basilone's fire piled up so many bodies in front of his gun he had to send
of October 24, 1942. Manila John's water-cooled .50-caliber machine guns
his men out to push them down to clear the fire lane. Several more times
supported Company C, smack in the middle of the line. Earlier that day a
during the night Basilone raced back to the CP for ammunition. With his bare
Japanese officer was spotted looking over the marines' lines through bin-
torso covered with heavy ammo belts and glistening with sweat and rain in
Aug 6,92 14:34 No.001 P.02
oculars. Everyone knew the Japanese were going to hit that night.
the artillery flashes, Basilone was stopped on one trip by the battalion
executive officer. Manila John calmly answered the major's questions about
the fight then excused himself. "My men need the ammo," he calmly explained.
An utterly fearless pilot, who showed complete disdain for the enemy, Bauer
All through the night Maruyama's men came at the marines. No less than
was downed in the wild melee over the Japanese transports. One of Bauer's
eight separate attacks were sent against the Americans. A few Japanese broke
best friends, a cigar-chewing South Dakota farmer, saw Bauer swim clear
through; most died on Bloody Ridge. They finally stopped coming around
of his sinking Wildcat and wave up at him. He flew off for help. By the time
7:00 A.M., October 25. They had no more troops to send forward.
he returned with an amphibious scout plane Bauer was gone. It was'a sad
Manila John Basilone surveyed the battlefield through the still-falling rain.
day for the South Dakotan, Joe Foss.
Mounds of Japanese bodies were everywhere. An accurate count of Maruyama's
casualties could not be made, but it was estimated over twelve hundred
PENTAGON NEWSROOM
Japanese died that night. Probably a quarter of them were killed by some
JOSEPH J. l'O&S
of the twenty-five thousand rounds of ammo Manila John and his men fired
that night. He had played a major role in stemming this savageJapanese attack.
The first American fighter pilot to equal the record of World War I ace Capt.
Eight months later, on June 23, 1943, while recuperating with the rest of
Eddie Rickenbacker, who destroyed twenty-six German planes over France,
the survivors of the 1st Marine Division in Australia, newly appointed Gy.
was Marine Corps Capt. Joseph J. Foss. He arrived at Henderson Field as
Sgt. John Basilone received his Medal of Honor during a division review.
executive officer of VMF-121 on October 9, 1942, just three days before Capt.
He was the first enlisted marine in World War II to earn this decoration.
John Smith. then the leading ace, headed home. By November 19 Foss had
When he returned to the States in September Basilone received a tumultuous
destroyed an incredible twenty-three enemy aircraft! Three more were added
welcome. Raritan held a "Basilone Day" and met the hero at the train station
TEL:
on January 15, 1943. Foss would finish the war as the marine's second-ranking
with a blaring brass band. He spent several months touring the States on a
ace.
War Bond drive. On the tour he met and married in July 1944 a lady marine,
Born April 17, 1915, Foss grew up on the family's farm near Sioux Falls,
Sgt. Lena Riggi. Later, the Marine Corps offered Manila John a lieutenant's
South Dakota. It was a hard life, filled with long hours of backbreaking work,
commission, but he turned it down. "I'm a plain Marine-I want to stay one,"
few rewards, and even fewer luxuries (even in 1943 the Foss farmhouse lacked
he told them.
electricity). Farming was never easy, and it got harder after Foss's father died
Most of the Marine Corps thought Manila John had done enough fighting
in a 1933 car accident.
for his country-but he didn't. He yearned to get back to soldiering. His
The growing seasons of 1935 and 1936 were disasters for the widow Foss
repeated requests for a transfer back to a line unit were turned down. Finally,
and her three sons. Drought conditions destroyed the crop both years. The
the marine corps said yes. In the fall of 1944, Gy. Sgt. John Basilone joined
little income the family had came mostly from Joe's job. A big, strapping
the newly formed 5th Marine Division training in Hawaii.
Norwegian youth of six feet and 175 pounds, Foss spent most of his hours
On February 19, 1945, Manila John's company landed in the first assault
after high school pumping gas and repairing cars at a local gas station. Many
wave on the hellhole called Two Jima. After be wiped out a stubborn machine-
times he talked to his mother about quitting school to work full time, but
gun pillbox, a mortar shell exploded at his feet. Basilone was killed instantly.
she always gave an emphatic no. She wanted her boys to have an education
His valor brought him a posthumous Navy Cross.
so they wouldn't have to depend on the farm for a living.
Foss saw his first airplanes in 1932 when a Marine Corps squadron put
The army's 182d Infantry Regiment arrived on Guadalcanal on November
on an air show at the local fair. Three years later he plunked down five hard-
11, 1942, their transports escorted by a small task force under Adm. Daniel
earned dollars for his first ride. He was hooked. In 1937 he paid for his first
Callaghan. The Americans still held only a small part of Guadalcanal and
flying lesson. When he graduated from the University of South Dakota in
needed more reinforcements to combat the ever-present Japanese. Enemy
1939 he already had his pilot's license. The next year he enlisted in the Marine
planners on Rabaul still hoped to wrest Henderson Field from the marines
Corps's aviation program. He earned his wings in March 1941. He was such
and regain control of the Solomons. Even though thousands of Japanese
a talented pilot, the navy kept him at Pensacola, Florida, for a year as an
soldiers had already died in the brutal war of attrition the Tokyo Express rarely
instructor. After more training stateside. Foss shipped out for Guadalcanal
halted its nightly run down the Slot.
at the end of August 1942.
In fact, American naval intelligence uncovered yet another plan by which
On October 13, Foss downed his first Zero during an enemy bombing attack
Aug 6,92 14:34 P.04
on Henderson Field. Jumped from behind while climbing to intercept the
evacuated to a hospital near Sydney, Australia. After six weeks rest he returnec
bombers, his attacker came in too fast, flying by Foss's Wildcat. Foss pressed
to Guadalcanal on New Years Day 1943. fully recovered.
The Marine Corps finally decided Foss had had enough combat after h=
his trigger button, and the Zero exploded. Then three more Zeroes closed in
downed three more planes in January. He went home. A massive hero"
on Foss. They shot up his plane, forcing him to make a deadstick landing
welcome awaited him. He was feted everywhere he went, and after he receive
back at Henderson. "That was close," he told his crew chief.
his Medal of Honor on May 18. 1943, his picture graced the cover of Lif
October 25, 1942, was a good day for Foss. Since his first kill two weeks
PENTAGON NEWSROOM
before, he had downed four more and was amassing an enviable record for
magazine. Foss served a year's duty in Washington, then returned to the Pacific i
brilliance in the sky. After Maruyama's abortive attack on Bloody Ridge,
mid-1944. He flew numerous combat missions, but targets were rare. He di
Japanese bombers and fighter planes filled the sky above Guadalcanal through-
not add to his score. He took his discharge in December 1945.
out the day in what was their portion of a coordinated sea, air, and land attack.
Foss's war record propelled him into South Dakota politics. After sever
The heavy rains had turned Henderson Field into a mud pit, but Foss and
terms in the state legislature he successfully ran for governor in 1954. H
a few other Wildcats managed to get airborne. In an attack on sixteen enemy
served one four-year term, ther. became commissioner of the American Footbs
medium bombers and escorting fighters, Foss knocked four Zeroes out of the
sky. With the four Zeroes he'd shot down on October 23, he had a remarkable
League in 1959. He held that position until the AFL merged with the NE
in 1966, then produced an outdoors television program for several year
three-day total of eight Zeroes.
In 1986 Foss became the president of the National Rifle Association
TEL:
On the morning of November 7, 1942, a Japanese cruiser and ten destroyers
were spotted in the Slot about one hundred miles north of Guadaicanal. Seven
dive-bombers and three torpedo planes, escorted by twenty-three Wildcats
Major General Vandegrift passed control of operations on GuadaicanaL
under Captain Foss, headed after them. The bombers hit the cruiser twice
the U.S. Army on December 9, 1942. The last weeks of November and ca.
and damaged a destroyer. The covering force of Zeroes tangled with Foss
days of December had been relatively quiet. The Japanese had tapered
their reinforcements. The last Tokyo Express ran on November 30. Ene
and the other pilots.
In the wild dogfight Foss shot down three of the nine Japanese planes
planes were disappearing from the skies over Guadalcanal in the face il c
destroyed that day. His own Wildcat, though, had been badly shot up. He
Cactus Air Force that had grown from the original 31 aircraft to more
streaked for home in the damaged plane, but two Zeroes cornered him over
150. It was now time to give the 1st Marine Division a rest. They had suffe
the island of Malaita. They forced him down in the water.
over twenty-one hundred casualties, and another fifty-six hundred Mari
Foss spent nearly twelve hours trying to swim to Malaita through the tricky
currents before a missionary and local natives in a dugout canoe rescued him.
had developed malaria and other unique jungle diseases. Now they were gc
He spent one night in their peaceful village before being picked up by a PBY
to Australia for rest and recuperation before beginning the next campa
For General Vandegrift the end of the Guadalcanal campaign meant a M-
amphibious plane and returned to Guadalcanal. Two days later he was back
of Honor and, eventually, the commandantcy of the Marine Corps.
in the air, shooting down Japanese planes.
The army troops arriving on Guadalcanal faced several more months
Aug
On November 13, he led his flight of Wildcats on a strafing run against
the fleeing Japanese ships that had shot up the San Francisco and sunk six
fighting before organized Japanese resistance ended, and it would be
other ships. At one point he flew so close to the battleship Hiei he thumbed
over a year before the rest of the Solomon Islands were secure.
his nose at the white-clad officers lining the bridge.
That same day he lost his friend "Indian Joe" Bauer. When Bauer waved
at him from the water Foss felt confident the two would be sharing a cold
beer that night back at Henderson Field. But it was not to be. For several
weeks Foss hoped that Bauer might have made it to the safety of a nearby
island. But when no word of his survival came from any of the missionaries
or coast watchers, Foss had to accept that Bauer was gone.
Foss knocked down his twenty-third enemy plane on November 15. That
same night he awoke shaking violently from a severe malaria attack. He was
6.92 14:34 No.001 P.03
May 26 / Administration of Ronald Reagan, 1984
in over 30 years. Today, some 106 million
weak, but is now regaining strength-na-
of us are working-more than ever before
tional defense. Our ability to deter war and
in our history. And last year, some 100,000
protect our security declined dangerously
new businesses started up. That's a 5-year
during the 1970's. By 1979 defense spend-
high that means more jobs for the future.
ing, as a percent of our total economy, had
Housing is coming back. Three years ago,
reached its lowest level in 20 years. Since
even the smallest house seemed completely
1981 we've begun to rebuild America's se-
out of reach. The median monthly mort-
curity and restore the morale, training, and
gage payment shot up from $333 in 1977 to
readiness of our Armed Forces. Our pre-
$688 in 1981. During that time, the median
cious freedoms are more secure today than
price for a home went up by $23,000. Since
they were 3 years ago.
then monthly mortgage payments have
A stronger economy and greater security
risen only $10. Today, more Americans can
are good news, but we still face great chal-
afford homes, and more of us are buying
lenges. We must eliminate billions of dollars
homes-some 10,000 each day.
in wasteful government spending. We must
The auto industry is recovering. Domestic
make our tax system more simple and fair
car sales dropped by almost 3 million units
so we can bring your personal income tax
between 1977 and 1981. Since then they've
rates down further and keep our economy
increased by 1 million, and they're selling
growing. And we must keep our defenses
at the fastest rate in 5 years.
strong, so the Soviets will decide it's time to
Past recoveries from recession were
return to the negotiating table and work
snuffed out by a rekindling of inflation.
with us to reduce armaments and assure a
Well, this time inflation is staying down,
more peaceful world.
and we mean to keep it down. In the last
We've made a new beginning. Americans
12 months, the Producer Price Index for
feel prouder and stronger that things are
finished goods-one indicator of future in-
getting better, and rightly so.
flation-has risen less than 3 percent. If in-
Until next week, thanks for listening, and
flation stays down, interest rates will come
God bless you.
down, too, and our economy will keep ex-
panding.
Note: The President spoke at 12:06 p.m.
There's another area where America was
from Camp David, MD.
Remarks at Memorial Day Ceremonies Honoring an Unknown
Serviceman of the Vietnam Conflict
May 28, 1984
My fellow Americans, Memorial Day is a
spoken more eloquently for themselves
day of ceremonies and speeches. Throughout
than any of the living ever could, and that
America today, we honor the dead of our
we living could only honor them by rededi-
wars. We recall their valor and their sacrific-
cating ourselves to the cause for which they
es. We remember they gave their lives so
so willingly gave a last full measure of devo-
that others might live.
tion.
We're also gathered here for a special
Well, this is especially so today, for in our
event-the national funeral for an unknown
minds and hearts is the memory of Vietnam
and all that that conflict meant for those
soldier who will today join the heroes of
who sacrificed on the field of battle and for
three other wars.
their loved ones who suffered here at
When he spoke at a ceremony at Gettys-
home.
burg in 1863, President Lincoln reminded
Not long ago, when a memorial was dedi-
us that through their deeds, the dead had
cated here in Washington to our Vietnam
748
Administration of Ronald Reagan, 1984 / May 28
; strength-na-
deter war and
veterans, the events surrounding that dedi-
group of Americans-the families of those
ed dangerously
cation were a stirring reminder of Ameri-
still missing in the Vietnam conflict.
defense spend-
ca's resilience, of how our nation could
economy, had
learn and grow and transcend the tragedies
They live day and night with uncertainty,
20 years. Since
of the past.
with an emptiness, with a void that we
1 America's se-
During the dedication ceremonies, the
cannot fathom. Today some sit among you.
rolls of those who died and are still missing
Their feelings are a mixture of pride and
3, training, and
rces. Our pre-
were read for 3 days in a candlelight cere-
fear. They're proud of their sons or hus-
ure today than
mony at the National Cathedral. And the
bands, fathers or brothers who bravely and
veterans of Vietnam who were never wel-
nobly answered the call of their country.
comed home with speeches and bands, but
But some of them fear that this ceremony
reater security
who were never defeated in battle and
writes a final chapter, leaving those they
ice great chal-
love forgotten.
!lions of dollars
were heroes as surely as any who have ever
ding. We must
fought in a noble cause, staged their own
Well, today then, one way to honor those
imple and fair
parade on Constitution Avenue. As America
who served or may still be serving in Viet-
ial income tax
watched them-some in wheelchairs, all of
nam is to gather here and rededicate our-
them proud-there was a feeling that this
selves to securing the answers for the fami-
our economy
) our defenses
nation-that as a nation we were coming
lies of those missing in action. I ask the
ide it's time to
together again and that we had, at long last,
Members of Congress, the leaders of veter-
welcomed the boys home.
ans groups, and the citizens of an entire
.ble and work
"A lot of healing went on," said one
nation present or listening, to give these
S and assure a
combat veteran who helped organize sup-
families your help and your support, for
port for the memorial. And then there was
they still sacrifice and suffer.
ng. Americans
this newspaper account that appeared after
Vietnam is not over for them. They
nat things are
the ceremonies. I'd like to read it to you.
cannot rest until they know the fate of
"Yesterday, crowds returned to the Memo-
those they loved and watched march off to
listening, and
rial. Among them was Herbie Petit, a ma-
serve their country. Our dedication to their
chinist and former marine from New Orle-
cause must be strengthened with these
ans. 'Last night,' he said, standing near the
events today. We write no last chapters. We
it 12:06 p.m.
wall, 'I went out to dinner with some other
close no books. We put away no final
ex-marines. There was also a group of col-
memories. An end to America's involve-
lege students in the restaurant. We started
ment in Vietnam cannot come before we've
talking to each other. And before we left,
achieved the fullest possible accounting of
they stood up and cheered us. The whole
those missing in action.
own
week,' Petit said, his eyes red, 'it was worth
This can only happen when their families
it just for that.
know with certainty that this nation dis-
It has been worth it. We Americans have
charged her duty to those who served nobly
learned to listen to each other and to trust
and well. Today a united people call upon
each other again. We've learned that gov-
Hanoi with one voice: Heal the sorest
r themselves
ernment owes the people an explanation
wound of this conflict. Return our sons to
,uld, and that
and needs their support for its actions at
America. End the grief of those who are
:m by rededi-
home and abroad. And we have learned,
innocent and undeserving of any retribu-
or which they
and I pray this time for good, the most
tion.
isure of devo-
valuable lesson of all-the preciousness of
The Unknown Soldier who is returned to
human freedom.
us today and whom we lay to rest is symbol-
ay, for in our
It has been a lesson relearned not just by
ic of all our missing sons, and we will
y of Vietnam
Americans but by all the people of the
present him with the Congressional Medal
ant for those
world. Yet, while the experience of Viet-
of Honor, the highest military decoration
battle and for
nam has given us a stark lesson that ulti-
that we can bestow.
red here at
mately must move the conscience of the
world, we must remember that we cannot
About him we may well wonder, as
rial was dedi-
today, as much as some might want to, close
others have: As a child, did he play on some
this chapter in our history, for the war in
street in a great American city? Or did he
our Vietnam
work beside his father on a farm out in
Southeast Asia still haunts a small but brave
America's heartland? Did he marry? Did he
749
May 28 / Administration of Ronald Reagan, 1984
have children? Did he look expectantly to
duty. A grateful nation opens her heart
return to a bride?
today in gratitude for their sacrifice, for
We'll never know the answers to these
their courage, and for their noble service.
questions about his life. We do know,
Let us, if we must, debate the lessons
though, why he died. He saw the horrors of
learned at some other time. Today, we
war but bravely faced them, certain his
simply say with pride, "Thank you, dear
own cause and his country's cause was a
son. May God cradle you in His loving
arms."
noble one; that he was fighting for human
We present to you our nation's highest
dignity, for free men everywhere. Today
award, the Congressional Medal of Honor,
we pause to embrace him and all who
for service above and beyond the call of
served us so well in a war whose end of-
duty in action with the enemy during the
fered no parades, no flags, and so little
Vietnam era.
thanks. We can be worthy of the values and
Thank you.
ideals for which our sons sacrificed-worthy
of their courage in the face of a fear that
Note: The President spoke at 2:15 p.m. at
few of us will ever experience-by honoring
the Amphitheater at Arlington National
their commitment and devotion to duty and
Cemetery.
country.
Earlier in the day, the President returned
Many veterans of Vietnam still serve in
to the White House following a weekend
the Armed Forces, work in our offices, on
stay at Camp David, MD. Upon his arrival
our farms, and in our factories. Most have
by helicopter on the South Lawn, he pro-
kept their experiences private, but most
ceeded to the motorcade for the drive to the
have been strengthened by their call to
cemetery.
Interview With Brian Farrell of RTE-Television, Dublin, Ireland, on
Foreign Issues
May 28, 1984
The President's Trip to Ireland
that was first made by former Prime Minis-
Mr. Farrell. Good evening. Welcome to
ter Haughey and repeated by your present
"Today-Tonight," the Library, White
Prime Minister FitzGerald when he was
House, Washington, DC. On Friday, the
here.
President of the United States, Ronald
But there is another reason, a personal
Reagan, begins his European tour with a
reason, why I'm going, also. I have known I
state visit to Ireland.
would be going one day because up until I
Mr. President, it's not your first visit to
became President I had no knowledge of
Ireland, of course. It is your first visit as
my father's family beyond him and his par-
President and in an election year. So, is it a
ents. He was orphaned at less than 6 years
sentimental journey? Is it electioneering?
of age. So, he had no knowledge of his
The President. Well, it is true, I have
family roots. And I must say, the people of
been there more than once in a previous
Ireland and the Government of Ireland
occupation when I was a performer in the
have been very kind and generous, and I
entertainment business, and then, subse-
found when I arrived here in this job that
quently, when I was Governor-and when
they had gone to great lengths and have
you and I met, when I was sent there by
traced our family roots and found that Bal-
President Nixon on a mission for him. Actu-
lyporeen is the locale and so forth.
ally, I would be going even if I were not a
So, I've always known I was going to have
candidate, so it isn't a part of an election
to go there. I want to go there.
process. But I'm accepting an invitation
Mr. Farrell. But it's not going to do you
750
PENTAGON NEWSROOM
TEL:
Aug 6,92 14:34 No.001 P.01
TELEFACSIMILE TRANSMITTAL HEADER SHEET
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
OFFICE OF ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF DEFENSE
FOR PUBLIC AFFAIRS
TO Andy Ferguson
NUMBER
TELEFACS #:
OF PAGES
(INCLUDING HEADER)
NAME:
OFFICE:
I
PHONE: ( )
-
FROM
Eliot Brenner
CLASSIFICATION
NAME:
(IE.CLOSE HOLD, FOUO,
PRIORITY, ROUTINE, ETC.)
OFFICE: OASD(PA)-
PHONE: (703)697 (703)697-8191 or DSN 22
-
TELEFACS #: (703) 695-1149 OR AV 225-1149
If all pages sent are not received or pages are illegible,
immediately contact sender indicated in FROM block of header.
RELEASER COMMENTS: -- I included an
aviator -Foss- Incase you think Buch
might prefer a flying story, + Hemay
know this guy
ED
TELEFACSIMILE TRANSMITTAL HEADER SHEET
PAGE
6
5TH STORY of Level 1 printed in FULL format.
Copyright (c) 1986 The Times Mirror Company;
Los Angeles Times
June 2, 1986, Monday, San Diego County Edition
SECTION: Metro; Part 2; Page 1; Column 1; Metro Desk
LENGTH: 996 words
HEADLINE: GUADALCANAL VETS RELIVE EPIC WWII CAMPAIGN
BYLINE: By H.G. REZA, Times Staff Writer
BODY:
Sigurd Carlson, the "indestructible Marine,' was a mere boy of 15 when he
landed on Guadalcanal with the 2nd Marine Division in August, 1942. Overnight,
the jungles of "The Canal" turned him into a man, and he went on to become a
legend of near-immortality for cheating death after being pronounced dead five
times on Okinawa.
Forty-four years and dozens of postwar experiences later, the high school
dropout from Chicago unsuccessful actor, former accountant and retired educator
joined about 100 other survivors of Guadalcanal at a reunion in San Diego to
relive the good and bad times of the island battle that changed the course of
the Pacific War.
The Southwest Region of the Guadalcanal Campaign Veterans got together over
the weekend at a Mission Valley hotel to keep the camaraderie alive.
Veterans of the Army's Americal Division, Navy, Coast Guard and Marines, all
participants in the six-month battle, relived the times they stared death in the
face. The survivors included retired Marine Master Sgt. Marvin Delgado, from
Peoria, Ill., and now living in Oceanside, who survived wounds from other island
battles to fight again in Korea, Lebanon and Vietnam; Tommy Stamos, an
artilleryman from Stockton, trained by the Army for desert warfare but sent to
the steamy jungles of Guadalcanal instead, and Chula Vista resident Fil
Hernandez, an American Indian and Marine machine gunner who also fought in
Korea.
Hernandez, a mountain of a man and everybody's hero at the reunion, was
credited with "almost starting World War III" during a recent visit to Korea.
"First of all, you gotta understand that nobody has messed with Fil and
lived," said Jimmy Ellison, an ex-Marine and close friend of Carlson. "In 1980,
Fil went to Korea with some other Marine veterans, and somebody thought it would
be nice if they got to visit the DMZ to stare across at the North Koreans."
"Well, that wasn't good enough for Fil," continued Ellison, to the applause
of other veterans who had heard the story dozens of times. "He stood at the wire
and insulted the North Koreans with taunts
Finally, somebody dragged Fil
away, just short of almost starting World War III."
The ranks of the Guadalcanal survivors dwindle every year, but as long as
there are two men alive to relive the tales of America's first land offensive of
World War II, the reunions will continue, the veterans say.
TM
LEXIS·NEXIS®
LEXIS-NEXIS®
LEXIS-NEXIS®
Services of Mead Data Central, Inc.
Recyclable
PAGE
7
(c) 1986 Los Angeles Times, June 2, 1986
"When you hold a man's hand in hell, well, that's a feeling that never leaves
you," said Carlson, who lied about his age to join the Marines. "When you cradle
a man's head in your arms --- and both of you are sobbing like babies -- if
you've been in combat, you know that's a powerful intimacy that's hard to
describe. How can anyone who has never experienced combat know the deep feeling
that I have for Jimmy (Ellison) today because we shared a foxhole 44 years ago?"
Carlson, an eloquent man who taught in Pasadena city schools until forced to
retire in 1981, earned the title of the "indestructible Marine" on Okinawa on
May 16, 1945. After six weeks of bitter fighting against almost 100,000 Japanese
troops, Carlson was hit three times in the abdomen with exploding bullets.
Moments before dying for the first time, Carlson asked the same question that
thousands of soldiers who have suffered similar wounds in thousands of other
wars have asked: "Is it still there?"
"If that was the only thing missing, well, it wouldn't have been such a big
loss. Sig could've been the first Christine Jorgensen," said Ellison, a Bell
Gardens resident who also was wounded on Okinawa. "But you could put both fists
inside his stomach and touch the pelvis."
Carlson was quickly placed on a stretcher and was driven by jeep to a field
hospital. According to other veterans at the reunion, Navy corpsmen pronounced
Carlson dead five times en route to the hospital. Because the priority went to
wounded troops with a chance of survival, Carlson was placed on the ground after
each pronouncement.
"But every time that they threw him on the ground, (he) would groan and the
corpsmen would put him back on the stretcher," Ellison recalled proudly. "That's
the story of Sig's life. Despite all of the education that he has now, he's too
stupid to realize when he's beaten. That's why the guy is indestructible.'
After the war, Carlson returned to high school at age 19. After an
unsuccessful stint at acting in New York and a short-lived career as an
accountant, Carlson left Chicago to attend college in California, and at age 35
he earned a teaching credential.
He taught business courses, computer programming and world history in
Pasadena schools until forced to retire in 1981 after having a heart attack in
the classroom. Most of his students were poor Latinos and blacks.
"That's the way I wanted it," he said. "I didn't want to hurt anybody any
more. I've had students who went into professional football and baseball. I had
one kid who was picked up for murder, while his brother went on to become a
doctor. Many of the successes that I have enjoyed in the past years have come
from the kids I've taught.
"As long as you treat kids fair, they give you hope for the future."
Today, Carlson lives in Studio City and travels throughout the country as a
representative of AmVets, helping disabled American veterans battle the federal
bureaucracy.
When home, he spends most of his time with his wife of 38 years, "Big
Althea," and his daughter, "Little Althea," who is a Beverly Hills police
TM
TM
TM
LEXIS:NEXIS®
LEXIS-NEXIS®
LEXIS-NEXIS®
Services of Mead Data Central, Inc.
Recyclable
PAGE
8
(c) 1986 Los Angeles Times, June 2, 1986
detective.
"For every unpleasant memory that I have about the war," Carlson said, "I
have one that produces a chuckle. Like the times that Jimmy and I used to throw
pebbles at our company commander's helmet. For 40 years (he) never knew who used
to ping his head with pebbles on those Pacific islands, until Jimmy here shot
his mouth off last year and told him."
'When you hold a man's hand in hell, well, that's a feeling that never leaves
you. - Sigurd Carlson, Guadalcanal veteran
GRAPHIC: Photo, Veteran J.J. Collins of Costa Mesa keeps a collection of
newspaper clippings about the Guadalcanal battle, including this picture that
shows a portrayal by artist F. Lauren Smith of the U.S. Marines landing on the
Solomon Islands on Aug. 7, 1942. Los Angeles Times; Photo, Fil Hernandez, left,
and Sigurd Carlson greet each other at reunion of Guadalcanal veterans. BARBARA
MARTIN / Los Angeles Times
TM
TM
LEXIS·NEXIS®
LEXIS-NEXIS®
LEXIS-NEXIS®
Services of Mead Data Central, Inc.
Recyclable
May 29 / Administration of Ronald Reagan, 1982
save as you see fit.
In my recent speech at Eureka College, I
Serious problems remain, such as the presented a proposal for substantial reduc-
need for a sound budget and, above all,
tions in strategic arms We and our allies
unemployment, here and in Europe where
hope the Soviets will respond positively,
it's at record levels. But we're making eco-
and we're prepared to begin START-that's
nomic headway, and our common security
Strategic Arms Reduction Talks-immedi-
requires that we continue to work together
ately. But arms control can't happen in a
as friends and allies. That will be my main
vacuum. Over the past decade, the Soviet
theme at the seven-nation economic
Union has engaged in a pattern of direct
summit in France next week.
and indirect aggression and suppression in
But prosperity has little meaning unless
places as varied as Afghanistan, Poland, and
we also act to maintain our freedom and
Latin America, and that' made it harder
protect the peace. The remarkable strength
for progress in arms control.
and success of the Western Alliance in pre-
We must always remember that, in deal-
serving the peace for over three decades
ing with the condition in the world today,
lies in the fact that we're a voluntary group-
Western solidarity and defense prepared-
ing of free peoples, soon to be joined by still
ness are essential to meaningful arms con-
another new democracy-Spain. The over-
trol negotiations. That's the message I'll
riding success of NATO is that for almost 40
take with me-the message of a strong, free
years, Europe has been at peace.
alliance, working together to protect its
To lay the basis for another generation of
freedom and seek meaningful negotiations
peace and prosperity, I'll meet with my 15
to build a more peaceful world.
NATO colleagues in Bonn, the capital of
I'm optimistic for the future of our part-
the Federal Republic of Germany.
nerships and the future of freedom. The
Our allies know that America has both
values for which we and our fellow democ-
the will and the resources to defend itself
racies stand are of enduring and universal
and to live up to its commitments. ast
worth. Ours is a mission for peace and free-
November 18th, we offered to eliminate all
dom through Western unity and strength,
of our Pershing и and ground-launched
and with your prayers, it will succeed.
cruise missiles if the Soviets eliminate their
Next Saturday, I'll be talking to you from
SS-4, 5, and 20 missiles, now targeted on
Europe. Thank you, and God bless you.
our allies. This offer has the strong support
of our NATO allies and has been spelled out
Note: The President spoke at 9:06 a.m. from
in detail at the U.S.-Soviet negotiating table
Rancho del Cielo, his ranch near Santa Bar-
in Geneva.
bara, Calif.
Remarks at Memorial Day Ceremonies at Arlington National
Cemetery
May 31, 1982
Mr. President, General, the distinguished
ble collision between the armies of North
guests here with us today, my fellow citi-
and South, Abraham Lincoln noted the
zens:
swift obscurity of such speeches. Well, we
In America's cities and towns today, flags
know now that Lincoln was wrong about
will be placed on graves in cemeteries;
that particular occasion. His remarks com-
public officials will speak of the sacrifice
memorating those who gave their "last full
and the valor of those whose memory we
measure of devotion" were long remem-
honor.
bered. But since that moment at Gettys-
In 1863, when he dedicated a small
burg, few other such addresses have
cemetery in Pennsylvania marking a terri-
become part of our national heritage-not
708
Administration of Ronald Reagan, 1982 / May 31
because of the inadequacy of the speakers,
the state. Nor must we ever underestimate
but because of the inadequacy of words.
the seriousness of their aspirations to global
I have no illusions about what little I can
expansion. The risk is the very freedom that
add now to the silent testimony of those
has been so dearly won.
who gave their lives willingly for their
It is this honesty of mind that can open
country. Words are even more feeble on
paths to peace, that can lead to fruitful ne-
this Memorial Day, for the sight before us is
gotiation, that can build a foundation upon
that of a strong and good nation that stands
which treaties between our nations can
in silence and remembers those who were
stand and last-treaties that can someday
loved and who, in return, loved their coun-
bring about a reduction in the terrible arms
trymen enough to die for them.
of destruction, arms that threaten us with
Yet, we must try to honor them-not for
war even more terrible than those that
their sakes alone, but for our own. And if
have taken the lives of the Americans we
words cannot repay the debt we owe these
honor today.
men, surely with our actions we must strive
In the quest for peace, the United States
to keep faith with them and with the vision
has proposed to the Soviet Union that we
that led them to battle and to final sacrifice.
reduce the threat of nuclear weapons by
Our first obligation to them and ourselves
negotiating a stable balance at far lower
is plain enough: The United States and the
levels of strategic forces. This is a fitting
freedom for which it stands, the freedom
occasion to announce that START, as we
for which they died, must endure and pros-
call it, strategic arms reductions, that the
per. Their lives remind us that freedom is
negotiations between our country and the
not bought cheaply. It has a cost; it imposes
Soviet Union will begin on the 29th of June.
a burden. And just as they whom we com-
memorate were willing to sacrifice, so too
As for existing strategic arms agreements,
we will refrain from actions which undercut
must we-in a less final, less heroic way-be
them so long as the Soviet Union shows
willing to give of ourselves.
It is this, beyond the controversy and the
equal restraint. With good will and dedica-
congressional debate, beyond the blizzard
tion on both sides, I pray that we will
achieve a safer world.
of budget numbers and the complexity of
modern weapons systems, that motivates us
Our goal is peace. We can gain that peace
in our search for security and peace. War
by strengthening our alliances, by speaking
will not come again, other young men will
candidly of the dangers before us, by assur-
not have to die, if we will speak honestly of
ing potential adversaries of our seriousness,
the dangers that confront us and remain
by actively pursuing every chance of honest
strong enough to meet those dangers.
and fruitful negotiation.
It's not just strength or courage that we
It is with these goals in mind that I will
need, but understanding and a measure of
depart Wednesday for Europe, and it's alto-
wisdom as well. We must understand
gether fitting that we have this moment to
enough about our world to see the value of
reflect on the price of freedom and those
our alliances. We must be wise enough
who have so willingly paid it. For however
about ourselves to listen to our allies, to
important the matters of state before us this
work with them, to build and strengthen
next week, they must not disturb the solem-
the bonds between us.
nity of this occasion. Nor must they dilute
Our understanding must also extend to
our sense of reverence and the silent grati-
potential adversaries. We must strive to
tude we hold for those who are buried
speak of them not belligerently, but firmly
here.
and frankly. And that's why we must never
The willingness of some to give their lives
fail to note, as frequently as necessary, the
so that others might live never fails to
wide gulf between our codes of morality.
evoke in us a sense of wonder and mystery.
And that's why we must never hesitate to
One gets that feeling here on this hallowed
acknowledge the irrefutable difference be-
ground, and I have known that same poign-
tween our view of man as master of the
ant feeling as I looked out across the rows
state and their view of man as servant of
of white crosses and Stars of David in
709
May 31 / Administration of Ronald Reagan, 1982
Europe, in the Philippines, and the military
same experience.
cemeteries here in our own land. Each one
As we honor their memory today, let us
marks the resting place of an American
pledge that their lives, their sacrifices, their
hero and, in my lifetime, the heroes of
valor shall be justified and remembered for
World War I, the Doughboys, the GI's of
as long as God gives life to this nation. And
World War II or Korea or Vietnam. They
let us also pledge to do our utmost to carry
span several generations of young Ameri-
out what must have been their wish: that
cans, all different and yet all alike, like the
no other generation of young men will
markers above their resting places, all alike
every have to share their experiences and
in a truly meaningful way.
repeat their sacrifice.
Winston Churchill said of those he knew
Earlier today, with the music that we
in World War II they seemed to be the only
have heard and that of our National
young men who could laugh and fight at
Anthem-I can't claim to know the words
the same time. A great general in that war
of all the national anthems in the world, but
called them our secret weapon, "just the
I don't know of any other that ends with a
best darn kids in the world. Each died for
question and a challenge as ours does: Does
a cause he considered more important than
that flag still wave o'er the land of the free
his own life. Well, they didn't volunteer to
and the home of the brave? That is what
die; they volunteered to defend values for
we must all ask.
which men have always been willing to die
Thank you.
if need be, the values which make up what
we call civilization. And how they must
Note: The President spoke at 11:35 a.m. at
have wished, in all the ugliness that war
the cemetery in Arlington, Va. Prior to his
brings, that no other generation of young
remarks, he placed a wreath at the Tomb of
men to follow would have to undergo that
the Unknown Soldiers.
Joint U.S. -U.S.S.R. Announcement on the Strategic Arms
Reduction Talks
May 31, 1982
The United States of America and the
The U.S. delegation will be led by Ambassa-
Union of Soviet Socialist Republics have
dor Edward Rowny and the Soviet delega-
agreed to begin formal negotiations on the
tion will be led by Ambassador V. P.
limitation and reduction of strategic arms
Karpov. Both sides attach great importance
on June 29, 1982, in Geneva, Switzerland.
to these negotiations.
Nomination of Robert H. Phinny To Be United States Ambassador
to Swaziland
June 1 1982
The President today announced his inten-
ployed with the R. H. Phinny Co. (invest-
tion to nominate Robert H. Phinny to be
ments and business interests) in Fremont,
Ambassador to the Kingdom of Swaziland.
Mich. He was with Gerber Products Co., in
He would succeed Richard Cavins Math-
Fremont, Mich, in 1949-1957 as salesman
eron.
and then assistant to the director of public
Since 1957 Mr. Phinny has been self-em-
relations. He served in the United States
710
May 20 / Administration of Ronald Reagan, 1988
a free people can accomplish unencum-
human rights record in the entire Western
bered by tyranny, and I am confident that
Hemisphere. "Everything" means the
the time will come when the spirit of free-
Cuban political prisons where, writes that
dom will reign in Cuba itself.
brave freedom fighter, Armando Valladares,
And let me just say, throughout this ad-
Castro's prisoners "have been held longer
ministration, in good times and bad, I've
than any other political prisoners in Latin
always known that I could look to the
America, perhaps in the world. The vio-
Cuban-American community for support.
lence, repression, and beatings are facts of
Your support, your friendship has meant
life for them. And today, at this very
more to me than I can say. Having suffered
moment, hundreds of political prisoners are
personally the evils of communism, you
naked, sleeping on the floors of cells whose
have an acute understanding of the danger
windows and doors have been sealed. They
that Communist expansion poses to this
never see the light of day or, for that
hemisphere. You have stood in support of
matter, artificial light." Denied medical
people everywhere who seek freedom, such
care, even visits, their spirit remains unbro-
as the people of Nicaragua. And let me
ken. If they who suffer so greatly will not
assure you, as far as this administration is
negotiate away their freedom with Castro,
concerned, the freedom of Cuba is a nonne-
neither will the United States of America.
gotiable demand. We will never, ever, ne-
José Marti said: "One revolution is still
gotiate away the dream of every Cuban-
necessary: the one that will not end with
American-a dream that I, too, hold in my
the rule of its leader. It will be the revolu-
heart-that Cuba will again join the family
tion against revolutions, the uprising of all
of free and democratic nations.
peaceable men who will. become soldiers
Only 90 miles of ocean separate the
for once so that neither they nor anyone
island of Cuba from the United States, but
else will ever have to be a soldier again."
between our governments is an unbridgea-
Well, at a time when young Cubans are
ble gulf-the gulf between freedom and
shipped abroad to advance foreign designs,
tyranny, between respect for human rights
the rulers in Havana are necessarily wor-
and the rejection of individual freedom.
ried about the new generation's interest in
"Within the revolution, everything," Castro
Marti's message.
has proclaimed, "against the revolution,
In this anniversary of the Cuban Repub-
nothing." Well, "nothing" has meant no
lic, I join a million free Cuban-Americans in
freedom of speech, assembly, religion, or
reaffirming, our solidarity with the long-suf-
economic activity. "Nothing" has increas-
fering Cuban people. In the heart of the
ingly meant a Cuba dependent on subsidies
Americas, the long night of totalitarian rule
from the Soviet Union to keep its unwork-
cannot endure forever. Long live the dawn
able Communist economy from complete
of freedom! Viva Cuba Libre!
ruin. "Everything" has meant every con-
ceivable cruelty, abuse, and torture-to the
Note: The President spoke at 1:03 p.m. in
point that Cuba, today, has the worst
the Roosevelt Room at the White House.
Proclamation 5826-Prayer for Peace, Memorial Day, 1988
May 20, 1988
By the President of the United States
Arlington National Cemetery, far above the
of America
majestic Potomac and the monuments and
memorials of our Nation's Capital just
A Proclamation
beyond, the graves of America's military
Once each May, amid the quiet hills and
dead are decorated with the beautiful flag
rolling lanes and breeze-brushed trees of
that in life these brave souls followed and
620
Administration of Ronald Reagan, 1988 / May 20
re Western
loved. This scene is repeated across our
gress, by joint resolution approved May 11,
neans the
land and around the world, wherever our
1950 (64 Stat. 158), has requested the Presi-
writes that
defenders rest. Let us hold it our sacred
dent to issue a proclamation calling upon
Valladares,
duty and our inestimable privilege on this
the people of the United States to observe
held longer
day to decorate these graves ourselves—
each Memorial Day as a day of prayer for
rs in Latin
with a fervent prayer and a pledge of true
permanent peace and designating a period
1. The vio-
allegiance to the cause of liberty, peace,
when the people of the United States might
are facts of
and country for which America's own have
unite in prayer.
this very
ever served and sacrificed.
Now, Therefore, I, Ronald Reagan, Presi-
risoners are
During our observance of Memorial Day
dent of the United States of America, do
cells whose
this year we have fresh reason to call to
hereby designate Memorial Day, Monday,
ealed. They
mind the service and sacrifices of the mem-
May 30, 1988, as a day of prayer for perma-
r, for that
bers of our merchant marine during World
nent peace, and I designate the hour begin-
ed medical
War II-these gallant seafarers have now
ning in each locality at eleven o'clock in the
hains unbro-
deservedly received veteran status. More
morning of that day as a time to unite in
Itly will not
than 6,000 of them gave their lives in the
prayer. I urge the press, radio, television,
vith Castro,
dangerous and vital duty of transporting
and all other information media to cooper-
of America.
materiel to our forces around the globe. We
ate in this observance.
ition is still
will never forget them as we honor our war
I also direct all appropriate Federal offi-
ot end with
cials and request the Governors of the sev-
dead.
the revolu-
eral States and the Commonwealth of
Our pledge and our prayer this day are
rising of all
those of free men and free women who
Puerto Rico, and the appropriate officials of
me soldiers
know that all we hold dear must constantly
all units of government, to direct that the
nor anyone
be built up, fostered, revered, and guarded
flag be flown at half-staff until noon during
dier again."
this Memorial Day on all buildings, grounds,
vigilantly from those in every age who seek
Cubans are
and naval vessels throughout the United
its destruction. We know, as have our Na-
ign designs,
States and in all areas under its jurisdiction
tion's defenders down through the years,
essarily wor-
that there can never be peace without its
and control, and I request the people of the
S interest in
essential elements of liberty, justice, and in-
United States to display the flag at half-staff
from their homes on this day for the cus-
iban Repub-
dependence.
Those true and only building blocks of
tomary forenoon period.
mericans in
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set
:he long-suf-
peace were the lone and lasting cause and
hope and prayer that lighted the way of
my hand this twentieth day of May, in the
eart of the
those whom we honor and remember this
year of our Lord nineteen hundred and
alitarian rule
Memorial Day. To keep faith with our hal-
eighty-eight, and of the Independence of
ve the dawn
the United States of America the two hun-
lowed dead, let us be sure, and very sure,
dred and twelfth.
today and every day of our lives, that we
1:03 p.m. in
keep their cause, their hope, their prayer,
RONALD REAGAN
= House.
forever our country's own.
In recognition of those brave Americans
[Filed with the Office of the Federal Regis-
to whom we pay tribute today, the Con-
ter, 11:04 a.m., May 23, 1988]
Appointment of Roger Bolton as Special Assistant to the President
for Public Liaison
ar above the
numents and
May 20, 1988
Capital just
The President today announced the ap-
He will serve as liaison with business and
ca's military
beautiful flag
pointment of Roger Bolton to be Special
professional organizations.
followed and
Assistant to the President for Public Liaison.
Since July of 1985 Mr. Bolton has been
621
Administration of Ronald Reagan, 1986 / May 26
month relief period. It
by Verona Devney, a legal secretary who
ally falling down around her. With her per-
ontinue relief for the
decided to help the needy by sewing and
mission, early one April day more than a
f it appears at the end
donating clothes, today HOPE distributes
dozen volunteers-attorneys, journalists,
arket conditions war-
clothes to some 5,000 families a year. In San
housewives, even a judge-arrived to do
of relief and that do-
Antonio, Texas, Nick Monreal founded
what was needed. Ten hours later, the
e begun to make rea-
Teach the Children, and this organization
plumbing and ceiling had been fixed, and
has raised tens of thousands of dollars to
rd adjustment.
the walls were gleaming. And today DeLois
provide school supplies to thousands of chil-
is a Christmas in April volunteer herself.
RONALD REAGAN
dren from economically disadvantaged fam-
As these and so many other organizations
ilies. And in Philadelphia, a group called
prove, the generosity and character of the
Wheels has been providing transportation
American people that de Tocqueville ob-
for the sick and handicapped to and from
served more than 150 years ago remain a
hospitals and doctors' offices since 1959.
powerful and life-giving force. So, let us re-
There is no charge and no reliance on gov-
flect this Memorial Day weekend upon the
ernment funds.
unselfish millions who are improving the
One private sector initiative I find most
quality of life for all Americans in so many
moving is called Christmas in April. Found-
wonderful ways. And as always, let us re-
ed by Bobby Trimble of Midland, Texas,
member those who gave the greatest gift of
Christmas in April organizes volunteers
all, the gift of their lives, so that we today
across the country to repair the homes of
might live in a nation of freedom.
rs we've witnessed an
needy older and handicapped Americans.
Until next week, thanks for listening, and
uring of charity and
Right here in Washington, Christmas in
God bless you.
on of good, old-fash-
April helped a woman named DeLois Ruff-
now that our country
ing. DeLois ran a home for the elderly that
Note: The President spoke at 12:06 p.m.
onfidence. The figures
badly needed repairs. The ceiling was virtu-
from the Oval Office at the White House.
ear alone, individuals,
ts, and foundations
7 to good causes. That
i-time high and came
Remarks at a Memorial Day Ceremony at Arlington National
.ore than the amount
Cemetery in Virginia
according to a recent
1 Americans perform
May 26, 1986
year. I think we're
good about that. In a
Today is the day we put aside to remem-
rest here, men and women who led color-
idual stories are even
ber fallen heroes and to pray that no heroes
ful, vivid, and passionate lives. There are
the figures. This past
will ever have to die for us again. It's a day
the greats of the military: Bull Halsey and
ed the first interna-
of thanks for the valor of others, a day to
the Admirals Leahy, father and son; Black
ik here at the White
remember the splendor of America and
Jack Pershing; and the GI's general, Omar
n organization teach-
those of her children who rest in this ceme-
Bradley. Great men all, military men. But
e world to say no to
tery and others. It's a day to be with the
there are others here known for other
ek was Just Say No to
family and remember.
things.
White House rally
I was thinking this morning that across
Here in Arlington rests a sharecropper's
ters from Just Say No
the country children and their parents will
son who became a hero to a lonely people.
nation's Capital. As
be going to the town parade and the young
Joe Louis came from nowhere, but he knew
hese clubs require
ones will sit on the sidewalks and wave
how to fight. And he galvanized a nation in
s, and especially par-
their flags as the band goes by. Later,
the days after Pearl Harbor when he put on
d of time. Nancy told
maybe, they'll have a cookout or a day at
the uniform of his country and said, "I
ke to at the White
the beach. And that's good, because today is
know we'll win because we're on God's
utely convinced that
a day to be with the family and to remem-
side." Audie Murphy is here, Audie Murphy
ber.
of the wild, wild courage. For what else
organization called
Arlington, this place of so many memo-
would you call it when a man bounds to the
ther People Every-
ries, is a fitting place for some remember-
top of a disabled tank, stops an enemy ad-
orthfield, Minnesota,
ing. So many wonderful men and women
vance, saves lives, and rallies his men, and
671
May 26 / Administration of Ronald Reagan, 1986
all of it singlehandedly. When he radioed
of Vietnam-boys who fought a terrible and
for artillery support and was asked how
vicious war without enough support from
close the enemy was to his position, he said,
home, boys who were dodging bullets while
"Wait a minute and I'll let you speak to
we debated the efficacy of the battle. It was
them." [Laughter]
often our poor who fought in that war; it
Michael Smith is here, and Dick Scobee,
was the unpampered boys of the working
both of the space shuttle Challenger. Their
class who picked up the rifles and went on
courage wasn't wild, but thoughtful, the
the march. They learned not to rely on us;
mature and measured courage of career
they learned to rely on each other. And
professionals who took prudent risks for
they were special in another way: They
great reward-in their case, to advance the
chose to be faithful. They chose to reject
sum total of knowledge in the world.
the fashionable skepticism of their time.
They're only the latest to rest here; they
They chose to believe and answer the call
join other great explorers with names like
of duty. They had the wild, wild courage of
Grissom and Chaffee.
youth. They seized certainty from the heart
Oliver Wendell Holmes is here, the great
of an ambivalent age; they stood for some-
jurist and fighter for the right. A poet
thing.
searching for an image of true majesty
And we owe them something, those boys.
could not rest until he seized on "Holmes
We owe them first a promise: That just as
dissenting in a sordid age." Young Holmes
they did not forget their missing comrades,
served in the Civil War. He might have
neither, ever, will we. And there are other
been thinking of the crosses and stars of
promises. We must always remember that
Arlington when he wrote: "At the grave of
peace is a fragile thing that needs constant
a hero we end, not with sorrow at the inevi-
vigilance. We owe them a promise to look
table loss, but with the contagion of his
at the world with a steady gaze and, per-
courage; and with a kind of desperate joy
haps, a resigned toughness, knowing that
we go back to the fight."
we have adversaries in the world and chal-
All of these men were different, but they
lenges and the only way to meet them and
shared this in common: They loved America
maintain the peace is by staying strong.
very much. There was nothing they
That, of course, is the lesson of this centu-
wouldn't do for her. And they loved with
ry, a lesson learned in the Sudetenland, in
the sureness of the young. It's hard not to
Poland, in Hungary, in Czechoslovakia, in
think of the young in a place like this, for
Cambodia. If we really care about peace,
it's the young who do the fighting and
we must stay strong. If we really care about
dying when a peace fails and a war begins.
peace, we must, through our strength, dem-
Not far from here is the statue of the three
onstrate our unwillingness to accept an
servicemen-the three fighting boys of
ending of the peace. We must be strong
Vietnam. It, too, has majesty and more. Per-
enough to create peace where it does not
haps you've seen it-three rough boys walk-
exist and strong enough to protect it where
ing together, looking ahead with a steady
it does. That's the lesson of this century
gaze. There's something wounded about
and, I think, of this day. And that's all I
them, a kind of resigned toughness. But
wanted to say. The rest of my contribution
there's an unexpected tenderness, too. At
is to leave this great place to its peace, a
first you don't really notice, but then you
peace it has earned.
see it. The three are touching each other, as
Thank all of you, and God bless you, and
if they're supporting each other, helping
have a day full of memories.
each other on.
I know that many veterans of Vietnam
Note: The President spoke at 10:10 a.m. at
will gather today, some of them perhaps by
the Memorial Amphitheater. Prior to his re-
the wall. And they're still helping each
marks, he placed a wreath at the Tomb of
other on. They were quite a group, the boys
the Unknown Soldier.
672
May 29 / Administration of Ronald Reagan, 1982
save as you see fit.
In my recent speech at Eureka College, I
Serious problems remain, such as the
presented a proposal for substantial reduc-
need for a sound budget and, above all,
tions in strategic arms. We and our allies
unemployment, here and in Europe where
hope the Soviets will respond positively,
it's at record levels. But we're making eco-
and we're prepared to begin START-that's
nomic headway, and our common security
Strategic Arms Reduction Talks-immedi-
requires that we continue to work together
ately. But arms control can't happen in a
as friends and allies. That will be my main
vacuum. Over the past decade, the Soviet
theme at the seven-nation economic
Union has engaged in a pattern of direct
summit in France next week.
and indirect aggression and suppression in
But prosperity has little meaning unless
places as varied as Afghanistan, Poland, and
we also act to maintain our freedom and
Latin America, and that's made it harder
protect the peace. The remarkable strength
for progress in arms control.
and success of the Western Alliance in pre-
We must always remember that, in deal-
serving the peace for over three decades
ing with the condition in the world today,
lies in the fact that we're a voluntary group-
Western solidarity and defense prepared-
ing of free peoples, soon to be joined by still
ness are essential to meaningful arms con-
another new democracy-Spain. The over-
trol negotiations. That's the message I'll
riding success of NATO is that for almost 40
take with me-the message of a strong, free
years, Europe has been at peace.
alliance, working together to protect its
To lay the basis for another generation of
freedom and seek meaningful negotiations
peace and prosperity, I'll meet with my 15
to build a more peaceful world.
NATO colleagues in Bonn, the capital of
I'm optimistic for the future of our part-
the Federal Republic of Germany.
nerships and the future of freedom. The
Our allies know that America has both
values for which we and our fellow democ-
the will and the resources to defend itself
racies stand are of enduring and universal
and to live up to its commitments. Last
worth. Ours is a mission for peace and free-
November 18th, we offered to eliminate all
dom through Western unity and strength,
of our Pershing II and ground-launched
and with your prayers, it will succeed.
cruise missiles if the Soviets eliminate their
Next Saturday, I'll be talking to you from
SS-4, 5, and 20 missiles, now targeted on
Europe. Thank you, and God bless you.
our allies. This offer has the strong support
of our NATO allies and has been spelled out
Note: The President spoke at 9:06 a.m. from
in detail at the U.S.-Soviet negotiating table
Rancho del Cielo, his ranch near Santa Bar-
in Geneva.
bara, Calif.
Remarks at Memorial Day Ceremonies at Arlington National
Cemetery
May 31, 1982
Mr. President, General, the distinguished
ble collision between the armies of North
guests here with us today, my fellow citi-
and South, Abraham Lincoln noted the
zens:
swift obscurity of such speeches. Well, we
In America's cities and towns today, flags
know now that Lincoln was wrong about
will be placed on graves in cemeteries;
that particular occasion. His remarks com-
public officials will speak of the sacrifice
memorating those who gave their "last full
and the valor of those whose memory we
measure of devotion" were long remem-
honor.
bered. But since that moment at Gettys-
In 1863, when he dedicated a small
burg, few other such addresses have
cemetery in Pennsylvania marking a terri-
become part of our national heritage-not
708
Administration of Ronald Reagan, 1982 / May 31
eka College, I
because of the inadequacy of the speakers,
the state. Nor must we ever underestimate
tantial reduc-
but because of the inadequacy of words.
the seriousness of their aspirations to global
and our allies
I have no illusions about what little I can
expansion. The risk is the very freedom that
nd positively,
add now to the silent testimony of those
has been so dearly won.
TART-that's
who gave their lives willingly for their
It is this honesty of mind that can open
alks-immedi-
country. Words are even more feeble on
paths to peace, that can lead to fruitful ne-
happen in a
this Memorial Day, for the sight before us is
gotiation, that can build a foundation upon
le, the Soviet
that of a strong and good nation that stands
which treaties between our nations can
ern of direct
in silence and remembers those who were
stand and last-treaties that can someday
suppression in
loved and who, in return, loved their coun-
bring about a reduction in the terrible arms
1, Poland, and
trymen enough to die for them.
of destruction, arms that threaten us with
ide it harder
Yet, we must try to honor them-not for
war even more terrible than those that
their sakes alone, but for our own. And if
have taken the lives of the Americans we
that, in deal-
words cannot repay the debt we owe these
honor today.
world today,
men, surely with our actions we must strive
In the quest for peace, the United States
ise prepared-
to keep faith with them and with the vision
has proposed to the Soviet Union that we
ful arms con-
that led them to battle and to final sacrifice.
reduce the threat of nuclear weapons by
message I'll
Our first obligation to them and ourselves
negotiating a stable balance at far lower
a strong, free
is plain enough: The United States and the
levels of strategic forces. This is a fitting
freedom for which it stands, the freedom
o protect its
occasion to announce that START, as we
1 negotiations
for which they died, must endure and pros-
call it, strategic arms reductions, that the
1.
per. Their lives remind us that freedom is
negotiations between our country and the
e of our part-
not bought cheaply. It has a cost; it imposes
Soviet Union will begin on the 29th of June.
freedom. The
a burden. And just as they whom we com-
memorate were willing to sacrifice, so too
As for existing strategic arms agreements,
fellow democ-
we will refrain from actions which undercut
and universal
must we-in a less final, less heroic way-be
them so long as the Soviet Union shows
eace and free-
willing to give of ourselves.
It is this, beyond the controversy and the
equal restraint. With good will and dedica-
and strength,
congressional debate, beyond the blizzard
tion on both sides, I pray that we will
ucceed.
achieve a safer world.
of budget numbers and the complexity of
g to you from
modern weapons systems, that motivates us
Our goal is peace. We can gain that peace
bless you.
in our search for security and peace. War
by strengthening our alliances, by speaking
will not come again, other young men will
candidly of the dangers before us, by assur-
:06 a.m. from
not have to die, if we will speak honestly of
ing potential adversaries of our seriousness,
ear Santa Bar-
the dangers that confront us and remain
by actively pursuing every chance of honest
strong enough to meet those dangers.
and fruitful negotiation.
It's not just strength or courage that we
It is with these goals in mind that I will
need, but understanding and a measure of
depart Wednesday for Europe, and it's alto-
wisdom as well. We must understand
gether fitting that we have this moment to
nal
enough about our world to see the value of
reflect on the price of freedom and those
our alliances. We must be wise enough
who have so willingly paid it. For however
about ourselves to listen to our allies, to
important the matters of state before us this
work with them, to build and strengthen
next week, they must not disturb the solem-
the bonds between us.
nity of this occasion. Nor must they dilute
nies of North
Our understanding must also extend to
our sense of reverence and the silent grati-
n noted the
potential adversaries. We must strive to
tude we hold for those who are buried
nes. Well, we
speak of them not belligerently, but firmly
here.
wrong about
and frankly. And that's why we must never
The willingness of some to give their lives
emarks com-
fail to note, as frequently as necessary, the
so that others might live never fails to
heir "last full
wide gulf between our codes of morality.
evoke in us a sense of wonder and mystery.
long remem-
And that's why we must never hesitate to
One gets that feeling here on this hallowed
:nt at Gettys-
acknowledge the irrefutable difference be-
ground, and I have known that same poign-
dresses have
tween our view of man as master of the
ant feeling as I looked out across the rows
heritage-not
state and their view of man as servant of
of white crosses and Stars of David in
709
May 31 / Administration of Ronald Reagan, 1982
Europe, in the Philippines, and the military
same experience.
cemeteries here in our own land. Each one
As we honor their memory today, let us
marks the resting place of an American
pledge that their lives, their sacrifices, their
hero and, in my lifetime, the heroes of
valor shall be justified and remembered for
World War I, the Doughboys, the GI's of
as long as God gives life to this nation. And
World War II or Korea or Vietnam. They
let us also pledge to do our utmost to carry
span several generations of young Ameri-
out what must have been their wish: that
cans, all different and yet all alike, like the
no other generation of young men will
markers above their resting places, all alike
every have to share their experiences and
in a truly meaningful way.
repeat their sacrifice.
Winston Churchill said of those he knew
Earlier today, with the music that we
in World War II they seemed to be the only
have heard and that of our National
young men who could laugh and fight at
Anthem-I can't claim to know the words
the same time. A great general in that war
of all the national anthems in the world, but
called them our secret weapon, "just the
I don't know of any other that ends with a
best darn kids in the world." Each died for
question and a challenge as ours does: Does
a cause he considered more important than
that flag still wave o'er the land of the free
his own life. Well, they didn't volunteer to
and the home of the brave? That is what
die; they volunteered to defend values for
we must all ask.
which men have always been willing to die
Thank you.
if need be, the values which make up what
we call civilization. And how they must
Note: The President spoke at 11:35 a.m. at
have wished, in all the ugliness that war
the cemetery in Arlington, Va. Prior to his
brings, that no other generation of young
remarks, he placed a wreath at the Tomb of
men to follow would have to undergo that
the Unknown Soldiers.
Joint U.S.-U.S.S.R. Announcement on the Strategic Arms
Reduction Talks
May 31, 1982
The United States of America and the
The U.S. delegation will be led by Ambassa-
Union of Soviet Socialist Republics have
dor Edward Rowny and the Soviet delega-
agreed to begin formal negotiations on the
tion will be led by Ambassador V. P.
limitation and reduction of strategic arms
Karpov. Both sides attach great importance
on June 29, 1982, in Geneva, Switzerland.
to these negotiations.
Nomination of Robert H. Phinny To Be United States Ambassador
to Swaziland
June 1, 1982
The President today announced his inten-
ployed with the R. H. Phinny Co. (invest-
tion to nominate Robert H. Phinny to be
ments and business interests) in Fremont,
Ambassador to the Kingdom of Swaziland.
Mich. He was with Gerber Products Co., in
He would succeed Richard Cavins Math-
Fremont, Mich., in 1949-1957 as salesman
and then assistant to the director of public
eron.
Since 1957 Mr. Phinny has been self-em-
relations. He served in the United States
710
NASA
NASA HEADQUARTERS
OFFICE OF THE ADMINISTRATOR
FROM:
Robert Simon
Special Assistant to the Administrator
NASA HQ, Code AE
400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Room 7117
Washington, D.C. 20546
(202) 453-3764
(202) 755-2568 fax
8-6
DATE
Carol aarhus
TO:
456-6218
FAX:
Number of pages (minus cover) 5
900/100 PAGE
AUG 6 '92 9:38 FROM NASA/HQS OFC OF ADM
Simon
Nov. 18, 1991
Draft 1 (WWII.VID)
PRESIDENTIAL VIDEO: 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF WORLD WAR II
ROOM 459
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1991
Fifty years ago, in a moment frozen in the memory of all who
were alive, the peace of a Sunday morning was shattered and
America was at war. World War II stands as a dividing line in
our history. In some ways, it still defines who are, and what we
stand for as a Nation.
Over the next four years, Americans will observe various
anniversaries involving World War II. We will honor the military
giants who mobilized the forces -- Marshall, King, Arnold -- and
the commanders who led our warriors across the battlefields of
Europe and the Pacific: Eisenhower, Patton, Nimitz, Doolittle,
Halsey, MacArthur.
But most of all, we will honor the courageous citizen-
soldiers from race, creed, and walk of life who defended freedom
in its hour of peril: the sailor firing an anti-aircraft gun at
Pearl Harbor, the marine splashing ashore onto the bloody sands
of Guadalcanal, the airborne rifleman who dropped into the night
sky over Normandy, the airman who braved the skies plunging deep
into enemy territory, the Coast Guardsmen and merchant seamen who
kept the vital cargo moving through dangerous sea-lanes, and the
defense workers who pounded out the products that made America
the "arsenal of democracy." Fifty years later, the memorial to
World War II veterans is all around us: an America strong and
free, her proud example lighting the way to liberty.
900/200'396d
AUG 6 '92 9:38 FROM NASA/HQS OFC OF ADM
2
America has always held a special place in history. In
fighting to preserve our own democracy, we've sought to extend
the blessings of liberty throughout the world. Never in human
history have freedom, democracy, and basic human rights been 50
widely enjoyed. In perhaps our most stirring achievement, even
our enemies in World War II have adopted these ideals and now
number among our staunchest allies. That proud legacy is shared
by all Americans.
Those of us who remember World War II must pass on what we
learned to our grandchildren. Never again will America be
unprepared. Never again will we appease an aggressor who
threatens our vital interests. Never again will we isolate
ourselves and pretend the rest of the world's problems don't
affect us. America must continue to lead. Our most important
strength is not military or economic. It's moral power --- and
the world needs our moral leadership now more than ever.
The United States will always be a force for peace. But the
peace we seek is a real peace -- not merely the absence of war,
but the triumph of freedom. During these four years of commemo-
ration, let us rededicate ourselves to the principles for which
our veterans so valiantly fought. Let us extend the hand of
gratitude to those whose suffering and sacrifice made victory
certain. And let us resolve that when the final history is
written, the Second World War will become known \ as the Last
World War.
It's tempting to echo Churchill and say World War II was
900/800'3968
AUG 6 '92 9:38 FROM NASA/HQS OFC OF ADM
3
America's "finest hour." \ But we know, just as we knew during
the darkest days of 1942, that America's best days lie ahead of
us. And may God continue to bless America -- freedom's home.
# # #
PAGE 004/006
FROM NASA/HQS OFC OF ADM
68:6 26, 9 one
Simon
Nov. 19, 1991
Draft 2 (WWII.2)
PRESIDENTIAL VIDEO: 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF WORLD WAR II
ROOM 459
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1991
Fifty years ago, on December 7th, the peace of a Sunday
morning was shattered and America was at war. World War II
stands as a dividing line in our history. In some ways, it still
defines who we are, and what we stand for as a Nation.
Over the next four years, Americans will gather to observe
the various anniversaries of the war. I've asked the Secretary
of Defense to help coordinate these events and I urge all civic
and veterans groups to join in the remembrances.
We will honor the military giants who mobilized the forces
and led them across the battlefields of Europe and the Pacific.
But most of all, we will honor the courageous citizen-soldiers
from every race, creed, and walk of life, who defended liberty in
its hour of peril. And we will remember those on the homefront
-- the workers who turned America into the "arsenal of
democracy." Fifty years later, the memorial to, World War II
veterans is all around us: an America strong and free, her proud
example lighting the way to liberty.
Those of us who remember World War II must pass on what we
learned to our grandchildren. Never again will America be
unprepared. Never again will we appease an aggressor who
threatens our vital interests. Never again will we isolate
ourselves and pretend the rest of the world's problems don't
affect us. America must continue to lead. Our most important
PAGE 005/006
AUG 6 '92 9:39 FROM NASA/HQS OFC OF ADM
2
strength is not military or economic. It's moral -- and the
world needs our moral leadership now more than ever.
The United States will always be a force for peace. But the
peace we seek is a real peace -- not merely the absence of war,
but the triumph of freedom. During these four years of commemo-
ration, let us rededicate ourselves to the principles for which
our veterans so valiantly fought. Let us extend gratitude to
those whose suffering and sacrifice made victory certain. And
let us resolve that when the final history is written, the Second
World War will become known \ as the Last World War.
It's tempting to echo Churchill and say World War II was
America's "finest hour. " \ But we know -- just as we knew in the
darkest days of the war -- that America's best days lie ahead of
us. And may God continue to bless America -- freedom's home.
# # #
PAGE.006/006
AUG 6 '92 9:40 FROM NASA/HQS OFC OF ADM
G
1052
June 13 / Administration of George Bush, 1992
Ac
PI
Implementation of U.N. Conference
Congress and I would say, would you please
C
SL
Commitments
say yes or no as to whether I was in Paris
ve
OF
Q. Mr. President, in following up this con-
at any time, say nothing about the fall of
mi
W
ference, what do you think you'll be doing
1980, because you're spending millions of the
so
in the way of supporting an international or-
taxpayers' dollars trying to prove on the basis
ou
C
ganization to oversee the work that has come
of a stupid book that I was there. Would you
pr
F
out of this conference?
please certify to the American people wheth-
lig
The President. I think one of the main
er this now President and then candidate was
of
things we're going to do is go forward with
in Paris?
Al:
this January 1st date in order to present de-
Why the Congress keeps spending the tax-
is
payers' monies on these witch hunts, I do
re
tailed plans to meet the climate change com-
mitments. We're pretty far along on that, and
not know. I'm a little sick of it, but there's
we're prepared to share with others. Bill
not a heck of a lot I can do about it except
yo
Reilly will be actively involved in that. Any
to express a continual and somewhat mount-
Ta
ing frustration as I see now another attack.
Ur
commitment we make here will be kept, and
so we have a broad agenda to follow through
Our policy was well-known. We tried to bring
tio
Saddam Hussein into the family of nations.
Ur
on.
We forget that there are many, many com-
That policy was not successful. We did not
wit
enhance his nuclear, biological, or chemical
the
mitments, some involving funds, some not,
being made here at this conference. And the
weapon capability, a charge recklessly made
in this political year. When we failed and
It
EPA leadership will be extraordinarily busy
in getting specific now to follow them up.
when he took an aggression, the whole world
of
I'm excited about that because I think our
joined with us in standing against it. Now
sio
leadership is up to it, and I think others will
some of the very people that opposed U.S.
vet
welcome it.
action are trying to redeem themselves by
pas
a lot of political inquiry. And I don't think
Assistance to Iraq
the American people are going to stand for
ria.
I v
Q. Mr. President, the House Judiciary
it.
Committee has now asked you to make your
Thank you all very much.
sig.
a 1
aides and documents available to provide fur-
ther details about the assistance your admin-
Note: The President's 131st news conference
An
istration gave to Iraq before the Gulf war.
began at 11 a.m. in the Sheraton Rio.
ho
du
Do you intend to comply with that request?
The President. I don't know what-
-
we
Q. And what do you think of their efforts
Remarks at a Groundbreaking
wa
to create an independent counsel?
The President. I think it's political. I think
Ceremony for the Korean War
so
it's purely political. We have had detailed tes-
Veterans Memorial
fou
timony by Larry Eagleburger. I myself have
on
June 14, 1992
in
discussed the policy. I sense a frustration on
the part of the Democrats because of what
Thank you very much, very much. May I
the
say that it is an honor for me to be introduced
wa
we had to do and did in terms of the war.
wh
I think it is a pure political inquest, and we
by General Davis and to have just met with
so many men that wear with pride the Con-
the
have complied fully. I know politics when I
see it. I know political timing when I see
gressional Medal of Honor, the highest
too
it. So, we have disclosed, and we will con-
award our country can give. And may I salute
tinue to cooperate with Congress. But the
the Members of Congress who are with us
lar
today. I haven't seen them all, but over my
ter
determination on the special prosecutor, let's
shoulder is Senator Rudman, who fought in
in
wait and see where that one goes.
Korea; Senator Dole, a hero of World War
be
But I must say that it smells political to
me. I see these other hearings up there that
II; Senator Chafee, who was in the Korean
ga
we
have cost the taxpayers millions. And, inci-
fight; and many others. I'm going to miss a
dentally, I will make one last appeal to the
few over here. But I got the ones I see. And
or
ation of George Bush, 1992
Administration of George Bush, 1992 / June 14
1053
ould say, would you please
Congressman Montgomery, a friend of all the
to whether I was in Paris
Let me put it plain: Though many MIA's
veterans, holding up his hand so I wouldn't
nothing about the fall of
have returned to America in the past years,
miss him. I'm going to get in trouble now,
no one can rest until all have been accounted
re spending millions of the
so there they are. Of course, I want to single
rying to prove on the basis
for. I know our Secretary of Defense, our
out, as did others, General Stilwell. I was
at I was there. Would you
able Secretary of Defense Dick Cheney feels
privileged to serve with him in the intel-
American people wheth-
exactly that way and is doing everything he
ligence community. I respect him. I know
nt and then candidate was
can to guarantee every single American is ac-
of his record. I'm pleased that his beloved
counted for.
Alice is with us; his son, Dick, Jr. His dream
SS keeps spending the tax-
Men like John Page did the hard work of
is now about to be fulfilled, his leadership
these witch hunts, I do
freedom. Seeking the enemy position, he
rewarded.
ttle sick of it, but there's
asked to ride in a two-seat observer plane.
May I ask-Ambassador Hyun, may I ask
I can do about it except
Once in the air he told the pilot to fly low
you, sir, to pay our respects to President Roh
al and somewhat mount-
over their encampment. Speechless, the pilot
Tae Woo. And you can tell him this: The
see now another attack.
watched as Page pulled pins from three gre-
United States is going to fulfill our obliga-
known. We tried to bring
nades, leaned out of the cockpit, and
tions to peace on the Korean peninsula. The
to the family of nations.
dropped them on the enemy positions. Later
United States does not quit, and we will stay
successful. We did not
he bombed foxholes with grenades, climbed
with the job. May I salute the members of
biological, or chemical
aboard a tank and fired machine gun bursts
the diplomatic corps.
charge recklessly made
which forced the enemy to flee, and then
We meet, you know, on a very special day.
r. When we failed and
finally led a rush which destroyed an enemy
It is Flag Day. It is the 217th anniversary
roadblock and made three dozen of the
ression, the whole world
of the United States Army. It's a special occa-
tanding against it. Now
enemy retreat.
sion to break ground for a memorial to those
ople that opposed U.S.
John Page did all of this in his first 12 days
veterans whose courage now lives as history,
redeem themselves by
in combat, which were his last 12 days on
passed from one generation to another.
Earth. His last reported words were to a
uiry. And I don't think
This is not a memorial to war, but a memo-
comrade, "Get back, that's an order. I'll cover
are going to stand for
rial to peace America has always fought for.
you." And the Marine Corps named this
I was Vice President when Ronald Reagan
much.
Army man a recipient of the Navy Cross.
signed legislation authorizing the creation of
America gave him the Medal of Honor. He
a national Korean war veterans memorial.
131st news conference
showed how greatness touched all those who
Sheraton Rio.
And today, as President, I'm proud to help
went to this unknown land amid the shroud
honor America's peacemakers who served
of darkness to illuminate the night.
during the Korean war.
Here in God's light amid the woods, we
America's uniformed sons and daughters
recall, as proved in Korea and again, as Gen-
went to Korea not for themselves. Hating
undbreaking
eral Davis mentioned, in the Persian Gulf,
war, they sought only liberty. They fought
Korean War
that together allies could contain tyranny by
so that the enslaved might be free. They
I
combining strength. Fighting side by side
fought in the Pusan Perimeter and at Inchon,
under the flag of the United Nations, free-
on Heartbreak Ridge, and Pork Chop Hill,
dom-loving countries of the United States
in the sea and the air and the gulleys and
and the Republic of Korea and other allies
ch, very much. May I
the ridges. And to our 5.7 million Korean
strove to halt aggression.
or me to be introduced
war veterans, a grateful nation thanks you for
And did we succeed? Did we ever. We
to have just met with
what you did. For stopping totalitarianism,
r with pride the Con-
built a stable peace that has lasted nearly 40
the entire free world still salutes you.
years, and together we held the line. And
Honor, the highest
We remember first how America's finest
give. And may I salute
in the wake of North Korea's wanton aggres-
took up arms and bore our burden for a cause
sion in June of 1950, America did not hesi-
ress who are with us
larger than ourselves. Among them was Lieu-
hem all, but over my
tate. The Eighth United States Army dis-
tenant Colonel John Page, then 46, at home
patched Task Force Smith as the lead ele-
dman, who fought in
in New Orleans with his wife and kids. He
1 hero of World War
ment of what eventually-[applause]. And I
became one of the 54,246 Americans who
saluted some of the veterans of that Task
O was in the Korean
gave their lives; the more than 103,000 that
I'm going to miss a
Force, a Task Force which eventually be-
were wounded; the over 8,000 still missing
t the ones I see. And
came a mighty United Nations effort to hold
or unaccounted for.
the line. Who can forget the epic battle of
1054
June 14 / Administration of George Bush, 1992
the First Marine Division at Chosin Res-
the ground on behalf of every American for
ervoir. They held the line against overwhelm-
the Korean War Veterans Memorial.
ing odds. And so did men named MacArthur
May God bless those who served. And may
and Ridgeway and Chesty Puller, veterans
God bless ours, the greatest, freest country
who serve in the Halls of Congress, some
on the face of the Earth, the United States
of whom are with us today, veterans like
of America. Thank you all very, very much.
James Garner and Neil Armstrong.
Note: The President spoke at 2:45 p.m. on
These Americans sought the highest cause
the Mall. In his remarks, he referred to Gen.
and the community of God and man, a world
Richard Stilwell, who led the effort for the
where the force of law outlasted the use of
Korean War Veterans Memorial, and Hong-
force. And so did other parties I want to
Choo Hyun, Republic of Korea Ambassador
thank, for instance, sponsors like the Amer-
to the U.S.
ican Battle Monuments Commission, chaired
by the great General P.X. Kelly behind me
here; we owe him a vote of thanks; and the
Korean War Veterans Memorial Advisory
Remarks Prior to a Meeting With
Board with General Ray Davis as its chair-
President Sali Berisha of Albania
man; and Chung Dul Ok, whose company
donated over $1 million to this memorial.
June 15, 1992
Let me note this: Every penny, every
President Berisha. I've been very pleased
penny of its funding has been privately fi-
with the reception that Albanians felt to Mr.
nanced. And thanks to the designers of this
Baker, because on that occasion they showed
memorial's unforgettable silhouette, we sa-
that the propaganda against didn't work at
lute them as well.
all, and Albanians have had in their hearts
Finally, let me salute the foot soldiers you
and minds special feelings and very friendly
see in this memorial, whose memory we take
feelings for the United States and United
with us, whose nobility enriches us. I mean
States Government and people.
the men and women who braved the heat
President Bush. Well, that's good. You
and cold, lack of sleep and food, and the
know, I just signed the agreement, sending
human hell of fire. They were rich and poor,
it up to Capitol Hill to push forward now
black and white and red and brown and yel-
with these preferences. I just want you to
low. The soldiers I speak of were young, I'm
know that I took great pleasure in doing that,
sure afraid, and far from home. Yet in the
and I want you to have a pen. You get a
foxholes, in the foothills, across the rugged
free pen there.
snow-covered ridges, they were selfless. Most
President Berisha. Thank you very much.
of all they were Americans.
President Bush. That was the one I used
At this wonderful site, just take a look at
to sign that paper. When you go up to see
Ash Woods, a quiet grove of trees right near
the Congress, I hope you'll encourage them
the majestic Lincoln Memorial, recall how
to move swiftly now. We will do our best
it endures as testimony to the living and the
from here. But I don't think there will be
dead. When tyranny threatened, you were
any controversy at all on this. I think every-
quick to answer your country's call. Sadly,
body salutes what you're doing.
your country wasn't quite as quick to answer
President Berisha. It is for Albanian peo-
your call for recognition of that sacrifice. And
ple a very historical signature.
today we say, the length of time it has taken
President Bush. Well, it's important
for this day to arrive only adds to the depth
and-
of our gratitude.
President Berisha. Thank you very much.
I believe that the Korean war showed that
We appreciate also very much the attitude
ours would not be the land of the free if it
of United States adopted toward ex-Yugo-
were not the home of the brave. And in that
slavia. And I could assure you that the hearti-
spirit, with eternal love for what you did and
ness of your attitude and the statesman that
what you are, it is now my privilege to break
Mr. Baker did in London was very important
Nov. 9 / Administration of George Bush, 1991
and may God bless the United States of
Remarks at the Tomb of the Unknown
America. Thank you very much.
Soldier
November 11, 1991
Note: The President spoke at 3:25 p.m. at
Thank you all. Thank you, Mr. Secretary,
the American School of The Hague. In his
and thank all of you. To Secretary Garrett
remarks, the President referred to: Gail
and General Powell, members of the Joint
Schoopert, superintendent of the American
Chiefs, ranking enlisted persons with us
School of The Hague; and Howard C. Wil-
here today, Members of Congress, to Gen-
kins, Jr., U.S. Ambassador to The Nether-
eral Streeter, and, of course, Mr. McCoy.
lands. A tape was not available for verifi-
Fellow veterans and citizens.
cation of the content of these remarks.
On this cold autumn day, in this hallowed
place of honor, we gather to convey our
Nation's gratitude for those who risked
their lives for the land, the people, and the
ideals they loved. At the 11th hour of the
11th day of the 11th month of 1918, the
Nomination of Richard B. Stone To Be
guns fell silent and the First World War
United States Ambassador to Denmark
drew to an end. Ever since, Americans have
November 9, 1991
set aside November 11th to honor our vet-
erans whose footsteps set the pace of free-
The President today announced his inten-
dom's march.
tion to nominate Richard B. Stone, of the
From our fiery birth in 1776 to freedom's
District of Columbia, to be Ambassador Ex-
latest triumphs in the Persian Gulf, Ameri-
traordinary and Plenipotentiary of the
ca's veterans have always answered the call
United States to Denmark. He would suc-
and given their all whenever tyrants and
ceed Keith Lapham Brown.
despots imperiled freedom and democracy.
Senator Stone most recently served as
They called World War I "the war to end
chief operating officer for Capital Bank,
all wars," but that was not to be. The Earth
N.A. in Washington, DC, 1989 to present,
was engulfed a second time and Americans
and served as vice chairman and a member
of my generation rose up again to defend
their homeland and liberate two continents.
of the board of directors, 1984 to present.
From 1983 to 1984, he served as Presiden-
Fifty years later the memorial to World
War II veterans is all around us, an America
tial Envoy for Central American Affairs and
strong and proud, her proud example light-
Ambassador at Large for the Department of
ing the way to liberty.
State in Washington, DC. He was vice
And yet even with that war's end, free-
chairman and a member of the board of
dom's work was not complete. First in
directors for Capital Bank, N.A., 1982-1983;
Korea and then in Vietnam, two more gen-
and senior resident partner and attorney
erations of Americans responded with de-
with Proskauer, Rose, Goets, and Mendel-
termination and vigor. And today, on this
sohn, 1981-1982. From 1975 to 1980, Sena-
Veterans Day, we owe a special debt to the
tor Stone was a U.S. Senator from Florida.
men and women of Desert Storm. They
He has served as Secretary of State for Flor-
went proudly, willingly, on a mission of
ida, 1970-1974; and a State Senator from
high principle and noble purpose to defeat
Dade County, FL, 1967-1970. In addition,
aggression and defend freedom. They freed
he was Miami City Attorney for the City
a captive nation and set America free by
Attorney's Office in Miami, FL, 1966-1967.
renewing our faith in ourselves.
Senator Stone graduated from Harvard
And in this victory America rallied
College (A.B., 1949) and Columbia Universi-
behind those who served in Desert Storm,
ty (LL.B., 1954). He was born September
and in a wonderful way, they rallied behind
22, 1928, in New York, NY. He is married,
those who so proudly served in Vietnam. It
has three children, and currently resides in
was long overdue, and it was good for the
Washington, DC.
Nation's soul. America holds a special place
1626
Administration of George Bush, 1991 / Nov. 12
the Unknown
in history. As we preserved and strength-
"The rain streaks in your eyes or your fin-
ened our own democracy, we've sought to
gers go numb from cold, but then I think
extend the blessings of liberty throughout
about what they suffered through. And
the world. The ideals on which this great
after that my duty doesn't seem hard at
u, Mr. Secretary,
Nation was founded have taken root in new
all."
Secretary Garrett
and fertile lands.
There's a poem the honor guards learn
bers of the Joint
In the Western Hemisphere, 98 percent
that says it all. "You are guarding the
persons with us
of the people now live in democracies. In
world's most precious gifts. You, you alone,
Congress, to Gen-
Africa, people line up to vote as one-man
are the symbol of 250 million people who
.rse, Mr. McCoy.
states collapse. Europeans, East and West,
wish to show their gratitude. And you will
as.
unite in ways never thought possible. Age-
march through the rain, the snow, and the
in this hallowed
old enemies of the Middle East finally sit
heat to prove it."
r to convey our
face to face to seek an end to their bitter
To the men and women of our Armed
ose who risked
strife. The Soviet Union strives to throw off
Forces and to all our veterans, know that
people, and the
the dead hand of communism. And the
you have your country's gratitude on Veter-
11th hour of the
time is coming when those last few totali-
ans Day and every day of the year. And
ath of 1918, the
tarian states will fade into historical oblivi-
may God Bless America and the veterans
First World War
on.
who keep her free. Thank you very much.
Americans have
The United States will always be a force
O honor our vet-
for peace in the world. But the peace we
Note: The President spoke at 11:36 a.m. in a
the pace of free-
seek is a real peace. The triumph of free-
wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the
dom, and prosperity, not merely the ab-
Unknown Soldier in Arlington National
776 to freedom's
sence of war. We can never know which
Cemetery. In his remarks, the President re-
ian Gulf, Ameri-
war will be the last. But we take as our
ferred to: Secretary of Veterans Affairs
nswered the call
hope the prophecy of Isaiah, that "nations
Edward J. Derwinski; Victor S. McCoy, Sr.,
"ver tyrants and
shall not lift sword against nation, neither
the National president of the Paralyzed
and democracy.
shall they learn war anymore." And yes, we
Veterans of America; and Maj. Gen. Wil-
"the war to end
hope, we pray, that as the years progress,
liam F. Streeter, Commanding General, U.S.
to be. The Earth
the face of war will recede into our distant
Army Military District of Washington.
: and Americans
memory. But the memory of our veterans
again to defend
and their sacrifice will never fade.
two continents.
President Coolidge said long ago, "The
norial to World
nation which forgets its defenders will itself
3 us, an America
be forgotten." We will not forget. America
Proclamation 6370-National Poison
d example light-
will not forget. We will not forget those
Prevention Week, 1992
who died. We will not forget those who do
November 8, 1991
war's end, free-
the hard work of freedom every day. And
iplete. First in
we will never forget the POW's and the
By the President of the United States
two more gen-
MIA's yet to be accounted for.
of America
onded with de-
A year from now, 100 years from now,
1 today, on this
citizens will come here on November 11th
A Proclamation
ecial debt to the
to remember. And yet we cannot confine
For more than three decades, we Ameri-
rt Storm. They
our obligation to a single day. We must
cans have observed National Poison Preven-
n a mission of
always remember the importance of pre-
tion Week as part of a concerted, nation-
irpose to defeat
paredness and the high cost of liberty.
wide campaign to reduce the number of
.om. They freed
For more than 50 years, 24 hours a day, a
accidental poisoning deaths among chil-
merica free by
lone sentinel has kept a silent vigil aside the
dren. This annual observance, coupled with
ves.
Tomb of the Unknowns. And recently, one
our year-round efforts in both the public
merica rallied
of the outstanding men who guard the
and private sectors, has helped to save lives:
1 Desert Storm,
tomb was asked what is it like here at night,
during the past 30 years, the number of
y rallied behind
alone, in the quiet of this place. And he said
poisoning deaths among children under 5
1 in Vietnam. It
he felt a kinship to the men resting here;
years of age has declined markedly, from
as good for the
that this was where he wanted to be, here
450 in 1961. to 42 in 1988.
a special place
to honor his comrades and all they repre-
This "success story" certainly merits cele-
sent. "Sometimes," this young PFC said,
bration. However, because the loss of even
1627
Guadalajara 764
Protectorate. It is administratively within the
pilgrimage. In 1389 the Hieronymites (Herm
Central District. During World War II it was
Order of St. Jerome) took over the sanctuar
the scene of bitter land and sea fighting be-
and their first prior built the church with
tobacco products, and soft drinks. Handicraft
tween U.S. and Japanese forces. Chief towns
Moorish-style cloisters and hospices; late
industries are also important. There are many
are Honiara (q.v.), Aola, and Lunga. Pop.
Henry IV of Castile and his mother, María
ultramodern industrial and commercial build-
(1970) 23,996.
Aragon, were entombed there. The Flambo
ings, and modern residential suburbs have at-
9°32' S, 160°12' E
ant Chapel of Santa Ana, the Gothic cloiste
tracted members of the upper classes and of
map, Trust Territory of New Guinea 12:1091
the chapter hall, and the library were add
the rapidly expanding middle classes from the
later.
older parts of the city.
Guadalcanal, Battle of (August 1942-Feb-
The monks of Guadalupe were skillful en
Guadalajara was made the seat of a bishop-
ruary 1943), series of World War II land and
broiderers, miniaturists, ironworkers, and S
ric in 1549, and the cathedral, completed in
sea clashes between Allied and Japanese
versmiths; their surviving works are on di
1618, is richly decorated. Many of the city's
forces on Guadalcanal, one of the southern
play together with illuminated books, po
more than 50 churches also date from the
Solomon Islands. On Aug. 1-8, 1942, the U.S.
traits by Juan Carreño de Miranda, and oth
colonial period. The governor's palace, begun
Marines, in the Allies' first major offensive in
art treasures. The monastery, abandoned a
in 1743, is considered to be one of the finest
the Pacific, seized a Japanese airfield, Hender-
ter the secularization of monasteries in 183
examples of Spanish architecture in Mexico.
son Field, on the island. On November 13-15,
was occupied by the Franciscans in 1908. TI
The city has two universities: the University
modern town retains its function as a pilgrin
of Guadalajara (1792) and the Autonomous
age centre and serves as an agricultural ma
University of Guadalajara (1935). The Teatro
ket for oil, chestnuts, and cork. Pop. (197
Degollado is one of the largest and most or-
3,069.
nate in Latin America. Guadalajara was the
39°27' N, 5°19' W
home of the painter José Clemente Orozco
Guadalupe, Sentencia de, declaration t
(1883-1949) and houses many of his finest
King Ferdinand II of Aragon made on Ap
works.
21, 1486 at the monastery of Our Lady
Guadalajara is connected by railroad and
Guadalupe near Cáceres, Spain, gover
highway with Nogales, Ariz., on the United
ing peasant-landlord relationships followi
States border, to the northwest, and with
peasant uprisings in Catalonia. The first pa
Mexico City, to the east-southeast. Roads
abolished the malos usos, extreme taxes on t]
also lead to communities on the central and
peasants, replacing them with fairer ones. TI
Pan-American highways. National and inter-
second part listed punishments for those i
national airlines serve Guadalajara. Lake
volved in the uprisings.
Chapala, a popular resort, is 23 mi (37 km)
U.S. Marines landing on Guadalcanal, August 1942
south of the city. Guadalajara experienced
UPI Compix
Guadalupe, Virgin of: see Guadalu
substantial growth after the 1930s, and by the
Hidalgo, Villa de.
early 1970s it was Mexico's second largest
in a naval engagement, the Allies prevented
the Japanese from landing reinforcements. By
Guadalupe Group, major division of Upp
city. Pop. (1930) 179,600; (1970) 1,193,601.
February 1943 the Japanese, badly outnum-
Cretaceous rocks in South America (t)
20°40' N, 103°20' W
bered, were forced to evacuate Guadalcanal,
Cretaceous Period began about 136,000,00
map, Mexico 12:69
recent industrial growth 12:70g
and by the end of the year they were on the
years ago and lasted about 71,000,000 years
defensive in their last stronghold in the Solo-
The Guadalupe Group occurs in the Cu
Guadalajara, capital of Guadalajara prov-
mons, Bougainville Island.
dinamarca Basin, near Bogotá, where it co
ince, New Castile, northeast of Madrid in cen-
sists of about 1,400 metres (4,500 feet) of 8
Allied drive for Rabaul 19:994c
tral Spain, situated on the Río Henares. The
ternating shales, limestones, and sandston
Japanese war failures 10:86b
city, the ancient Arriaca, is Iberian in origin
that evidence definite deposition cycles.
and was for a time held by the Romans, but
Guadalquivir River, 8:450, Spanish RÍO
overlies the Villeta Group and is the uppe
its name is derived from Arabic (Wãdi al-
GUADALQUIVIR, from Arabic WÃDI AL-KABIR,
most division of the Upper Cretaceous. T
Hijärah, River of Stones). Taken by Christian
or GREAT RIVER, major watercourse of south-
Guadalupe Group has been correlated wi
forces in 1085, the city from the 15th to the
ern Spain. Rising in the mountains of Jaén
stages of the Upper Cretaceous from tl
17th century was the seat of the Mendoza
province, it flows in a generally westward di-
Turonian to the Maestrichtian stages.
family, duques del Infantado, who were
rection for 408 mi (657 km), emptying into the
Guadalupe Hidalgo, Treaty of (Feb.
munificent patrons of Spanish artists and writ-
Atlantic at Sanlúcar de Barrameda, on the
1848), signed near Mexico City, ended tl
ers. The facade of their palace (begun 1461),
Gulf of Cádiz. Its drainage area of 22,160 sq
Mexican War. It drew the boundary betwe
now an orphanage, is the city's chief artistic
mi (57,390 sq km) supports rich olive- and
the U.S. and Mexico at the Rio Grande at
monument; the churches of Santa María de la
wine-producing country, and engineering im-
Gila rivers; for a payment of $15,000,000 tl
Fuente (13th century), San Ginés, once part of
provements have aided industrialization of
U.S. received more than 525,000 square mil
a Dominican monastery, and San Nicolás
towns along its course.
(1,360,000 square kilometres) of land (no
(1691) are also notable.
The text article covers the course of the riv-
Arizona, California, western Colorado, N
A commercial centre (woollens) in the Mid-
er, the plant and animal life, and regional de-
vada, New Mexico, Texas, and Utah) and
dle Ages, modern Guadalajara has only
velopment.
return agreed to settle the more than $3
agricultural industries. It is the site of a mili-
36°47' N, 6°22' W
000,000 in claims made by U.S. citize
tary airfield. Pop. (1970) 31,917.
REFERENCES in other text articles:
against Mexico. Although U.S. public opinio
40°38' N, 3°10' W
course and valley physical features 17:386g
called for the annexation of all of Mexico, t
map, Spain 17:382
map, Spain 17:382
treaty was completed along the modera
Seville's geographical position 16:580e
lines of the original demands. With it, the CO
Guadalajara, Battle of (March 1937), bat-
tiguous continental expansion of the U.S. W
tle during the Spanish Civil War in which the
Guadalupe (islands, West Indies): see
completed except for the land added in tl
Republicans were victorious over the Nation-
Guadeloupe.
Gadsden Purchase (1853).
alists.
Guadalupe, city, central Nuevo León state,
The treaty helped precipitate civil war
International Brigade defense 17:442b
northeastern Mexico. It lies 62 ft (205 m)
both Mexico and the U.S. In Mexico it le
Guadalcanal, second largest island (after
above sea level on the Río Santa Catarina,
many citizens unsure of their country's futu
Bougainville) of the Solomons and largest of
east-southeast of Monterrey, the state capital.
as an independent state; political extremis
the Solomon Islands Protectorate, southwest
Guadalupe is primarily an agricultural centre.
followed, and civil war broke out at the end
Pacific. With an area of 2,500 sq mi (6,475 sq
Corn (maize) is the principal crop in the envi-
1857. The expansion of slavery in the U.
km), it is of volcanic origin with a mountain-
rons, but chick-peas are also important. Cat-
had been settled by the Missouri Compromi
ous spine (Kavo Range) that culminates in
(1820), but addition of the vast Mexican tra
tle and sheep are raised in the vicinity. By vir-
Mt. Popomanasiu (about 7,647 ft [2,331 m]).
as new U.S. territory reopened the questio
tue of its proximity to Monterrey, Guadalupe
Many short, rapid streams, including the
Attempts to settle it led to the uneasy Cor
is easily accessible by highway, railroad, or
Mataniko, Lunga, and Tenaru, tumble from
promise of 1850 and the Kansas-Nebrasi
air. Pop. (1970 prelim.) 153,454.
mountains to coast, which in some places is
Act (1854).
25°41' N, 100°15' W
marked by mangrove swamps. The economy
Mexican territorial settlement 12:81d
is based mainly on coconuts, timber, cocoa,
Guadalupe, town, Cáceres province, Es-
Guadalupe Hidalgo, Villa de, short for
and fruit; rubber is also produced, and there
tremadura, southwestern Spain, lies on the
GUADALUPE HIDALGO, city, federal distri
are occasional workings in alluvial gold.
southeastern slopes of the Sierra de Guada-
central Mexico, a northeastern suburb
Discovered (1568) by Alvaro de Mendaña de
lupe near the Río Guadalupejo east of
Mexico City. In 1931 it was renamed Gusta
Neira, Guadalcanal was so named by the
Cáceres city. The town grew around a 12th-
A. Madero to honour the brother of the rev
Spaniards. The English navigator Lieut. John
century monastery, where a shepherd found
lutionary hero and former president Francis
Shortland explored the sheltered anchorages
an image of the Virgin that had been hidden
I. Madero, but it reverted to its original nar
along the northern coast (1788). White traders
during the Moorish domination. After Alfon-
in 1971. It is the site of the basilica of the V
followed and the island was annexed (1893)
so XI of Castile visited the shrine (Our Lady
gin of Guadalupe, erected near the spot whe
by the British as part of the Solomon Islands
of Guadalupe) in 1337, it became a centre of
an apparition of the Virgin is said to have a
GUADALCANAL-GUADALUPE HIDALGO, TREATY OF
533
A A Protectorate.
the largest
in the 14th century of a statue of the Virgin.
The statue, later known as Our Lady of Guada-
It lies in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, 600
lupe, soon became an object of pilgrimages, and
miles (970 km) east of New Guinea.
in 1340 the monastery was founded by Alfonso
Guadalcanal, which has an area of about
XI. In 1389, Hieronymites took over the sanc-
2,500 square miles (6,500 sq km), is 90 miles
tuary and built the existing church and one clois-
(145 km) long and an average of 25 miles ( 40
ter in Mudejar (Moorish) style. Later additions,
km) wide. The east-west Kavo Range forms a
including a second cloister, are in the Gothic
razorback divide for numerous rivers that flow
style. The monks' skilled artistic work in tap-
directly to the sea. Elevations rise from a sloping
estries, silverware, and illuminated manuscripts
plain along the northern coast to 8,005 feet
is exhibited. Population: (1960) 4,079.
2,440 meters) on Mt. Popomanasiu. The is-
JAMES M. HOUSTON, Oxford University
land's humid tropical climate supports a dense
GUADALAJARA, Mexico,
forest except in the northwest, where grass pre-
GUADALUPE HIDALGO, Treaty of, gwä-thä-
has a cathedral, begun in
dominates. The temperature averages 80° F
loo'pa é-thäl'gō, the peace treaty that formally
1571, whose architecture
27° C) throughout the year; annual rainfall
ended the Mexican War (q.v.). Resulting from
blends Gothic, Byzantine,
varies from 80 to 120 inches (2,000-3,000 mm).
unauthorized negotiations between U.S. commis-
and Arabic style elements.
Maximum temperatures and rainfall occur from
sioner Nicholas P. Trist and Mexican commission-
December to March.
ers, it was signed at Guadalupe Hidalgo, near
Guadalcanal's population of 18,000, concen-
Mexico City, on Feb. 2, 1848, ratified by the
trated on the northern plain, consists mostly of
United States on March 10 and by Mexico on
Melanesians. Coconut plantations form the chief
May 25, and proclaimed on July 4.
Hasis of the economy. Copra, timber, and trochus
The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ceded to
hell are the leading exports.
the United States about half the area of the
Honiara, on the north coast, is the main port
Mexican republic, including California, Texas
ars later, after several moves.
of Guadalcanal and the administrative center for
(the U.S. title to which was assured), and the
had become the administrative
the protectorate. It is connected by road to Hen-
vast territory between them. It obliged the
viceroy of New Spain) of all
derson Field, an international airport.
United States to pay Mexico $15 million and to
0. A Roman Catholic diocese
Guadalcanal was discovered and named in
assume the claims of U.S. citizens against Mex-
18 and an archdiocese in 1863.
1568 by the Spanish navigator Álvaro de Men-
ico ($3,250,000). Mexicans remaining in the
I times and through most of the
daña de Neyra. Several of the southern Solomon
newly defined U.S. territory were permitted to
adalajara was a pleasant but
Islands, including Guadalcanal, were declared a
become U.S. citizens and were guaranteed their
regional capital, dominated by
British protectorate in 1893. A decisive battle
constitutional rights.
trician families. In the 20th
of World War II was fought on the island (see
The treaty remains binding. In the 1960's,
ecially in the decades after
WORLD WAR II-9. War in the Southern and
border disputes concerning water rights in Ari-
as become a bustling, progres-
Southwestern Pacific: (Guadalcanal Campaign).
zona and Baja California and property rights in
bstantial middle class. There
The seat of the British high commissioner for the
a section along the Rio Grande river were settled
foreign colony. Population:
Western Pacific was transferred to Honiara from
in terms consistent with the treaty.
Suva, Fiji, on Jan. 1, 1953.
Yet the treaty has never been fully honored.
DONALD D. BRAND
HOWARD J. CRITCHFIELD
The most flagrant violations have occurred with
University of Texas at Austin
Western Washington State College
respect to Article VIII, which guaranteed Mexi-
cans who stayed in the ceded territories the rights
ä-thä-lä-hä'rä, a city in central
GUADALQUIVIR RIVER, gwä-thäl-ke-ber', the
to their lands. Neither the civil nor the property
il of Guadalajara province.
main river of southern Spain. It rises in the Si-
Henares River, about 30 miles
erra de Cazorla and flows generally westward
t of Madrid. The city, which
with many large loops past the northern edge
GUADALUPE HIDALGO: Dark shading shows the area
has remained a local market
of the fertile Andalusian plain through Córdoba
ceded to the U.S. by Mexico by the treaty of 1848 (in-
Idings of note except the 15th
and Seville, and then southward to the Atlantic
cluding Texas, which was annexed by the U.S. in 1845).
Palace and some churches. The
Ocean at Sanlúcar de Barrameda. Along its 375-
I by an 18th century bridge
mile (600-km) length are several hydroelectric
plants, and it has many affluents (the Guadalimar,
CANADA
ations.
an settlement on the site, had
Guadiato, Guadiana Menor, Genil rivers).
the Moors established a town
Small vessels ply the river as far as Córdoba,
century. The city's modern
and Seville handles ocean shipping; though far
)m the Moorish name of Wad
from the sea, Seville feels maritime tides. Tra-
"river of stones." Captured
versing the great marsh between Seville and the
n 1085, Guadalajara later be-
sea, the Guadalquivir divides into several wind-
Missouri
e Mendoza family. Its feudal
ing branches, forming islands in the marsh.
oximity to Madrid discouraged
Shipping canals reduce the danger of fast-rising
River
tring the 1936-1939 Civil War,
tides in the twisting waterways, which finally
damaged.
merge into a single estuary.
Guadalajara province, which
region of New Castile, has an
GUADALUPE, gwä-thä-loo'pa, a small town in
are miles (12,196 sq km). It
Cáceres province, Spain, is famous for its forti-
PACIFIC
Tagus River and its tributaries,
fied monastery. The town is in the Guadalupe
Mississippi
s, and Tajuña. The terrain is
mountain range, about 30 miles (48 km) east
north, northeast, and extreme
of Trujillo. The mountains, lying between the
omy depends mainly on grain,
Tagus and Guadiana rivers, reach a height of
5,121 feet (1,560 meters). The Guadalupe River
OCEAN
N
ism. The province, generally
Grande
erely depopulated as workers
rises in the Guadalupe Mountains. The chief
ies, particularly Madrid. Pop-
local industries are olive oil processing, fruit
MEXICO
GULF
the city, 56,922; of the prov-
growing, and lumbering (chiefly cork).
Scale
OF
The town's renowned monastery, now run by
0
200
400 Mi
MEXICO
HOUSTON, Oxford University
Franciscans, owes its foundation to the discovery
0
200
400
600 Km
Administration of George Bush, 1991 / Dec. 7
irresistible might
cumstances, the outcome never in doubt. It
Remarks to World War II Veterans and
dividual liberty.
was short; thank God our casualties merci-
Families in Honolulu, Hawaii
or engraved that
fully few. But I ask you veterans of Pearl
Harbor and all Americans who remember
December 7, 1991
and soul. They
not war, where
the unity of purpose that followed that mo-
Mrs. Rickert, thank you for that wonder-
nore loudly than
mentous December day 50 years ago:
ful tale of how it was at Hospital Point.
Because of them,
Didn't we see that same strength of nation-
Thank you for that warm and generous in-
its lessons from
al spirit when we launched Desert Storm?
troduction. And now I have a favor to ask of
t, lessons as clear
The answer is a resounding "yes." Once
you. I hope you and everyone else will take
the war for Kuwait began, we pulled to-
a deep breath for me too, please. [Laugh-
essons is that to-
gether. We were united, determined, and
ter] You didn't need it, but I might; this is a
lightness against
we were confident. And when it was over,
very emotional day.
ght Eisenhower.
we rejoiced in exactly the same way that
es to national de-
I would like to salute the members of my
we did in 1945-heads high, proud, and
ans finishing last.
Cabinet that are here today, particularly
grateful. And what a feeling. Fifty years had
us that isolation-
Dick Cheney, our able Secretary of Defense
passed, but, let me tell you, the American
The world does
who's done so much for the military, so
spirit is as young and fresh as ever.
lge. And perhaps
much in terms of leadership for our Nation.
This unity of purpose continues to inspire
real peace, the
I want to salute General Powell, the Chair-
us in the cause of peace among nations. In
triumph of free-
man of our Joint Chiefs of Staff, and again
their own way, amidst the bedlam and the
ce of war.
take this opportunity on this historic day to
anguish of that awful day, the men of Pearl
t-Barbara and I
thank him for his leadership, his inspiration-
Harbor served that noble cause, honored it.
al leadership, for all the men and women
en hull, tomb to
They knew the things worth living for but
that serve in the Armed Forces. I want to
ns, the beguiling
us of the might
also worth dying for: Principle, decency, fi-
thank the commander in chief of the Pacific
S to die as men.
delity, honor.
Fleet, Admiral Larson. And I especially
t their sacrifice
And so, look behind you at battleship
want to single out all the fellow veterans
forever vigilant.
row-behind me, the gun turret still visible,
here, particularly those who are the survi-
ys remember the
and the flag flying proudly from a truly
vors, the survivors of this historic day.
10 gave their lives
blessed shrine.
I expect if we went around the room, all
Look into your hearts and minds: You will
of us would remember. I remember exactly
ot far from this
see boys who this day became men and
when I first heard the news about Pearl
Harbor are hon-
men who became heroes.
Harbor. I was 17 years old, walking across
upon each grave
Look at the water here, clear and quiet,
the green at school. And my thoughts in
and Girl Scouts.
bidding us to sum up and remember. One
those days didn't turn to world events, but
at it is for them,
day, in what now seems another lifetime, it
mainly to simpler things, more mundane
apply the lessons
wrapped its arms around the finest sons any
things, like making the basketball team or
nation could ever have, and it carried them
entering college. And that walk across the
we won the war
to a better world.
campus marked an end of innocence for
the cold war that
me.
May God bless them. And may God bless
shed their blood,
America, the most wondrous land on Earth.
When Americans heard the news, they
ins as well. For
froze in shock. But just as quickly we came
atience, foresight,
together. Like all American kids back then,
d America stand
Note: The President spoke at 8:10 a.m. from
I was swept up in it. I decided that very
the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial at Pearl
y.
day to go into the Navy to become a Navy
alone. Beside us
Harbor, Hawaii. He was introduced by Cap-
pilot. And so on my 18th birthday, June
0 democracy and
tain Donald K. Ross, retired U.S. Navy, a
12th, 1942, I was sworn into the Navy as a
pression and free-
surviving crewmember of the U.S.S. Nevada
seaman second class.
that include our
and Congressional Medal of Honor recipi-
And I was shocked, I was shocked at my
, Italy, and Japan.
ent. During his remarks, the President re-
first sight of Pearl Harbor several months
ons stood with us
ferred to Admiral Charles Larson, Com-
later, April of '44. We came into port on the
ersian Gulf.
mander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Command.
CVL-30, on the carrier San Jacinto.
the Gulf was so
Following his remarks, the President met
Nearby, the Utah was still on her side; parts
y, different cir-
with survivors of the Pearl Harbor attack.
of the Arizona still stood silent in the water.
1789
Dec. 7 / Administration of George Bush, 1991
Everywhere the skeletons of ships reached
dealing with pressing matters back home.
an injustice in our
out as if to demand remembrance and warn
And they were rudely awakened by the
ment of America.
us of our own mortality.
brutal reality of the Iron Curtain, the Soviet
was a great injust
Over 2,000 men died in a matter of min-
blockade of Berlin, and the Communist in-
repeated.
utes on this site, a half a century ago. Many
vasion of South Korea.
Today, all Amer
more died that same day as Japanese forces
And now we stand triumphant, for the
Japan's Prime Min
assaulted the Philippines and Guam and
third time this century, this time in the
statement of deep
Wake Island, Midway, Malaya, Thailand,
attack on Pearl Ha
wake of the cold war. As in 1919 and 1945,
Singapore, Hong Kong. On that day of
it was a difficult e
we face no enemy menacing our security.
infamy, Pearl Harbor propelled each of us
And yet we stand here today on the site of
ed by the people
into a titanic contest for mankind's future.
America.
a tragedy spawned by isolationism. And we
It galvanized the American spirit as never,
The values we
must learn, and this time avoid, the dangers
ever before into a single-minded resolve
equality of opporti
of today's isolationism and its economic ac-
that could produce only one thing: victory.
and speech and as
complice, protectionism. To do otherwise,
Churchill knew it as soon as he heard the
elections-are nov
to believe that turning our backs on the
news. He'd faced the Nazi conquest of
tions. Our greatest
world would improve our lot here at home,
Europe, the blitz of London, the terror of
took place not on
is to ignore the tragic lessons of the 20th
the U-boats. But when America was at-
nations we once C
century.
tacked, he declared there was "no more
of democracy and
doubt about the end." He knew then that
The fact is, this country has enjoyed its
in a world once t
the American spirit would not fail the cause
most lasting growth and security when we
by tyranny and de:
of freedom. The enemy mistook our diversi-
rejected isolationism, both political and eco-
Today as we cel
ty, our Nation's diversity, for weakness. But
nomic, in favor of engagement and leader-
tion toward freedo
Pearl Harbor became a rallying cry for men
ship. We're a Pacific nation. And next
mocracy's fallen I
and women from all walks of life, all colors
month in Asia, I'll discuss with our Pacific
freedom as well a
and creeds. And in the end, this unity of
friends and allies their responsibility to
ship who never sav
purpose made us invincible in war and now
share with us the challenges and burdens of
lier this year, "
makes us secure in peace.
leadership in the post-cold war world.
joined us in the st
The next day, President Roosevelt pro-
The time has come for America's trading
the Persian Gulf,
claimed the singular American objective:
partners, in Europe, Asia, and around the
cherished by the h
"With confidence in our Armed Forces,
world, to resolve that economic isolationism
The friends I
with the unbounding determination of our
is wrong. To the leaders of Japan in particu-
upheld a great an
people, we will gain the inevitable triumph,
lar, I say: This solemn occasion should rein-
their sacrifice, the
so help us, God." It was the steadfastness of
force our determination to join together in
er freedom and F
the American people that would "win the
a future energized by free markets and free
is right that all of
war" and "win the peace that follows."
people. And so I'll continue to speak out
is right that we go
We triumphed in both, despite the fact
against the voices of isolationism and pro-
As you know, I
that the American people did not want to
tectionism, both at home and abroad.
the Arizona, when
be drawn into the conflict; "the unsought
Fifty years ago, we paid a heavy price for
us stands the Miss
war," it's been called. Ironically, isolationists
complacency and overconfidence. That too
end. But the Miss
gathered together at what was known in
is a lesson we shall never forget. To those
Soon after that, E
those days as an "American First" rally in
who have defended our country, from the
call on General M
Pittsburgh at precisely the moment the first
shores of Guadalcanal to the hills of Korea,
that the Emperol
Americans met early, violent deaths right
from the jungles of Vietnam to the sands of
the spiritual rege
here at Pearl Harbor. The isolationists failed
Kuwait, I say this: We will always remem-
meeting made his
to see that the seeds of Pearl Harbor were
ber; we will always be prepared, prepared
for a democratic J.
sown back in 1919, when a victorious
to take on aggression, prepared to step for-
I thought of tl
America decided that in the absence of a
ward in reconciliation, and prepared to
thur when I atter.
threatening enemy abroad, we should turn
secure the peace.
al in 1989. I thoug
all of our energies inward. That notion of
In remembering, it is important to come
at the National C
isolationism flew escort for the very bomb-
to grips with the past. No nation can fully
then at the Arizor
ers that attacked our men 50 years ago.
understand itself or find its place in the
As you look ba
Again, in 1945, some called for America's
world if it does not look with clear eyes at
steps that made
return to isolationism, as if abandoning
all the glories and disgraces, too, of the past.
you pick out the
world leadership was the prerequisite for
We in the United States acknowledge such
ing moments. Ov.
1790
Administration of George Bush, 1991 / Dec. 7
an injustice in our own history: The intern-
still defines a part of who I am. To every
ment of Americans of Japanese ancestry
veteran here, and indeed to all Americans,
back home.
was a great injustice, and it will never be
Pearl Harbor defines a part of who you are.
ned by the
repeated.
Recently a letter arrived from the son of
1, the Soviet
Today, all Americans should acknowledge
a Pearl Harbor survivor, a Navy man
mmunist in-
Japan's Prime Minister Miyazawa's national
named Bill Leu, who is with us here today.
statement of deep remorse concerning the
His son writes from his home, now in
ant, for the
attack on Pearl Harbor. It was a thoughtful,
Tokyo, saying: "A half century ago, my fa-
time in the
it was a difficult expression much appreciat-
ther's thoughts were on surviving the attack
19 and 1945,
ed by the people of the United States of
and winning the war. He could not have
our security.
America.
envisioned a future where his son would
in the site of
The values we hold dear as a Nation-
study and work in Japan. But he recognizes
ism. And we
equality of opportunity, freedom of religion
that the world has changed, that America's
the dangers
and speech and assembly, free and vigorous
challenges are different. My father's atti-
economic ac-
elections-are now revered by many na-
tude represents that of the United States:
do otherwise,
tions. Our greatest victory in World War II
Do your duty, and raise the next generation
backs on the
took place not on the field of battle, but in
to do its."
here at home,
nations we once counted as foes. The ideals
I can understand Bill's feelings. I won-
; of the 20th
of democracy and liberty have triumphed
dered how I'd feel being with you, the vet-
in a world once threatened with conquest
erans of Pearl Harbor, the survivors, on this
as enjoyed its
by tyranny and despotism.
very special day. And I wondered if I would
rity when we
Today as we celebrate the world's evolu-
feel that intense hatred that all of us felt for
itical and eco-
tion toward freedom, we commemorate de-
mocracy's fallen heroes, the defenders of
the enemy 50 years ago. As I thought back
at and leader-
on. And next
freedom as well as the victims of dictator-
to that day of infamy and the loss of friends,
I wondered: What will my reaction be
ith our Pacific
ship who never saw the light of liberty. Ear-
sponsibility to
lier this year, when former adversaries
when I go back to Pearl Harbor? What will
their reaction be, the other old veterans,
and burdens of
joined us in the stand against aggression in
the Persian Gulf, we affirmed the values
especially those who survived that terrible
ir world.
herica's trading
cherished by the heroes of the Harbor.
day right here?
The friends I lost, that all of us lost,
Well, let me tell you how I feel. I have no
nd around the
upheld a great and noble cause. Because of
rancor in my heart towards Germany or
nic isolationism
their sacrifice, the world now lives in great-
Japan, none at all. And I hope, in spite of
ipan in particu-
on should rein-
er freedom and peace than ever before. It
the loss, that you have none in yours. This is
join together in
is right that all of us are here today. And it
no time for recrimination.
harkets and free
is right that we go on from here.
World War II is over. It is history. We
As you know, I just paid my respects at
won. We crushed totalitarianism. And when
e to speak out
the Arizona, where it all began. And behind
that was done, we helped our enemies give
onism and pro-
us stands the Missouri, where it came to an
birth to democracies. We reached out, both
d abroad.
end. But the Missouri was also a beginning.
in Europe and in Asia. We made our en-
heavy price for
Soon after that, Emperor Hirohito went to
emies our friends, and we healed their
idence. That too
call on General MacArthur, who later noted
wounds. And in the process, we lifted our-
forget. To those
that the Emperor "played a major role in
selves up.
ountry, from the
the spiritual regeneration of Japan." Their
The lessons of the war itself will live on,
e hills of Korea,
meeting made history, and a hopeful future
and well they should: Preparedness;
n to the sands of
for a democratic Japan began to take shape.
strength; decency and honor; courage; sacri-
1 always remem-
I thought of that meeting with MacAr-
fice; the willingness to fight, even die, for
:pared, prepared
thur when I attended the Emperor's funer-
one's country-America, the land of the
ared to step for-
al in 1989. I thought of it this morning, too,
free and the brave.
nd prepared to
at the National Cemetery of the Pacific and
No, just speaking for one guy, I have no
then at the Arizona Memorial.
rancor in my heart. I can still see the faces
aportant to come
As you look back on life and retrace the
of the fallen comrades, and I'll bet you can
nation can fully
steps that made you the person you are,
see the faces of your fallen comrades too, or
its place in the
you pick out the turning points, the defin-
family members. But don't you think
with clear eyes at
ing moments. Over the years, Pearl Harbor
they're saying, "Fifty years have passed; our
es, too, of the past.
acknowledge such
1791
Dec. 7 / Administration of George Bush, 1991
country is the undisputed leader of the free
Naval Academy and the Army of the West
The Presiden
world, and we are at peace."? Don't you
Point, thank you for your service to this, the
Q.-perhap
think each one is saying, "I did not die in
greatest country on the face of the Earth.
be a demarcatic
vain."?
May God bless each and every one of you
The Presider
May God bless each of you who sacrificed
who served the United States of America. It
tion. It should
and served. And may God grant His loving
is a special day, and all of you helped make
can understand
protection to this, the greatest country on
it a special day.
thousand sailor
the face of the Earth, the United States of
Thank you so much.
And dealing W
America.
meeting them
Thank you all, and God bless you. Thank
Note: The President spoke at 10:17 a.m.
tional. But I re
you very much.
aboard the U.S.S. Missouri in Pearl Harbor,
look forward. A
Hawaii. His remarks were broadcast live by
derstand part of
Note: The President spoke at 9:20 a.m. from
the American Broadcasting Company
I lost a lot of
Kilo 8 Pier in Honolulu, Hawaii. He was
during half-time of the Army-Navy football
mates, many ot
introduced by Lenore Rickert, retired U.S.
game. Keith Jackson of ABC-Sports intro-
for recriminatio
Navy nurse and a survivor of the Pearl
duced the President. A tape was not avail-
them feel that
Harbor attack.
able for verification of the content of these
say, look, my hu
remarks.
ther did not die
Anti-Japanese S.
Q. A few mon
Remarks at Half-Time During the
then-Prime Min
Army-Navy Football Game
Interview With Charles Bierbauer of
about Japan basl
December 7, 1991
CNN at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii
ciated over the
December 7, 1991
persists?
Well, first let me salute all that are there
The President.
at that wonderful Army-Navy contest. I un-
Pearl Harbor
bit about sayin
derstand you have a great ballgame under-
there's some Eur
way.
Q. This is Charles Bierbauer with Presi-
I don't think it
Over my shoulder, perhaps you can see
dent Bush on board the deck of the U.S.S.
try. And there's
the picture of Arizona where the war start-
Missouri.
feel bitter abou
ed, World War II, on December 7th, 50
Mr. President, thank you for joining us
there's people
years ago. And now I'm talking to you also
with the Arizona Memorial behind us. As
bitter about Japa
from the deck of the Missouri where the
you were there this morning, a day which
words, instead O.
war ended on September 2d, 1945. And I
you've described as a very emotional one,
try to take it out
must tell you this has been a very emotional
the sense of an apology from Japan for the
I don't know
day for the survivors of Pearl Harbor. It's an
events at Pearl Harbor, how necessary is
based on bigotry
emotional day for those of us who served in
that?
either side of the
World War II, and it's an emotional day for
The President. I don't think it's necessary.
Q. Do you thin
our entire country.
The Prime Minister very forthrightly ex-
The President.
I think it is not a day for hatred. I think it
pressed either regrets or remorse. I can't
want to say that.
is not a day for rancor. I think it is a day for
remember the word that was used. But this
in the days of W.
healing and looking forward. And because
is a time for healing. This is a time for
a feeling. I was
of the sacrifice of the people here at Pearl
looking forward.
then, and I reme
Harbor and others that followed, yester-
We won the war. We made a tremendous
case today. And
day's enemies are now our friends. Yester-
contribution to freedom by winning the
residues of that n
day's hatred has now given way to feelings
war-war ending right on the decks of this
to speak out agai
of goodwill, partnership, friendly competi-
very vessel. And this is not a time for re-
fair competition,
tion. And so it has been a moving day at
crimination or rancor. And so my message
message to Japar
Pearl Harbor. And I, as Commander in
is one of healing, of going forward-tough
they've got to be
Chief of the forces, have been very proud
competitors, being tough in competition for
on that basis wit.
to be here.
business and markets, but not looking back
that we've come
Let me wish all of you at that wonderful
in the sense of bitterness and hatred.
They're democ
football game now the very best. And may I
Q. And yet you've heard from many of
talitarians and im
say to the men and women of the U.S.
the survivors a sense that they still-
so we shouldn't be
1792
Colonel Mitchell Paige
After the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, he was
once more sent overseas with the 7th Marines and
TO OUR GUESTS
United States Marine Corps
landed at Apia, British Samoa. From Samoa, the 7th
Marines went to Guadalcanal, landing in September of
1942. He remained there until January, 1943, when he
Marine Colonel Mitchell Paige won the nation's
went to Melbourne, Australia, with the First Marine
highest decoration during the campaign for Guadalcanal
Division. While on Guadalcanal he was commissioned
in October 1942, when he made a desperate lone stand
a second lieutenant in the field on December 19, 1942.
against enemy Japanese after they had broken through
In June 1943, he was promoted to first lieutenant.
the lines and killed or wounded all of the Marines in his
In September 1943, he left with the First Marine
machine-gun section.
Division for New Guinea, where they joined the 6th
UNITED STATES
Army for the attack on Cape Gloucester, New Britain,
MARINE BARRACKS
Colonel Paige (then a platoon sergeant) fired his
on December 26, 1943.
WASHINGTON, D.C.
machine gun until it was destroyed, then moved from
In May 1944, the Division left Cape Gloucester for
ORIGINAL SITE OCCUPIED
gun to gun, keeping up a withering fire until he finally
SINCE
received reinforcements. He later led a bayonet charge
a rest area in the Russell Islands, Pavuvu. In July
1801
that drove the Japanese back and prevented a
1944, he was sent back to the States and assigned duty
breakthrough in our lines.
at Camp Lejuene, N.C.
The Marine Corps' World War II Commandant,
Colonel Paige's postwar assignments included
General Alexander A. Vandegrift, presented the Medal
Tactical Training Officer, Camp Matthews; Recruit
of Honor to Colonel Paige at Melbourne, Australia, in
Training Officer; Plans and Operations Officer and
On behalf of the Commandant of the
the-Spring of 1943.
later Executive Officer, Second Recruit Training
Battalion, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego;
Marine Corps, General C.E. Mundy, Jr., and
Colonel Paige was born on August 31, 1918, at
Charleroi, Pennsylvania and graduated in 1936 from
Division Recruiting Officer, 2d Marine Division, Camp
the Marines of historic Marine Barracks,
McKeesport High School in McKeesport, Pennsylvania.
Lejeune, N.C.; Executive Officer and later Commanding
Officer, 3d Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division,
Washington D.C., it is my pleasure to wel-
He enlisted in the Marine Corps on September 1, 1936,
at Baltimore, Maryland.
Camp Pendleton; Officer in Charge, Marine Corps
come you to the Oldest Post of the Corps. For
Completing his "boot camp" training at Parris Island,
Recruiting Station, San Francisco; and Inspector-
almost two centuries, United States Marines
S.C., in November 1936, he was transferred to Quantico,
Instructor, 7th Infantry Battalion, San Bruno, Calif.
Va. Later he served aboard the USS Wyoming as a
He entered the U.S. Army Language School in May
have assembled in the Barracks yard where
gunner and took part in maneuvers via Panama to San
1959 and upon completion was ordered to Marine
you now sit; in some cases to the same bugle
Clemente Island off the coast of California.
Barracks, U.S. Naval Station, San Diego, Calif., as the
Executive Officer. Colonel Paige was placed on the
calls and commands which you will hear
In February 1937, he was transferred to Mare
Island Navy Yard for guard duty, and two months later
Retired List on 1 November 1959 and promoted from
during the ceremony tonight.
was ordered to Cavite in the Philippine Islands. While
Lieutenant Colonel to his present rank in light of his
on Cavite, he became a member of the All-Navy-Marine
special commendation for performance of duty in actual
The faces and weapons have changed
baseball team, which gained prominence throughout
combat.
many times since the first Pass in Review
the island and the Orient.
A complete list of the Colonel's decorations and
medals include: the Congressional Medal of Honor, the
was ordered; but the pride, discipline and
He served in China from October 1938 to September
1939. During this tour he guarded American property
Purple Heart Medal, the Presidential Unit Citation, the
esprit which have animated our Corps since
during the famous Tientsin flood.
Good Conduct Medal, the China Service Medal, the
its founding in 1775 have not. To that tradition
He left North China and returned to the U.S. in
American Defense Service Medal with Base clasp, the
April 1940 for guard duty at the Brooklyn and
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with two bronze stars,
and to the Marines who have gone before us,
Philadelphia Navy Yards. In September 1940, he
the American Campaign Medal, the Victory Medal, the
we dedicate this Evening Parade.
rejoined the 5th Marines in Quantico, Va., and the
National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Service
following month participated in maneuvers at
Medal, the Marine Corps Reserve Ribbon, and the United
Guantanamo Bay, Cuba and Culebra, Puerto Rico.
Nations Service Medal.
In March 1941, he was transferred back to the
Colonel Paige and his wife, the former Genevieve
States and ordered to New River, N. C., to help construct
Pauline Albers, have two children: Mitchell John (born
August 8, 1945) and Janie Darlene (born May 12, 1949).
John J.C. Flynn
and prepare a new training base for Marines which
later became Camp Lejeune.
They reside at 1321 Truman Street, Redwood City,
Calif.
Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps
Commanding
6 August 1992
HOST
PARADE SEQUENCE
IN HONOR OF
Lieutenant General Walter E. Boomer
Concert - U.S. Marine Band
First Marine Division Association
Commanding General
Two Bells
Marine Corps Combat Development
Assembly
Guadalcanal Veterans
Drum and Bugle Corps
Command, Quantico, Virginia
"The Song of the Marines"
Receive the Report
Reviewing Official
PARADE STAFF
Officers' Call
Colonel Mitchell Paige
Parade Commander
Rampart Fanfare
Maj T. M. Lockard
United States Marine Corps
Adjutant
"Black Jack"
Capt F. R. Quigley
Flanking Officer
Capt P. M. Phelps
Adjutant's Call
Staff
GySgt J. Alfonso
"Colonel Bogey" March
CONCERT
GySgt G. Torres
Fix Bayonets
*Presentation of Colors
COMPANY A
"Grand Old Flag"
UNITED STATES MARINE BAND
Company Commander
Capt S. R. Dinauer
"To the Color"
Drum Major John D. Lee
Platoon Commanders
Capt R. A. Akin
"National Emblem" March
Conducting
Capt J. E. Bilas
Sound Off
Silent Drill Team
Capt D. P. Monahan
"Invercargill"
"Waltzing Matilda"
First Sergeant
1stSgt W. R. Combs
"Scotland the Brave"
James Barr
"York'scher Marsch"
COMPANY B
"The Fairest of the Fair"
*Evening Colors
Company Commander Capt K. D. Schlotzhauer
John Philip Sousa*
"The Star Spangled Banner"
Platoon Commanders
Capt R. M. Heidenreich
Manual of Arms
"The Stars and Stripes Forever"
Capt M. R. McFall
Publication of Orders
John Philip Sousa*
Capt M. D. Lloyd
Officers Center
First Sergeant
1stSgt A. P. Glassford
* Member U.S. Marine Band
"Officer of the Day" March
Silent Drill
BARRACKS SERGEANT MAJOR
Concert - U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corps
SgtMaj M. D. Nicolia
"Honors to the Reviewing Official
Pass in Review
CONCERT
U.S. MARINE
"Semper Fidelis" March
U.S. MARINE
DRUM AND BUGLE CORPS
"The Marines' Hymn"
*Retire the Colors
DRUM AND BUGLE CORPS
Drum Major
"National Emblem" March
LtCol Truman W. Crawford
GySgt R. A. Taylor
Officers Dismissed
Conducting
"Bravura"
COLOR SERGEANT OF THE
March Off
"Guadalcanal March"*
MARINE CORPS
"This Is My Country"
Sgt D.R. Keck
*Memorial Tribute
"Beauty and the Beast"*
"Navy Hymn"
"Island Stomp"
SILENT DRILL TEAM
"Taps"
"Battle Hymn of the Republic"
RIFLE INSPECTOR
*Guests are requested to stand
*Arranged by LtCol Truman W. Crawford
Cpl G. Wiggins, Jr.
Stamp
Philatelic Release 92-051
news
For immediate release
UNITED STATES
Photo is pre-screened at 85 lines
POSTAL SERVICE
for reproduction as line art.
United States Postal Service
For further information
Washington DC 20260-3122
OFFICIAL OLYMPIC BRONEOR
please call (202) 268-2176
1992 WORLD WAR II COMMEMORATIVE SHEETS
TO BE ISSUED AUGUST 17 IN INDIANAPOLIS
1992 ISSUE IS SECOND IN A SERIES OF FIVE
The U.S. Postal Service will issue its second commemorative sheet of ten 29-cent stamps
marking the 50th anniversary of World War II on August 17 in Indianapolis, Indiana, at the
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW) national convention. For each of the five
years of 1991 through 1995, ten stamps documenting events of the corresponding years, 1941
through 1945 are planned.
The Postal Service also will offer the second of five golden anniversary collections. This year's
release is entitled 1942: Into The Battle, and features a 44-page hard cover book filled with
historical photographs and text, two of the 1992 commemorative sheets, and special mounts for
positioning one sheet and individual stamps on key pages. The limited edition book, priced at
$15.95, will be available in large post offices and by mail beginning August 18.
Postmaster General Marvin T. Runyon and VFW Adjutant General Howard Vander Clute will
dedicate the 1992 World War II sheet during the Monday morning general session of the VFW
convention. More than 9,000 VFW members are expected to attend.
Each full pane of stamps will yield two identical commemorative sheets when torn along the
perforations dividing them. Each sheet features 10 individual commemorative stamps recalling
key events that took place in America's second year as a participant in the war. The stamps are
positioned horizontally in two rows of five, one above and one below a Mercator-projection world
map entitled, "1942: Into The Battle." The map employs text, arrows and color shadings to depict
the war's theaters of operations and historical World War II events of 1942.
The events along the top row of stamps on each commemorative sheet, left to right, are: B-25s
take off to raid Tokyo, April 18, 1942; Food and other commodities rationed, 1942; U.S. wins Battle
of the Coral Sea, May 1942; Corregidor falls to Japanese, May 6, 1942; and Japan invades Aleutian
Islands, June 1942. Events along the bottom row, left to right, are: Allies decipher secret enemy
codes, 1942; Yorktown lost, U.S. wins at Midway, 1942; Millions of women join war effort, 1942;
Marines land on Guadalcanal, Aug. 7, 1942; and Allies land in North Africa, November 1942.
In 1984, the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee, an independent group which recommends
stamp subjects, began comprehensive planning for philatelic recognition of World War II, treating
it as it affected American life and the world at large during the war years.
A Joint Service Stamp Committee, headed by the Chief of Military History of the United States
Army, was formed through the Department of Defense in 1985. The committee, comprised of
military historians from the Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps, also sought advice from the
Historian of the Department of State regarding significant events of the period.
(more)
- 2 -
Using this guidance from the Armed Forces and State Department as a starting point, the
Advisory Committee developed a carefully balanced, comprehensive program to observe as many
significant events as possible during the five-year tribute.
The entire World War II commemorative series, with a total of 50 different commemorative
stamps and dozens of map notations, will portray vividly the pivotal events of the war for
Americans who experienced them and for those too young to have known the war years. The five-
year series will follow the chronology of the war: breakout of global conflict, industrial and
military preparedness, diplomatic alliances and surprise attack, the road back, turning the tide,
decisive victories in Europe and the Pacific, and Allied victories resulting in unconditional
surrender.
The new stamps were designed by William H. Bond of Arlington, Virginia. Bond also
designed the 1991 World War II commemorative sheet.
[EDITOR'S NOTE: Black & white photographs and color transparencies are available upon
request. ]
Issue:
$2.90 1992 WWII MINIATURE COMMEMORATIVE SHEET
Format:
One pane ($5.80) yields two identical commemorative sheets
(comprised of 10 stamps and one historical map each)
Issue Date & City:
August 17, 1992, in Indianapolis, Indiana
Designer:
William H. Bond, Arlington, Virginia
Art Director &
Typographer:
Howard Paine, Design Coordinator,
Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee
Project Manager:
Jack Williams, Program Manager
Philatelic Design, U.S. Postal Service
Modeler:
Peter Cocci, Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP)
Engraver:
Debra Alexander, BEP
Manufacturing Process:
Offset/intaglio, BEP
Colors:
Red, yellow, blue, black, green, and gold
Size:
.84 X 1.41 inches / 21.3 X 35.8 mm (image area) - stamps
.99 X 1.56 inches / 25.1 X 39.6 mm (overall) - stamps
7.80 X 5/17 inches / 198.1 X 131.3 mm (one commemorative
sheet of 10 stamps exclusive of selvage)
Plate Numbers:
Four offset, one intaglio
Marginal Markings:
© United States Postal Service 1991
(plate numbers and copyright information will appear on
the selvage of each commemorative sheet)
This is the second in a series of World War II 50th anniversary stamp
sheets being issued by the U.S. Postal Service from 1991 through 1995.
A series of five books focusing on each year's stamps and war-related
world events is being offered for sale. For ordering details, write:
WORLD WAR II BOOKS
USPS SALES DIVISION
PO BOX 449997
KANSAS CITY MO 64144-9997
(more)
-3-
29
29
29
29
29
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
B-25s take off to raid Tokyo April 18, 1942
Food and other commodities rationed, 1942
U.S. wins Battle of the Coral Sea May 1942
Corregidor falls to Japanese May 6, 1942
Japan invades Aleutian Islands June 1942
(Extent of German
ASIA
expansion,
Summer 1942.
MOSCOW
Massive RAF raids
BRLIN
strike German cities
CANNDA
German 17-bour
Supplies nown
LUNDON
connty
U.S.S.R
OTTAWA
to Chino-over
PARTS
the "Hump
PACIFIC
Russian defenders
April-18c
UNITED
REMING
vable German forces
TEBINGTON
CHINA
of Midway
at Stalingrad,
STATES
Factisiv defeat
Summer 1942.
and Allies
Jupan
TLANT
Hand more than
HONG'KONG
name
INDIA
100 troops
WAKE F
HONOLULU
North Africa
British/defeat
GUAM
November 8.
German forces
PHILIPPINES
Philippines fall
Battle of El Altiment
Japanese,
October 23-Noverguer
ASINGARDRE
Burnan April 9.
Crytegider, May 6.
FOR STOR
AFRICA
SOUTH
OCEAN
Singapore falls
U.S. Marines
INDIAN
Battle of
February 15,
the Caril Sea
land on
AMERICA
halts Japanese
Guadalcana
OCEAN
OCEAN
AUSTRALIA
advance
August
soushward
May 4-8
Note: Red greus controlled by cremy.
1942:Into the Battle
29
29
29
29
29
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
Allies decipher secret enemy codes, 1942
Yorktown lost, U.S. wins at Midway, 1942
Millions of women join war effort, 1942
Marines land on Guadalcanal Aug. 7, 1942
Allies land in North Africa November 1942
HOW TO OBTAIN THE FIRST DAY OF ISSUE POSTMARK
Customers have 60 days to obtain the first day of issue postmark by mail. The easiest way is to
purchase the new stamps at the local post office, affix the stamps to envelopes* of choice, address
the envelopes (to one's self or others), insert a card of postcard thickness, tuck in the flap, and place
the envelopes in a larger envelope addressed to:
CUSTOMER AFFIXED ENVELOPES
1992 WORLD WAR II STAMPS
POSTMASTER
PO BOX 9998
INDIANAPOLIS IN 46206-9991
Once the first day of issue postmark is applied, the envelopes will be returned through the
mail. There is no charge for the postmark.
Customers who wish the Postal Service to affix a single stamp (selected at random; no requests
for particular stamps will be honored), up to a maximum of 50 envelopes, should send self-
addressed envelopes and 29 cents per stamp, in check or money order, to:
1992 WORLD WAR II STAMPS
POSTMASTER
PO BOX 9998
INDIANAPOLIS IN 46206-9992
All orders must be postmarked by October 16, 1992.
*An 8-1/2 X 11 inch envelope (or larger) is recommended for those affixing entire
commemorative sheet with historical map.
(more)
&
- 4 -
SPECIAL OFFERS FROM PHILATELIC SALES DIVISION
1992 World War II Commemorative Sheets pre-affixed to envelopes
The Philatelic Sales Division has two special offers for this commemorative issue:
$3.90 - Commemorative sheet of stamps (10 stamps plus historical map) affixed
onto a 6 X 9-1/2 inch envelope and first day of issue postmark applied;
$7.80 - Full pane of stamps (two identical commemorative sheets) affixed onto a
9-1/2 X 11 inch envelope and first day of issue postmark applied.
These envelopes will be returned through the mail under separate cover to avoid damage.
Mail orders*, along with a check or money order, may be sent to:
1992 WORLD WAR II PREAFFIXED STAMPS
PHILATELIC SALES DIVISION
PO BOX 449997
KANSAS CITY MO 64144-9997
1942: Into The Battle Commemorative Collection
1942: Into The Battle, the second of five annual collections that includes a 44-page hard cover
book and two World War II commemorative sheets with mounts, is available by mail order* (Item
No. 8920) by sending $15.95 per book, in check or money order, to:
1942 INTO THE BATTLE
PHILATELIC SALES DIVISION
PO BOX 449997
KANSAS CITY MO 64144-9997
The Philatelic Sales Division also accepts VISA®, MasterCard® and DISCOVER by
telephone (816/455-4880) and FAX (816/453-7264).
*The usual $10 minimum and 50-cent handling fee applies to these orders.
- 30 -
GUADALCANAL COMMEMORATION
WREATH-LAYING CEREMONY EVENT SCHEDULE
FRIDAY 7 AUGUST 1992
LOCATION: MARINE CORPS WAR MEMORIAL, WASHINGTON, D.C.
10:30
All VIP guests will be seated
10:35
Veterans march on
10:45
Concert - The United States Marine Band.
Music Selection: Waltzing Matilda,
Guadalcanal March, and the Armed Forces Medley,
10:55
Ceremony begins
Joint Color Guard Post the Colors
National Anthem
11:00
Invocation: Chaplain Gehring, Division Chaplain, 1st
Marine Division (Rein), Guadalcanal 1942
11:01
Opening Remarks:
General Carl E. Mundy Jr.,
Commandant of the Marine Corps
11:05
Introduction of Guest Speaker:
The Honorable Mr. Dick Cheney,
Secretary of Defense
11:10
Keynote speaker's address
11:20
Unveiling of the Guadalcanal Commemorative Stamp
by Mr. David Harris, Post Master General
11:23
Wreath Laying:
Mr. George Bush
President of the United States
11:30
Benediction: Chaplain Denis O'Brian, 1st Marine
Division Association
11:35
The Marines' Hymn, Petire Colors.
11:37
March off.
INFORMENTO
OF
Fact Sheet
50
ANNIVERSARY
Guadalcanal
First American Ground Offensive
The first American ground offensive in the Pacific during World
War II took place at an obscure island in the southern Solomons--
Guadalcanal. There, the high tide of Japanese conquest was reached
and the ebb began.
After Midway, The U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff decided that the
strategic situation had improved enough to risk the mounting of a
limited offensive. In July, aerial reconnaissance showed that the
Japanese had begun to build an airfield on Guadalcanal, marking
Japan's furthest advance toward the eastern half of the South Pacific.
Thus, this island became the principal target of the offensive.
At least a division of trained amphibious assault troops was
needed for WATCHTOWER, the code-name of the Guadalcanal-
Tulagi operation, and only one such unit was available in the Pacific
--the 1st Marine Division.
Marines look at a captured Japanese artillery gun on Guadalcanal (Courtesy photo)
The plan for WATCHTOWER called for two separate landings.
Enemy air and naval reaction to the assault was expected to be
Coast Guard assists at Guadalcanal
violent and strong.
On Aug. 7, the Marines landed on Guadalcanal with no enemy
The U.S Coast Guard was deeply involved with the campaign
response. Naval gunfire had driven the labor troops working on the
for Guadalcanal. Of the 23 transports and destroyer transports in
airfield into the hills. The primary obstacles to the Marine advance
Task Force Tare, the Amphibious Task Force which landed the
were the jungle and the enervating effect of the hot, humid climate
Marines, all but four had Coastguardsmen on board. Coastguardsmen
on men not used to the tropics.
operated the craft which landed the Marines on the beaches of
Maj. Gen. Alexander A. Vandegrift, commanding general of the
Guadalcanal. They also evacuated Marines amid intense enemy
1st Marine Division, posted his troops to hold perimeter defenses,
attack. It was for heroic actions during one such evacuation on Sept.
while engineers worked around the clock to finish the airstrip the
27, 1942, Signalman First Class Douglas A. Munro was awarded the
Japanese had begun. On Aug. 20, the first Allied air units landed at
Medal of Honor (posthumously).
Henderson Field, named after a Marine aviator killed at the Battle of
Midway.
Marine aviators contribute to victory
The ground action on Guadalcanal revolved around a series of
highpoints of intense fighting with intervals marked by vigorous
The air elements in the campaign contributed greatly to the
patrol combat. The fiercest battles were waged at Edson's Ridge.
ultimate victory at Guadalcanal. In September, the CACTUS Air
Marines and soldiers fought side by side to defend Henderson Field
Force, under Brig. Gen. Roy S. Geiger, commanding general of the
against intense, repeated enemy attacks.
1st Marine Aircraft Wing, took shape as a joint service force. These
Marine and Army aircraft closely supported the ground elements
and were the decisive factor in the sea battles. The CACTUS Air
Navy faces own challenges
Force and carrier squadrons exacted a heavy toll on enemy trans-
ports during repeated reinforcements attempts.
during Guadalcana!
While the ground forces held their own, the American Navy was
Guadalcanal campaign decided
suffering the worst series of reverses in its history. Around midnight
November was the critical month in which the issue of the
Aug. 8/9, the Battle of Savo Island was waged. Seven Japanese
campaign was decided. A month of continuous fighting with artil-
cruisers sank four Allied cruisers and damaged three other ships.
lery, air and naval gunfire support all playing a part in the destruc-
Sealark Channel won a new title, Iron Bottom Sound, in dubious
tion, virtually finished one Japanese division and elements of
tribute to the number of ships that sank there during frequent and
another.
costly night battles which ensued throughout the campaign for
On Dec. 9, General Vandegrift turned over command of the
Guadalcanal.
forces on Guadalcanal to Maj. Gen. Alexander M. Patch, com-
mander of the Americal Division, as the 1st Marine Division was
officially relieved.
50th Anniversary of World War II
The enemy had had enough. He wished only to rescue the troops
Commemoration Committee
still alive on the island to fight another day. On Feb. 8, General Patch
HQDA, SACC; Pengaon, Room 3E524
reported, "Total and complete defeat of Japanese forces on
Washington, D.C. 20310-0107 (703) 692-2111
Guadalcanal.
Personnel Losses
American
Marine units had more than 1,200 killed and 3,000 wounded in
action.
By November 1942, it was estimated that one-third of the 1st
Marine Division was medically unfit for combat due to malaria and
malnutrition. By the end of the campaign, the 1st Marine Division
had 8,580 recorded cases of malaria.
Army units had approximately 450 killed and 1,900 wounded.
The Navy had more than 3,600 killed in the many naval engage-
ments.
United States and Allied Naval Casualties
Ships
Ships
Month
Sunk
Damaged
Killed
Wounded
August
9
26
1,519
938
An American convoy travels through the jungle of Guadalcanal.
September
3
0
271
272
Results of the Campaign
October
6
20
695
554
Guadalcanal was both a strategic and emotional victory for the
November
10
19
2,108
886
United States and the Allies.
The Japanese were prevented from obtaining a significant point
December
0
1
3
6
from which they could imperil the vital supply lines from the U.S.
to Australia, ultimately isolating Australia.
January
1
8
92
71
This first offensive of World War II was a success and marked
the beginning of continued offenses in the Pacific.
February
1
2
170
47
Guadalcanal resulted in several doctrinal changes which are
still adhered to today:
command of ground troops, once they depart the ship,
0
MILES
10
was shifted from the Commander, Amphibious Task Force (Navy)
0
KILOMETERS
20
to the Commander, Landing Force (Marine Corps).
Florida I
- amphibious task forces would no longer depart home
port outfitted only for a training mission but would always carry
0740 1200
TULAG
Savo
2 Marine Regt plus Para Br.
enough supplies and ammunition for combat.
Strong resistence evercome
both the Commander, Landing Force and Commander,
1/7 Feb 1943
Japaness forces
7 August 1942
I
withdraw
US1 Marine Div
Amphibious Task Force must agree that the objectives of the
Vandeg
amphibious task force have been met before the Navy is released
C
1
IRONBOTTO.
SOUND
Esperance
from the area of operations.
TENARO
October
Japaness reserves
land
Night Sept
Medal of Honor Recipients
Marina raiders
8909
PM. Aug
6 Marine Regt lands
attack Jap base
Tassafaronge
Handerson Field
unopposed
Kenneth D. Bailey, Maj., USMC, Sept. 12-13, 1942
PI
taken
1 Marine Regt follows
Aug
17 Jan 1943
Sept
Jap Seventeenth Army
John Basilone, Sgt., USMC, Oct. 24-25, 1942
Kol P
begins withdrawal from
Lunga PI
the Matanikau
KUKUM
TENARL
Harold William Bauer, Maj., USMC (Air), May 10- Nov. 14, 1942
Daniel Judson Callaghan, Rear Adm, USN, Nov. 12-13, 1942
23 Oct
Night 21 Aug
Maruyama sattacks
Ichiki detachment
destroyed
Anthony Casamento, Cpl., USMC, Nov. 1, 1942
repulsed
Malanika
Charles W. Davis, Maj., USA, Jan. 12, 1943
12 Sept
Tenaru
Kawaguchi suffers
Jefferson Joseph DeBlanc, 1st Lt., USMC (Air), Jan. 31, 1943
heavy losses at
Bloody Ridge
Merritt Austin Edson, Col., USMC, Sept. 13-14, 1942
Guadalcanal
Joseph Jacob Foss, Capt., USMC (Air), Oct. 9, 1942- Jan. 25, 1943
AMERICAN ATTACKS
William G. Fourney, Sgt., USA, Jan. 10, 1943
JAPANESE COUNTERATTACKS
AND WITHDRAWALS
Robert Edward Galer, Maj., USMC (Air) August-September 1942
US
DEFENSE
HAUGUST
Howard Walter Gilmore, Cmdr., USN, Jan. 10 - Feb. 7. 1943
EARLY
DECEMBER
Lewis Hall, Technician Fifth Grade, USA, Jan. 10 1943
Rienhardt John Keepler, Boatswain's Mate 1/c, USN, Nov. 12-13, 1942
This map depicts the Battle of Guadalcanal.
Bruce McCandless, Cmdr., USN, Nov. 12-13, 1942
Mitchell Paige, Plt. Sgt., USMC, Oct. 26, 1942
Sources
Douglas Albert Munro, Signalman 1/c, USCG, Sept. 27 1942
The United States Marines in the Guadalcanal Campaign. Henry I. Shaw Jr.
Guadalcanal-The Definitive Account of the Landmark Battle. Richard B. Frank.
Herbert Emery Schonland, Cmdr., USN, Nov. 12-13, 1942
The United States Marines, 1775-1975, Brig. Gen. Edwin H. Simmons, USMC
Norman Scott, Rear Adm., USN, Nov. 12-13, 1942
Retired.
John Lucian Smith, Maj., USMC (Air), Aug 21 - Sept. 15, 1942
The Coast Guard at War: The Pacific Landings VI, U.S. Coast Guard Historical
James Elms Swett, 1st Lt., USMC (Air) April 7, 1943
Division.
Alexander Archer Vandegrift, Maj. Gen., USMC, Aug. 7- Dec. 9 1942
No 217-M
MEMORANDUM FOR CORRESPONDENTS
August 4, 1992
Ceremonies commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Marine
landing on Guadalcanal will take place this week in Washington,
DC, and on the island of Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands.
Events in the Pacific will include gatherings of veterans and
commemorative battlefield ceremonies. The USS Racine (LST-1191)
and a contingent of Marines are also participating in the Pacific
observances. Formal Washington commemorative ceremonies will
take place Friday, August 7, 1992, at the Marine Corps War Memor-
ial. The Secretary of Defense will participate.
The Guadalcanal campaign was the first major allied ground
offensive of World War II. It was marked by some of the fiercest
fighting of the war and was a major defeat for the Imperial Jap-
anese Army. It began with an amphibious landing involving more
than 16,000 Marines of the 1st Marine Division. By October,
1942, other forces, including elements of the U.S. Army's 23rd
and 25th Infantry Divisions and the 2nd Marine Division, joined
the battle.
The first Marines and sailors on the ground endured many
hardships, including numerous enemy attacks and reduced rations
for the first six weeks of the operation until re-supply was
possible. The operation was also one of the first true "joint
operations" of World War II. Marine, Navy and Army Air Corps
pilots of the famed "Cactus Air Force" fought under a unified
command for control of Henderson Field and the air over the
island, destroying more than 600 enemy planes in the process.
The Navy also fought numerous major naval engagements in support
of the troops ashore. Many of the landing craft were piloted by
Coast Guard coxswains who landed and evacuated troops, often
during periods of intense fighting.
By the end of the campaign, 30 allied ships had been sunk
and more than 4,800 men, including 3,600 sailors, had been
killed. Nearly 25,000 Japanese died, including 2,300 pilots and
aircrewmen. Allied seizure of the island, combined with the
severe loss of experienced Japanese pilots, gave the allies a
decisive edge for the balance of the war.
Specific events and points of contact are outlined on the
following page.
-MORE-
- 2 -
Washington, DC, Area
AUGUST 3-9, 1ST MARINE DIVISION ASSOCIATION REUNION: 2,000+ mem-
bers, including 600 Guadalcanal veterans, will be meeting at the
Washington Hilton and Towers.
Contact: Jerry Brown or Gordon Heim at (202) 483-3000
(Hotel) or (202) 797-4534 (9-5; office in Military
Room).
AUGUST 5 (8:00 p.m.), MARINE CORPS BAND CONCERT: At the U.S.
Capitol Building (East Steps). (Open Event)
AUGUST 6 (8:45 p.m.), MARINE BARRACKS EVENING PARADE: in honor of
the 1st Marine Division and Guadalcanal veterans, at the Marine
Barracks, 8th & I Streets, NW.
Contact: Warrant Officer Bueno, Marine Barracks, Public
Affairs Office at (202) 433-4173.
AUGUST 7 (10:30 a.m.), COMMEMORATIVE CEREMONY: Veterans will
"march-on" to the parade field in front of the Marine Corps War
Memorial ( Iwo Jima Statue). A memorial wreath will be presented
and the Postal Service will unveil a Guadalcanal commemorative
postage stamp.
Contact: Major Longley, Capt. Runolfson or Capt. Worman
at (703) 697-7371 or (703) 697-7372.
Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands Area
CEREMONIES IN THE SOUTH PACIFIC: include memorial services,
monument dedications and presentations of medals to surviving
veterans. The USS Racine (LST-1191) will transit Iron Bottom
Sound in honor of sailors lost in the battle. A National
Geographic/Robert Ballard expedition will be filming several of
the ships sunk and the ceremonies and veterans present.
For Information on ceremonies: Contact Fleet Marine
Forces (Pacific), Public Affairs Office, at (808) 477-
5052 (Hawaii) ; or LtCol. Ron Stokes or WO Hedlund c/o
American Embassy, Guadalcanal Island, 011-67-7-20725.
For Information on Natl. Geog./Ballard Expedition:
Contact Melissa Montefiore, Natl. Geog. Television,
(202) 857-7627.
Chronology of Major Events¹
7 Aug
-
1st Marine Division lands on Guadalcanal
9 Aug
-
U. S. Navy, while in support of Marine landing,
suffers one of worst setbacks in its history
in the Battle of Savo Island.
21 Aug
-
Battle of the Ilu (Tenaru) River; defeat of the
Ichiki Detachment.
24-25 Aug -
Naval Battle of the Eastern Solomons.
12 Sep
-
Battle of Edson's Ridge; defeat of the
Kawaguchi Brigade.
12 Oct
-
Naval Battle of Cape Esperance.
25-26 Oct -
Second Battle of Edson's Ridge; defeat of the
Sendai Division.
26 Oct
-
Naval Battle of Santa Cruz.
12 Nov
-
Naval Battle of Guadalcanal.
6 Dec
-
1st Marine Division relieved and departs
Guadalcanal.
Jan-Feb,
1943
- All Japanese forces withdrawn from
Guadalcanal.
1
Taken from Col. Peter F. C. Armstrong, USMC (Ret), "The
Battle of Guadalcanal: A 50-Year Retrospective", Marine
Corps Gazette, August, 1992, and other sources.
Guadalcanal Vignettes
First major U.S. Offensive of the World War II.
World War II's only Coast Guard Medal of Honor
awarded to Signalman First Class Douglas Munro.
Marine aviator Capt. Joseph Foss achieves 26 kills
on Guadalcanal; awarded Medal of Honor.
Marines on Guadalcanal christen Japan's nightly
naval resupply effort supporting Japanese troops on
the island the "Tokyo Express".
Marines name Japanese 150mm howitzers "Pistol
Pete".
"Banzai" Japanese battle cry.
Navy suffers worst setback in U. S. history the
evening of August 9, 1942 in the Battle of Savo
Island.
Term "Cactus Air Force" coined to refer to mixed
Marine, Navy and Army Air Corps forces on "Cactus"
Island ("Cactus": code-word for Guadalcanal).
Official name: Operation WATCHTOWER; unofficial Marine
term for the operation (referring to acute shortages of
personnel, essential supplies: "Operation SHOESTRING".
Henderson Field, named for Marine flier killed in
the Battle of Midway (Commanding Officer VMSB-241)
"Washing Machine Charlie" or "Louie the Louse",
term used to describe single Japanese bomber which
appeared nightly to harass Marines and deprive them
of sleep.
Unofficial Selected Bibliography
Frank, Richard B., Guadalcanal (New York, Random House, 1990)
Griffith, Brig. Gen. Samuel B. II, USMC, The Battle for
Guadalcanal (Philadelphia, J. B. Lippincott Co., 1963)
Hough, LtCol. Frank 0., USMC, Ludwig, Maj. Verle E., USMC, and
Shaw, Henry I., Jr., Pearl Harbor to Guadalcanal: A History of
Marine Corps Operatons in World War II (Washington, Government
Press Office, 1958)
Merillat, Capt. Herbert L., USMC, The Island, Story of Guadalcanal
(Boston, Houghton Mifflin, 1944)
Merillat, Capt. Herbert L., USMC, Guadalcanal Remembered
(New York, Dodd Mead, 1982)
Miller, John Jr., The United States Army in World War II: The War
in the Pacific; Guadalcanal, The First Offensive (Washington,
Department of the Army, Historical Division, 1949)
Morison, Rear Adm. Samuel E., USNR, History of the United States
Naval Operations in World War II, Volume 5: The Struggle for
Guadalcanal, August 1942 - February 1943 (New York, Little
Brown, 1949)
Shaw, Henry I. Jr., The United States Marines in the Guadalcanal
Campaign (Washington, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps,
Historical Division, 1969)
Tregaskis, Richard, Guadalcanal Diary (New York, Random House,
Inc., 1943)
Zimmerman, Maj. John L., USMCR, The Guadalcanal Campaign
(Washington, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, Historical
Division, 1949)
3
Savo 1.
Florida
MALAITA
Gavutu
Cape Esperance
STATE
Sealark Channel
Taivu Point
& R 08wn7
Field Tenaru & Tasimboko
GUADALCANAL
CREDIT: Courtesy Marine Corps EAZette
Association (ARMSTRONG article) or
FROM
PHONE NO. :
P02
OHN R. was one of those throw.
all night, praying. She remained
backs to the Western hereen of
motionless until the morning when,
yore-a strong, silent type who
Incredibly, she began to stir. When
prided himself on his physical condi-
Dr. Delancy examined her later, be
lioning and would never admit to
shook his head In wonderment: "As n
pain. When he began to feel rum.
doctor, I can scarcely believe this,
blings In his chest while at his Job In
but it looks like she's going to live."
a defense plant, he diamissed it AS
Now a strange situation existed on
"just a little Indigestion." He went
Guadalcanal. There were thousands
to the plant nurse, apologized for
of American fighting men-and one
taking her time over 8 little matter
little girl. The Marines and Scabees
like indigestion and asked for some
who visited her in the Padre's tent
antacid tablets. The nurse, however,
called her a Thanksgiving gift be
pressed him closely about his symp-
cause she had come to them a little
toma, concluded they were n Rign of
before Thanksgiving. But she was a
something more serious and insisted
strange child who never smiled and
on his being examined by a doctor.
uttered hardly a sound. She showed
In n short time, John R. was on his
no emotion except during aerial and
way to the hospital. The "indiges-
artillery bombardments when she
tion" was actually the onset of a
went into uncontrollable hysteries.
heart attack. The prompt emergency
When shells landed close by, they
treatment Insured his survival and,
protected her with their bodies. To
eventually, complete recovery.
calm her, they would sing, dance and
As far as the nurse was con-
clown for her. Her entertainers in-
cerned, the case was routine. But the
cluded Barney Ross, the formet box-
employe-having learned in the hos-
ing champion turned Marine war
nal's Miracle Girl
pital of the many cases of coronary
hero, Buddy Brennan of Guy Lom.
attacks which prove fatal-felt it was
bardo's orchestra, and two Holly-
something of a miracle. Had he
wood personalities in Navy uniform,
known the background of the nurse,
actor Robert Montgomery and pro-
he would have placed even more
ducer Gene Markey (now a retired
stress on that word "miracle."
Rear Admiral).
Patsy LI Fasano, a soft-spoken
The Marines insisted this orphan
and self-effacing professional nurse
of war had to have a name. All sorts
who never talks about her past, was
of names were thrown up for grabs
the central figure of a true-life ad-
and discarded. Then Father Gehring
venture 80 astounding that it too has
decided to call her "Patsy Li". "Pat-
been characterized a miracle.
sy" was the closest first name he
The first chapter unfolded on
could think of for "Pao-Pei," which
Guadalcanal 36 years ago. Japanese
meant "Little Pet" in the Mandarin
troops suspected that residents of a
dialect he had learned HH H pre-war
native village were feeding informa-
missionary to China. "Li" was his
tion to the Americans and they
own Chinese nickname. The Chinese
massacred the entire village. Only
couldn't pronounce Gehring Since
one person survived-a girl between
he wore a Lee hat they gave him
four and five years old who had
that name, spelled Chinese-style.
been brutally beaten around the
The child remained will, her
head, stabbed with A bayonet and
American friends through the most
left for dead in a ditch. Three Mè-
crucial weeks of the fighting. When
lanese natives from another village
the Marines and Army units gained
found her and brought her to Rev.
firm control of most of the island, a
Frederic P. Gehring, Catholic chap-
plane was provided so the Padre
lain to U.S. naval forces on the jun-
could take the wait out of the war
gle island and popularly known as
zone. He flew her to an island in the
the "Padre of Guadalcanal."
New Hebrides where French Marist
"She was burning up with fever
nuns ran a crude little orphanage.
and appeared to be In A deep coma,"
They agreed to rear the child.
Father Gehring recalls. "I sent out a
"She cried SO pitifully when 1
Top photo shows Father Frederic P.
Gehring, a former U.S. Navy chaplain,
hurry call to Dr. James Delaney, our
handed her over to Pére Jean, the
with Patsy LI during her graduation at
Navy medico, and he confirmed my
head of the Marist mission, I almost
Walsingham Academy. Williamshurg. VA.
worst fears. He told me, "I can't see
couldn't bear to leave her." says
Bottom photo shows a retinion between
any hope for her but you can always
Father Gehring. "But she had to
Father Gehring and Patsy 11 with Mrs.
Frank $ Wright (the former Eleanor
try praying to the Great Physician!"
have a home somewhere."
FROM
PHONE NO. :
P03
(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6)
Guadalennal's Miracle Girl
highly cultured family. She found a
difficult situation, he arranged to
sullen, awkward girl who had none
bring Patsy to America.
Correspondent Foster Hailey of
of those graces. The savage beating
With time and care, Patay blos-
the New York Times was intrigued
Inflicted on her by Japanese soldlers,
somed. She won e degree in nursing
by the Indre's account of how the
the torror bombings on Guadalennal
science at Catholic University in
child had been anved, and how much
and the trauma of being suddenly
Washington, DC and spent several
he regretted leaving her. "You may
separated from those who had saved
years as n nurse in Washington and
have lost your little orphan, chap-
and protected her had combined to
Baltimore hospitals, health-care in-
Inin, but I have found a very good
block out any memory of her early
cilities and defense plants. Today,
feature story," Hailey remarked.
years. Her conscious life had begun
she is married to Angelo Fasano. The
Hailey's story about the rescue of
in the orphanage. Despite Its bare
couple now lives in n town house in
Patsy Li, illustrated by a picture
furnishings and its poverty, it repre-
Albuquerque, NM and Patsy has
taken by a Navy photographer, had
sented the only security she knew.
joined the nursing staff of Sandia
repercussions thousands of miles
She had been told who this woman
Laboratories, a research facility
away. When World War II ended,
was and what she was looking for but
which designs and develops nuclear
the Padre of Guadalcanal received a
she didn't know her and she resented
weapons for the government.
strange letter from a Chinese woman
her.
The grown-up "Miracle Girl of
living in Singapore. She had just re-
Hurt and confused, Mrs. Li was
World War II" is now a little past
ceived a clipping of that old story
prepared to go home but an island
40 and thoroughly Americanized.
from a relative living in America.
official convinced her to stay a few
("There is no country in the world
Her name was Ruth LI. She told this
days. She began carefully observing
that has the greatness and the free-
story:
the girl. She checked for tiny, telltale
dom of America," she says simply.)
She, her husband and their little
scars around the eyelids that her
The Padre, now associated with
daughter, Patsy, had been on the
child had been born with. The scars
the Vincentian Missions and head-
last evacuation ship out of Singa-
were therel
quartered in Philadelphia, remains
pore, fleeing the Japanese advance.
The girl was then given a crucial
an Integral part of Palsy's life- The
The ship had been bombed and sunk
handwriting test. When Mrs. Li's
two visit and correspond often. At a
a few miles from the harbor, and al-
daughter was first learning English,
party that Barney Ross hosted for
though she and her husband were
she wrote her words in block letters
Fatsy at Grossinger's resort in New
rescued, their child was not. She had
and always inverted her "E's." Mrs.
York State-not long before the ex-
last been seen floating out to open
Li had brought along a postcard her
champion's death-Father Gehring
sea on a piece of wreckage.
child had once written. Under the
and Eleanor Bumgardner, the person
Mrs. Li refused to accept the ob.
scrutiny of island officials, she dic-
who had served as Palsy's American
vious conclusion-that her child had
tated it to the girl in the orphanage
guardian, urged Fatsy to initiate a
drowned-and for more than three
letter by letter. The girl did not know
full reconciliation with her mother.
years had searched false leads trying
what the post-card message meant
That reconcillation has come to pass.
to locate her. Her husband had ridi-
because the only language she knew
Ruth LI now lives in Albuquerque, too,
culed her "obsession" and bitter
was the French taught her by the
a short distance from the Fasanos.
quarrels led to their divorce. Now
nuns. The nuns had also instructed
she was sure this "obsession" had
her to write in Continental script.
Murtin Abramson is a mugazine
been vindicated. She saw a resem-
Yet when she wrote down the words
writer, former war correspondent and
blance in the published picture to
as dictated to her, she instinctively
the author of "The Barney Ross
her child, although admittedly the
wrote not in her usual Continental
Story (Monkey on My Back)"; "The
child's head was bandaged and her
script but in block letters. And she
Padre of Guadalcanal Story", and
face contorted with sobs. More im-
inverted her "E's" exactly as it had
other books.
portant, the child had been Identified
been done on the postcard Mrs. LI
in the newspaper AS "Patsy Li."
was holding!
As gently as he could, the Padre
The impossible, the unbelievable,
wrote back that the child who had
had come to pass. The two Patsy Lis
survived the Guadalcanal massacre
were actually one. (A comparison of
could not possibly be hers. Hc told
dental charts after Patay returned to
the Singapore mother that he had
Singapore gave further confirma-
made up the name of "Patsy Li" out
tion.)
of his head, or more properly, his
Miracles, however, can founder on
hat. He could just as casily have
the rocks of human frailty. Back In
called her "Fatsy Stetson." Besides,
Singapore, the still-troubled girl had
Guadalcanal was 4,000 miles away
difficulty adjusting to a new environ-
from Singapore harbor. He could
ment. Living in a broken home dis-
see no conceivable way the child
turbed her. Her mother was RO anx-
could have gotten from the one place
lous that she make up for the years
to the other.
lost from top-grade schools that she
But what is 4,000 miles to a moth-
pushed her hard. The relations be-
er? After exchanging a few more let-
came frigid.
term with the Padre, she insisted on
Ever since Father Gchring had
following her instincts and making
been Informed of the miracle of din-
the long trip to the New Hebrides
covery, he had kept up a correspon-
to see for herself.
dence with both Ruth LI and Fatsy
At lirat, Mrs. LI experienced cruel
LI. He felt a responsibility for Pat-
disappointment. She had lost n pret.
sy's well-being and when Mrs. Li
tv little child born to n well-to-do
asked if hr could help resolve this
Ack,
Lynn Kennelly
Adm. Wm. Kime,
Commandant Carl Mundy
(Commandant Coast Guard)
2/Dick Chency
3) POTUS
PostMaster Maurin
Derwinski
Sec. of Army Stones
Runyon
Act. Sec. Navy Sean O'Keefe
AF Sec. Donald Rice
Two Sens. bothe Guad vets
John Charfeev
Howell Heflin
/ Rep. Jack Brooks vet
Mitchell Paige, Medal of
Honor Guad
PAGE
2
1ST STORY of Level 1 printed in FULL format.
The Associated Press
The materials in the AP file were compiled by The Associated Press. These
materials may not be republished without the express written consent of The
Associated Press.
July 19, 1992, Sunday, BC cycle
ADVANCED-DATE: July 13, 1992, Monday, BC cycle
SECTION: Domestic News
LENGTH: 147 words
KEYWORD: Guadalcanal-Quotes
BODY:
"Say a prayer for your pal on Guadalcanal" - Marine Corps rhyme.
"It seemed like it lasted forever. Day after day of getting bombed, shelled,
shot at. You never got any real sleep. Never got any real food. But nobody was
going to drive us out, god damn it. You're damned if you're going to let the
Marine Corps down and damned if you're going to let your outfit down" - Retired
Marine Col. Victor Croizat.
"Do not expect to return, not even one man, if occupation is not successful" -
Japanese marching order.
"Fix bayonets and follow me" - Medal of Honor winner Mitchell Paige.
"F rom the generals to the privates, we had one thing on our minds - get the job
done and go home. The historians called it a turning point. Of course, we didn't t
know it at the time. We were just battling to knock those suckers down." - Medal
of Honor winner Joe Foss.
TM
TM
TM
LEXIS:NEXIS
LEXIS-NEXIS®
LEXIS-NEXIS®
Services of Mead Data Central, Inc.
Recyclable
Document No. 34397
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE: 08/06/92
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
ASAP
SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: WREATH-LAYING CEREMONY
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
HORNER
SKINNER
MCBRIDE
SCOWCROFT
MOORE
DARMAN
PETERSMEYER
BRADY
PORTER
BROMLEY
PROVOST
CALIO
SMITH
DEMAREST
YEUTTER
FITZWATER
MCGROARTY
GRAY
KAUFMAN
HOLIDAY
GAUGHAN
REMARKS:
Please provide any comments directly to Dan McGroarty AS SOON AS
POSSIBLE THIS EVENING, with a copy to this office. Thanks.
RESPONSE:
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
2 AUG 6 - P4:49
August 6, 1992
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
THROUGH:
STEVEN PROVOST
FROM:
ANDY FERGUSON at
SUBJECT:
WREATH-LAYING CEREMONY
On Friday, August 7 at 10:45 a.m., you will participate in a
wreath-laying ceremony hosted by the Commandant of the Marine
Corps at the Marine Corps Memorial in Arlington. This ceremony
is dedicated to all Guadalcanal veterans, and marks the 50th
anniversary of the amphibious landing on the island of
Guadalcanal. Your remarks are ten minutes in length, and will be
on cards.
(Ferguson/Aarhus)
August 6, 1992
WREATH
Draft One
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: WREATH-LAYING CEREMONY (GUADALCANAL)
ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY
AUGUST 7, 1992
11:00 A.M.
Thank you, Secretary Cheney, for that kind introduction.
(Acknowledgments)
I would like to open, if I may, with a story. It is a story
of heroism, a story of courage and sacrifice. It is a story from
Guadalcanal.
Kenneth Bailey was Commanding Officer of Company C, First
Marine Raider Battalion, when his men were called upon to defend
Henderson Field during the Japanese assault of September 12th and
13th, 1942. The enemy had penetrated our main line of defense;
their numbers were superior to ours, and only a miracle, it
seemed, could defend the airfield.
Major Bailey and his men provided the miracle, turning back
the flank attack, then covering the withdrawal of our main force.
In the fighting, Major Bailey sustained severe wounds to his
head. Even so, for ten hours, he and his men engaged the enemy
in hand-to-hand combat.
The attack was repulsed. Henderson Field was secured.
Major Bailey died two weeks later from machine-gun fire, in yet
another battle on Guadalcanal. He received the Congressional
Medal of Honor for his gallantry on Bloody Ridge.
sur
Major Bailey's story serves as a summation for thousands of
other stories, tales that could be told by the brave men gathered
2
here, who survived the hell that was Guadalcanal. Secretary
Cheney mentioned the lessons of those battles, and I am struck,
recounting Major Bailey's story, of one lesson in particular.
Kenneth Bailey was from Pawnee, a town of 2,000 near the
Arkansas River in north-central Oklahoma. In the months and
years before the great war in the Pacific, who could have
predicted that a son of Pawnee, Oklahoma -- or the sons of
Raritan, New Jersey; Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Rutland, Vermont
-- who could have foretold that these young men, from every
corner of America, would be called upon to defend freedom six
on
thousand miles away, in an obscure Pacific island called
Guadalcanal?
It's safe to say that few if any had ever heard of the
island. None could have predicted what would transpire there.
But it was on Guadalcanal that the forces of freedom began their
long march -- a march that wouldn't end until three years later
in Tokyo Bay, on the deck of the USS Missouri.
No one can foretell when or where freedom will be challenged
-- that is one of the lessons of Guadalcanal. How many
Stet
Americans, in 1947, had heard of Pusin or Chosin or Inchon? How
many of us, fifteen years later, had yet heard of Da Nang or Khe
Sahn? And how few Americans, in the summer of 1990, had yet
heard of Dahran or Khafji. (MEXIS)
Yet today these names are indelibly part of the roll call of
honor, places where Americans made their stand, and offered up
their sweat and blood to a cause greater than themselves.
3
We honor the dead not merely for their sake but for our own
as well. In commemoration and remembrance we learn again that
freedom, in the deepest sense, always hangs in the balance --
that we earn it day by day, in hot wars and cold -- that its
price, as Jefferson said, is eternal vigilance, an endlessly
renewed dedication to keeping our country strong, our defenses
second to none, our leadership unquestioned and unchallenged.
[American leadership is expressed in many ways. NSC INSERT
TO COME]
Let me return, in closing, to Guadalcanal. There was a
rhyme passed around during those dark five SiX months as the battle
raged on, when freedom hung by the unbreakable thread of American
bravery and resolve. Every Marine who wasn't fighting on the
islands knew the lines: "Say a prayer for your pal // on
Guadalcanal."
This morning, in this place, we remember those words and the
men who inspired them. With hearts full of pride and awe and
thanksgiving, we once again say a prayer for those who fought and
died in a place few had known of, but which we will never forget.
May God bless them. May God bless you. And may God bless
the United States of America.
# # #
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
August 6, 1992
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
THROUGH:
STEVEN PROVOST
FROM:
ANDY FERGUSON at
SUBJECT:
WREATH-LAYING CEREMONY
On Friday, August 7 at 10:45 a.m., you will participate in a
wreath-laying ceremony hosted by the Commandant of the Marine
Corps at the Marine Corps Memorial in Arlington. This ceremony
is dedicated to all Guadalcanal veterans, and marks the 50th
anniversary of the amphibious landing on the island of
Guadalcanal. Your remarks are ten minutes in length, and will be
on cards.
(Ferguson/Aarhus)
August 6, 1992
WREATH
Draft One
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: WREATH-LAYING CEREMONY (GUADALCANAL)
ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY
AUGUST 7, 1992
11:00 A.M.
Thank you, Secretary Cheney, for that kind introduction.
(Acknowledgments)
I would like to open, if I may, with a story. It is a story
of heroism, a story of courage and sacrifice. It is a story from
Guadalcanal.
Kenneth Bailey was Commanding Officer of Company c, First
Marine Raider Battalion, when his men were called upon to defend
Henderson Field during the Japanese assault of September 12th and
13th, 1942. The enemy had penetrated our main line of defense;
their numbers were superior to ours, and only a miracle, it
seemed, could defend the airfield.
Major Bailey and his men provided the miracle, turning back
the flank attack, then covering the withdrawal of our main force.
In the fighting, Major Bailey sustained severe wounds to his
head. Even so, for ten hours, he and his men engaged the enemy
in hand-to-hand combat.
The attack was repulsed. Henderson Field was secured.
Major Bailey died two weeks later from machine-gun fire, in yet
another battle on Guadalcanal. He received the Congressional
Medal of Honor for his gallantry on Bloody Ridge.
Major Bailey's story serves as a summation for thousands of
other stories, tales that could be told by the brave men gathered
2
here, who survived the hell that was Guadalcanal. Secretary
Cheney mentioned the lessons of those battles, and I am struck,
recounting Major Bailey's story, of one lesson in particular.
Kenneth Bailey was from Pawnee, a town of 2,000 near the
Arkansas River in north-central Oklahoma. In the months and
years before the great war in the Pacific, who could have
predicted that a son of Pawnee, Oklahoma -- or the sons of
Raritan, New Jersey; Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Rutland, Vermont
-- who could have foretold that these young men, from every
corner of America, would be called upon to defend freedom six
thousand miles away, in an obscure Pacific island called
Guadalcanal?
It's safe to say that few if any had ever heard of the
island. None could have predicted what would transpire there.
But it was on Guadalcanal that the forces of freedom began their
long march -- a march that wouldn't end until three years later
in Tokyo Bay, on the deck of the USS Missouri.
No one can foretell when or where freedom will be challenged
-- that is one of the lessons of Guadalcanal. How many
Americans, in 1947, had heard of Pusin or Chosin or Inchon? How
many of us, fifteen years later, had yet heard of Da Nang or Khe
Sahn? And how few Americans, in the summer of 1990, had yet
heard of Dahran or Khafji.
Yet today these names are indelibly part of the roll call of
honor, places where Americans made their stand, and offered up
their sweat and blood to a cause greater than themselves.
3
We honor the dead not merely for their sake but for our own
as well. In commemoration and remembrance we learn again that
freedom, in the deepest sense, always hangs in the balance --
that we earn it day by day, in hot wars and cold -- that its
price, as Jefferson said, is eternal vigilance, an endlessly
renewed dedication to keeping our country strong, our defenses
second to none, our leadership unquestioned and unchallenged.
[American leadership is expressed in many ways. NSC INSERT
TO COME]
Let me return, in closing, to Guadalcanal. There was a
rhyme passed around during those dark five months as the battle
raged on, when freedom hung by the unbreakable thread of American
bravery and resolve. Every Marine who wasn't fighting on the
islands knew the lines: "Say a prayer for your pal // on
Guadalcanal."
This morning, in this place, we remember those words and the
men who inspired them. With hearts full of pride and awe and
thanksgiving, we once again say a prayer for those who fought and
died in a place few had known of, but which we will never forget.
May God bless them. May God bless you. And may God bless
the United States of America.
#
#
#
AUG 6 '92 13:34 FROM OASD-PA
PAGE. 001
TELEFACSIMILE TRANSMITTAL HEADER SHEET
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
OFFICE OF ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF DEFENSE
FOR PUBLIC AFFAIRS
TO
Andy Ferguson
NUMBER
TELEFACS #:
OF PAGES
NAME:
(INCLUDING HEADER)
OFFICE:
-
2.
PHONE: ( )
-
FROM Eliot Brenner
CLASSIFICATION
NAME:
(IE.CLOSE HOLD, FOUO,
OFFICE: OASD(PA)- speechworters
PRIORITY, ROUTINE, ETC.)
PHONE: (703)
-
or DSN 22 -
TELEFACS #: (703) 695-1149 OR AV 225-1149
If all pages sent are not received or pages are illegible,
immediately contact sender indicated in FROM block of header.
RELEASER COMMENTS:
TELEFACSIMILE TRANSMITTAL HEADER SHEET
AUG 6 '92 13:34 FROM OASD-PA
PAGE. 002
1:29 pm
Eliot Brenner
8/06/92
Andy,
A couple of hero's de jure for your dining and dancing enjoyment.
During the Sept. 11-12, 1942, battle for Edson's Ridge or Bloody Ridge (A key
position above Henderson Field), Marine Corps Maj. Kenneth Bailey of Pawnee,
Oklahoma, won a postumous medal of honor for using his reserve company to first
repulse a flank attack on his own position and then cover the withdrawal of the main
force that was getting hammered in one of a series of Japanese attacks over two
days. Despite a severe head wound, he led his troops in fierce hand-to-hand combat
for 10 hours. His troops repulsed the Japanese attack, and Henderson Field was
protected. (Bailey was assigned to the First Marine Division, the initial invasion
force. He died of his wounds.)
Sgt. John Basilone, who joined up from Raritan, New Jersey, was in the 7th
Marines which landed after the initial assault. He had a 50-caliber machine gun,
and in an Oct. 24 series of attacks on Edson's Ridge, or Bloody Ridge as it also was
known, waves of Japanese shouting "Blood for the emperor. Marine you die.
Banzai," came out of the rain. When he got low on ammo, he ran back into a
command post, scurried back to the fight. He set up a new machine gun position,
made several more trips back for ammunition, and kept fighting. Once there were
SO many bodies piled in front of his machine gun that he had to get his men to move
them to clear his field of fire. Eventually, after eight attacks, the battle was over. It
is estimated that 1,200 Japanese died in the attack, and as many as one quarter were
killed by the 25,000 rounds that Basilone and his men fired that night. He was
killed at Iwo Jima.
hope that helps brenner-pentagon-703-697-8191.
AUG-06-1992 16:07 FROM COMMANDANT USMC
TO
92024566218 P.01
UNCLASSIFIED
TELEFAX
Date:
Time:
To:
MR Andy Ferguson
White House COMMUNICATIONS
FAX #
202 456 6218
.
From:
MAJOR JOE DUNFORD
Office of the Commandant
Commandant's Staff Group (CSG), HOMC
Washington D.C. 20380
Phone: (703) 614-2362/2500/2501 FAX: (703) 614-3066
Message:
These PAGeS CONTAIN Several
PArAGRAPHS About MAJOR BAiley's
ACTIONS. Please CALL if you
Need MORE ANd I will do
Additional research. We CAN Answer
ANY questions you Might have
(Note PArticulArly quote ON PAge 272)
THIS FAX HAS A TOTAL OF 2 PAGES INCLUDING THIS PAGE.
NOT TO BE USED FOR CLASSIFIED DOCUMENTS
AUG-06-1992
16:07
FROM
COMMANDANT
USMC
TO
92024566218
P.02
THE LANDING
73
: landings on Tulagi and
0740 to secure a promontory which commanded Beach Blue, but
0007, August 8, he re-
found no Japanesc present. The rest of their parent battalion (Lieu-
General Rupertus that
tenant Colonel Robert E. Hill) waded ashore on Florida's Halavo
cent casualties while the
peninsula east of Gavutu-Tanambogo for like purposes and identical
ng 50-60 percent.
results. At precisely H-Hour, 0800, the boats bearing Companies B
and D of the Raiders grounded offshore on the coral and the em-
barked marines sloshed ashore, sometimes slipping and tearing cloth
0
and flesh on the spiny coral heads. Unlike their comrades on Guadal-
canal, they traveled light. "Don't worry about the food," their com-
If a mile wide lying just
mander, Lieutenant Colonel Merritt A. Edson, told one company
300 feet above the sea
commander. "There's plenty there. Japs eat, too. All you have to do
'and. About two-thirds
is get it. The Japanese did not have the narrow beach under observa-
lagi the ridge is broken
tion, because immediately behind it the heavily wooded ground rose
: of hills, the southeas-
steeply. The leading companies pushed straight across the island
ter its elevation in feet.
from the beach with Company B securing Sasapi and then wheeling
omons Islands Protec-
right while Company D faced right immediately after cresting
ding the Governor's
Tulagi's spine. The second wave brought in Companies C and A. The
nd of the island. The
latter scaled the ridge to tie into the right flank of Company D at the
of the 3d Kure Special
crest and Company C extended the Marine line to the southwest
n under Commander
shore. In an arrowhead formation the Raiders swept down the island
led that the strongest
to Phase Line A, where the first resistance confronted Company B
:d southeast beaches.
from outposts in the former Chinese quarters. In the scuffle a young
; strip of shore (Beach
doctor was killed and the Company D commander was wounded.
of the island for the
Meanwhile the 2d Battalion, 5th Marines (Licutenant Colonel Har-
old E. Rosecrans) landed on Beach Blue by 0916, releasing Company
transports, four de-
E of the Raiders from the chore of securing the beachhead. Elements
Captain George B.
of the new battalion combed the northwest end of the island but
te beach. Rupertus's
found no Japanese.
on; the 1st Battalion,
When the Raiders tried to move beyond Phase Line A, Company
d the 1st Parachute
C butted immodiately into heavy opposition from concentrated ma-
at he expected to be
chinegun fire on the southwest side of the spine around Hill 208. In
and most aggressive
the course of overcoming this opposition. the company commander,
Major Kenneth D. Bailey, was wounded after he dashed forward to
ion required a fairly
the top of a Japanese cave and from there kicked cover from the
ttalion, 2d Marines
embrasure. With grenades and small-arms fire Company C overpow-
iders would land on
ered all resistance and then resumed the advance with Company A
alion, 5th Marines,
until they reached a spot where the ground fell away steeply to a
Tanambogo would
small flat. field-in tranquil times the cricket grounds. One platoon
I plus four hours.
of Company C felt its way down the shore to the southeast tip of the
'oops to step ashore
island, but the remainder of the marines halted.
2d Marines under
The fighting marked the initial encounter with the tactics for
deta on Florida at
which the Japanese became well known. They entrenched strongly
238
GUADALCANAL
This officer decided on his own to pull back his men. Torgerson
ratified this decision-the withdrawal was already in progress-and
directed that both Companies B and C of the Parachutists assemble
behind the high knoll, about 150 yards to the rear, from which point
he hoped to mount a counterattack.
The main weight of the Japanese attack now fell on Captain John
B. Sweeney's Company B of the Raiders, only sixty strong. Behind
them Edson moved his command post forward to the top of the high
knoll that dominated the center of the ridge. There he organized a
defense with Company C of the Raiders along the south and west
side of the knoll and Company A of the Parachutists on the east side.
He ordered Company B of the Raiders to fall back on this position.
This band of Raiders began filing rearward along the single trail atop
the ridge with Companies B and C of the Parachutists.
A withdrawal at night in the face of an enemy attack ranks among
the most difficult maneuvers in war. It is intrinsically confusing, and
even with fresh men, control is difficult. But Edson's marines were
in their sixth day of raiding, digging, and defending. Almost all
functioned on nervous energy alone; some were nearly stuporous. As
the Parachutists reached the rear of the knoll someone again mur-
mured, "Withdraw"-though withdrawal had not been authorized.
Some marines began to continue to move toward the airfield, an act
that threatened to start a disastrous unraveling of the American line.
But at this juncture appeared Major Kenneth D. Bailey of the Raid-
ers, whose commanding presence and vivid language jerked the re-
treat-if not rout-up short.
What made the withdrawal possible was a curtain of bursting
shells directed by the forward observers from the 11th Marines.
Correspondent Richard Tregaskis heard an observer call back:
"Drop it five zero and walk it back and forth across the ridge." At
the division command post-where all hands (including Tregaskis)
huddled on the crest of the spur under sniper fire-the voice of a
battery officer was plainly audible above the raucous battle barking
"Load" and then "Fire." A breathless runner brought word from
Edson that the range was perfect: "It's knocking hell out of "em."
So it was. I/124 suffered many casualties from artillery and small-
arms fire, and its sword-wielding commander fell dead.
But the artillery fire created one perverse effect. Major Tamura,
the commander of II/4, ostensibly Kawaguchi's reserve, had ad-
vanced his battalion to an assembly area very close to the Marine
lines. When the shelling of his unit became intense about 2200, Major
Tamura decided not to wait for orders but to hurtle his men forward
AUG-06-1992 16:08 FROM COMMANDANT USMC
TO
92024566218
P.04
THE BATTLE OF EDSON'S RIDGE
239
own to pull back his men. Torgerson
at once. He shook out the 5th and 7th Companies into a line and
hdrawal was already in progress-and
advanced up the ridge itself. There they smashed against Company
B and C of the Parachutists assemble
B of the Raiders and helped to force the withdrawal. Marine fire
50 yards to the rear, from which point
shattered the 5th Company during its attack and pursuit. Two pla-
*attack.
toon leaders were already down when the company commander fell
anese attack now fell on Captain John
before the knoll on which Edson. now made the final stand.
the Raiders, only sixty strong. Behind
About 300 marines gripped the knoll-the last defensive position
and post forward to the top of the high
before Henderson Field-in a horseshoe-shaped line. When the com-
ter of the ridge. There he organized a
mander of the 1st Parachute Battalion proved to be a "dud" at this
the Raiders along the south and west
critical juncture, Edson elevated the fiercely aggressive Captain
A of the Parachutists on the east side.
Harry Torgerson to command. Torgerson reorganized Companies B
: Raiders to fall back on this position.
and C of the Parachutists and then launched them in a counterattack
ng rearward along the single trail atop
at Edson's behest that drove forward and extended the line to the east
and C of the Parachutists.
from Company A of the Parachutists. All the while Edson moved
face of an enemy attack ranks among
the defensive barrage closer and again closer, but still the Japanese
war. It is intrinsically confusing, and
came.
$ difficult. But Edson's marines were
Japanese mortars bcat a tattoo on the knoll while the Marine
digging, and defending. Almost all
mortars in defilade behind the rise replied in kind. As the Japanese
done; some were nearly stuporous. As
steeled themselves for each attack, the marines pulled the pins on
ear of the knoll someone again mur-
grenades and rolled them down the hill into the areas where
withdrawal had not been authorized.
Kawaguchi's men gathered. A red flare usually marked the initiation
le to move toward the airfield, an act
of each attack, which proved a handy reference for the American
rous unraveling of the American line.
gunners. Each wave of Japanese infantry debouched from conceal-
Major Kenneth D. Bailey of the Raid-
ice and vivid language jerked the re-
ment and then, halting briefly to toss calcium flares, surged ahead
in little knots and strings. They moved rapidly at the crouch, yelling
their banzais as they leaned forward into the hill and charged face
possible was a curtain of bursting
observers from the 11th Marines.
first into the ring of flame created by Marine weapons on the crest.
askis heard an observer call back:
As they closed, showers of grenades were exchanged, each leaving
a blackened spot on the grass, and frequently splinters in flesh.
back and forth across the ridge." At
Marines, shrieking curses even above the din, repelled each attack
here all hands (including Tregaskis)
mainly with grenades and machineguns, whose crews suffered severe
ur under sniper fire-the voice of a
casualties and had to be frequently replaced. Barely behind the lines
ole above the raucous battle barking
and at one point in the withdrawal nearly at the front line, Licuten-
eathless runner brought word from
:ct: "It's knocking hell out of 'em."
ant Commander E. P. McLarney and several corpsmen dressed
casualties from artillery and small-
wounds, applied tourniquets, and gave transfusions under flashlight
10 commander fell dead.
illumination beneath ponchos to scores of bodies rent by steel.
one perverse effect. Major Tamura,
At 0200 a Japanese mortar barrage drenched the ridge and cut the
sibly Kawaguchi's reserve, had ad-
telephone-wire umbilical cord back to division headquarters essential
nbly area very close to the Marine
for artillery support. Linesmen restrung wire under fire in time to get
it became intense about 2200, Major
the word through at 0300 of the near-exhaustion of the supply of
orders but to hurtle his men forward
grenades and machinegun ammunition. A resupply was rushed for-
ward, and once again Major Bailey was present at a crucial moment,
AUG-06-1992 16:09 FROM COMMANDANT USMC
TO
92024566218
P.05
240 GUADALCANAL
this time crawling on hands and knees across the fire-swept ridge-
his scalp grazed by a bullet that punctured his helmet-to deliver
fresh grenades and ammunition. But the soul of the defense this night
was Merritt Edson. A scant 10 or 20 yards behind the firing line-his
clothes were pierced at the collar and waist by bullets-he controlled
the battle with his rasping voice, exhorting the steadfast and CX-
coriating those few who wavered: "Go back where you came from.
The only thing they've got that you haven't is guts."
At about 0400, division headquarters began to slip in the compa-
nies of the 2d Battalion, 5th Marines to stiffen the line. They helped
fend off two more attacks sent in before dawn, but not all the Japa-
nese were stopped on the ridge. After the decimation of the 5th
Company of II/4, the 7th Company continued forward, penetrating
a gap in the Marine line and actually reaching the northeast side of
the ridge. In this final surge, Major Tamura committed his 6th
Company to make a breakthrough. As they passed through the 5th
Company, nearly half the fresh unit was hit and the company com-
mander wounded. Nonetheless, the bloodied officer pressed north-
east with fifty or sixty men through the Marine position and reached
the western fringe of Fighter One about 0530. There they overran a
segment of the position held by Company C of the 1st Engineer
Battalion and captured two machineguns. But the versatile engineers
rallied with men from Headquarters Company and Company D and
finally checked the Japanese for good.
With the dawn came the sound of aircraft engines as three stained
and patched, but fiyable, P-400s of the 67th Fighter Squadron
climbed into the air to harry the Japanese with 20mm cannon and
machinegun firc. They skimmed over the ridge speckled with craters,
smoldering grass fires, and the debris of battle: expended cartridges,
hand grenade cartons, clips, and ammunition cans with the tops
ripped off. The bodies of over 500 Japanese lay like a carpet in places,
sprawled in the hideous poses of violent death. In spots marines and
Japanese had fallen in a death embrace, silent testimony to the
violence of the battle. "With heads lolling and mouths agape, the
inscrutable dead stared with glazed and sightless eyes at the morning
sun," said Lieutenant Colonel Griffith. Intense retaliatory ground
fire by Kawaguchi's men punctured two of the planes, which had to
make emergency landings on Henderson Field.
The I/124 and the II/4 commenced their assaults nearly 1,700
strong and brought Edson's battalion to the knife edge of defeat. The
attack of one more battalion would probably have brought Kawagu-
chi a breakthrough-and that battalion was available. Kawaguchi
AUG-06-1992 16:10 FROM COMMANDANT USMC
TO
92024566218 P.06
THE BATTLE OF EDSON'S.RIDGE
245
air struggle since September 1 that
and that was of no less importance
march on Kawaguchi's assault units and harried the Japanese in
retreat. The gunners of the 11th Marines likewise played a critical
ents. American claims totaled thirty-
fighters. Actual Japanese losses in-
role. The 1,992 rounds of artillery fire on the night of September
13-14 by the 105mm howitzers of the 5th Battalion, 11th Marines
:ros, illustrating that the Cactus Air
two aircraft for every one destroyed
inflicted between two-thirds and three-quarters of all of Kawaguchi's
losses on the ridge and protected the withdrawal of the defenders at
performance given the inherent dif-
; the results of air battles. To the list
a desperate moment. Ultimately neither bold fliers nor expert can-
noneers could have kept Japanese boots off Henderson Field without
ed one Irving reconnaissance plane
ing four float Zeros, for a total of
the obdurate resistance of the Raiders and the Parachutists. In recog-
nporary Japanese records acknowl-
nition of his skill and extraordinary leadership, Merritt Edson was
among bomber crews. Some air
awarded the Medal of Honor. Major Kenneth D. Bailey was also
those of the 25th Air Flotilla that
awarded his country's highest honor for his inspiring contributions
this night, but would not live to receive it.
ir combat and very high operational
Neither American nor Japanese losses in this battle can be stated
turing this period reached forty-one
fiftcen in air combat), eleven SBDs,
with complete assurance. One contemporary report lists 111 marines
also lost one flying boat, while the
killed or missing and 283 wounded in this action. However, these
four B-17s.
figures are not broken down by commands and cannot be matched
g of the 15th, Kawaguchi's long-
to the numbers provided in the individual unit reports. According to
:hed Rabaul. Two officers rushed it
the most authoritative sources, the Raiders suffered 135 casualties
rief of staff of the 17th Army, but
and the Parachutists 128. Of this combined total of 263, fifty-nine
were killed or missing. Recorded losses in other units added another
nport when he saw the expressions
Imission of costly failure severely
thirty-eight killed and eighteen wounded, giving a total of ninety-six
off. In analyzing the causes of the
killed or missing and 222 wounded. A "detailed" Japanese report
listed loss of provisions at Taivu,
sets Kawaguchi's total strength as 212 officers and 6,005 men, in-
:nt, difficulty of communication in
cluding the attached Kuma Battalion and the II/4. Of these, 708
ior American firepower. The Army
(twenty-nine officers and 679 men) were killed or missing and 506
dquarters added faulty intelligence,
(fourteen officers and 492 men) were wounded. The loss figures are
superiority, and the mismatch of
subject to considerable challenge. For example, another Japanese
report states there were only about 300 men left in the II/4 after the
onets against a prepared position.
its of Japanese naval officers. The
battle of the 658 present at the start, yet the aforementioned "de-
et labeled the defeat another exam-
tailed" report gives that unit's losses as only 187 killed and wounded.
ngendered by the successes early in
Moreover, the "detailed" report clearly understates or excludes
the antidote of "washing heads."
known losses aboard the destroyer transports and in the barge con-
officers was more blunt: "The army
voy. Thus, the true Japanese losses may well have exceeded 800
inese."
killed or missing.
for defeating Kawaguchi must be
For Kawaguchi's men, one ordeal ended only for another to begin.
ontributed importantly in keeping
At 1305 on September 14, Kawaguchi led his Main Body out of the
ompletely out of the battle and
deadly reach of the American artillery and aircraft on the ridge.
alf of another (II/124). These men
Each battalion extricated itself as best it could, but some companies
aguchi's potential strength. The
remained out of touch until the 16th. At 2100 on the 15th, Kawagu-
tusting and time-consuming jungle
chi ordered a withdrawal across the Matanikau.
All food had been consumed by the 14th, for Kawaguchi's soldiers
AUG-06-1992 16:11 FROM COMMANDANT USMC
TO
92024566218
P.07
272 GUADALCANAL
line of the river near the bar and attack to assist the Raiders. Air and
artillery support for the attacks was hurriedly scheduled.
After a sodden night, the Raiders moved out first on the morning
of September 27 As they approached the onc-log bridge, they came
under fire from the 12th Company in well-chosen positions on the
east bank, and mortar rounds began to fall on the marines from the
west bank. Moving with-the advance guard was Major Kenneth D.
Bailey of Ridge fame. Only three days earlier, Bailey had told corre-
spondent Tregaskis that he admired the young marines under his
command so much "that when it comes to a job that's pretty rugged,
you'd rather go yourself than send them." Doing just that, Bailey
was killed by machinegun fire. Licutenant Colonel Griffith, who was
seriously wounded but refused evacuation, tried to slip two compa-
nies to his left to outflank the Japanese, but they too were pinned
down and added more men to the growing list of casualties. At the
sandbar, the 9th Company hurled back the vigorous efforts of the 2d
Battalion, 5th Marines to force a crossing.
At this juncture the 11th Air Fleet put in an appearance. Although
the Japanese intended to attack every day in late September, the 27th
was the first day with acceptable weather. Admiral Takahashi put up
eighteen Bettys (one returned early) and no fewer than thirty-eight
Zeros. With a warning from a coast watcher at 1230, seventeen
Marine and eighteen Navy Wildcats rose to dispute the sky. The
Zero close escort became separated from the bombers by about two
minutes, and in that brief interval the American pilots had a field
day. Japanese accounts show two Bettys shot down and one ditched;
another eleven sustained damage. Two Wildcat pilots suffered
wounds, but none of their mounts was shot down. The Americans
also claimed five Zeros, three by VH-5, but Japanese records confirm
only one Zero loss this day.
Japanese bombs released at 1312 destroyed one SBD and two
TBFs on the ground, damaged four other Dauntlesses, and left three
TBFs in need of major or minor repairs. But one bomb disrupted the
division headquarters signal net, multiplying the communication
problems already influencing the progress of the battle on the
ground. Griffith's situation report was garbled or ambiguous or both,
leaving the false impression with Edson and the division headquar-
ters that the Raiders had crossed the Matanikau and were battling
on the west bank. This misconception generated orders at 1330 for
the 2d Battalion, 5th Marines to renew its attack at the mouth of the
Matanikau and for three companies of the Ist Battalion, 7th Marines
AUG-06-1992 14:56 FROM COMMANDANT USMC
TO
92024566218 P.01
UNCLASSIFIED
TELEFAX
Date:
Time:
To:
MR Andy FeRgusoN
White House COMMUNicAtioNS
FAX #
202 456 6218
.
From:
MAJOR JOE DUNFORd
Office of the Commandant
Commandant's Staff Group (CSG), HOMC
Washington D.C. 20380
Phone: (703) 614-2362/2500/2501 FAX: (703) 614- 3066
Message:
THIS FAX HAS A TOTAL OF 2 PAGES INCLUDING THIS PAGE.
NOT TO BE USED FOR CLASSIFIED DOCUMENTS
AUG-06-1992 14:56 FROM COMMANDANT USMC
TO
92024566218
P.02
16
MEDAL OF HONOR
"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk
position, he placed it in action. then, under continual fire,
of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving
repaired another and personally manned it, gallantly holding
with the FOURTH Marine Division during action against
his line until replacements arrived. A little later, with
enemy Japanese forces on Roi Island, Kwajalein Atoll,
ammunition critically low and the supply lines cut off,
Marshall Islands, 1 February 1944. Entering a shell crater
Sergeant Basilone. at great risk of his life and in the face
occupied by three other Marines, Private First Class
of continued enemy attack, battled his way through hostile
Anderson was preparing to throw a grenade at an emeny
lines with urgently needed shells for his gunners, there-
position when it slipped from his hands and rolled toward
by contributing in large measure to the virtual annihilation
the men at the bottom of the hole. With insufficient time
of a. Japanese regiment His great personal valor And
to retreve the armed weapon and throw it, Private First
courageous initiative were in keeping with the highest
Class Anderson fearlessly chose to sacrifice himself and
tradition of the United States Naval Service."
save his companions by hurling his body upon the grenade
and taking the full impact of the explosion. Hie personal
BAUER, HAROLD WILLIAM
valor and exceptional spirit of loyalty in the face of almost
Lieutenant Colonel, USMC. Born 20 November 1908
certain death were in keeping with the highest traditions
Woodruff, Kans. Appointed from Nebraska.
of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his
life for his country."
"For extraordinary heroiom and conspicuous courage
as Squadron Commander of Marine Fighting Squadron
BAILEY, KENNETH D.
TWO HUNDRED TWELVE in the South Pacific Area during
Major, USMC. Born 21 October 1910, Pawnee, Okla.
the period 10 May to 14 November 1942. Volunteeing to
Appointed from Illinois. Other Navy awards: Silver Star
pilot a fighter plane in defense of our positions on Guadal-
Medal.
canal, Colonel Bauer participated in two air battles against
enemy bombers and fighters outnumbering our force more
"For extraordinary courage and herioc conduct above
than two-to-one, boldly engaged the enemy and destroyed
and beyond the call of duty as Commanding Officer of
one Japanese bomber in the engagement or 28 September
Company C, First Marine Raider Battalion, during the
and shot down four enemy fighter planes in flames on 3
enemy Japanese attack on Henderson Field, Guadalcanal,
October, leaving a fifth smoking badly. After successfully
Solomon Islands, on 12-13 September 1942. Completely
leading 26 Planes on an over-water ferry flight of more
reorganized following the severe engagement of the night
than 600 miles on 16 October, Colonel Bauer, while circl-
before, Major Bailcy's company, within an hour after taking
ing to land, sighted a squadron of enemy planes attacking
its assigned position as reserve battalion between the main
the U. S. S. McFarland. Undaunted by the formidable
line and the coveted airport, was threatened on the right
opposition and with valor above and beyond the call of duty,
flank by the penetration of the enemy into a gap in the main
he engaged the entire squadron and, although alone and his
line. In addition to repulsing this threat, while steadily
fuel supply nearly exhausted, fought his plane 80 brilliantly
improving his own desperately held position, he used every
that four of the Japanese planes were destroyed before he
weapon at his command to cover the forced withdrawal
was forced down by lack of fuel. His intrepid fighting spirit
of the main line before a hammering assault by superior
and distinctive ability as a leader and an airman. exempli-
enemy forces. After rendering invaluable service to the
fied in his splendid record of combat achievement, were
battalion commander in stemming the retreat, reorganiz-
vital factors in the successful operations in the South
ing the troope and extending the reverse position to the
Pacific Area."
left, Major Bailey, despire a severe head wound, repeated-
Iy led his troops in fierce hand-to-hand combat for a
BAUSELL, LEWIS KENNETH
period of 10 hours. His great personal valor while exposed
Corporal. USMC. Born 17 April 1924, Pulaski, Va.
to constant and merciless enemy fire, and his indomitable
Accredited to District of Columbia.
fighting spirit inspired his troops to heights of heroic
endeavor which enabled them to repulse the enemy and hold
"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk
Henderson Field. He gallantly gave his life in the service
of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving
of hts country."
with the First Dattalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine
BAsiloNe
Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on
BAISLONE, JOHN
Peleliu Island. Palau Group. 15 September 1944. Valiantly
Sergeant, USMC. Born 4 November 1916, Buffalo, N. Y.
placing himself at the head of his squad, Corporal Bausell
Accredited to New Jersey.
led the charge forward against a hostile pillbox which
was covering a vital sector of the beach and, as the first
"For extraordinary heroism and conspicuous gallantry
to reach the emplacement, immediately started firing his
in action against enemy Japanese forces, above and be-
automatic into the aperture while the remainder of his men
yond the call of duty, while serving with the First Batta-
closed in on the enemy. Swift toact, as a Japanese grenade
lion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division in the
was hurled into their midst, Corporal Bausell threw him-
LUNGA Area, Guadalcanal. Solomon Islande, on 24 and 25
self on the deadly weapon, taking the full blast of the ex-
October 1942. While the enemy was hammering at the
plosion and sacrificing his own life to save his men. His
Marines' defensive positions, Sergeant Basilone, in charge
unwavering loyalty and inspiring courage reflect the high-
of two sections of heavy machine guns, fought valiantly
est credit upon Corporal Bausell and the United States
to check the savage and determined assault. In a fierce
Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country."
frontal attack with the Japanese blasting his guns with
grenades and mortar fire, one of Scrgeant Basilone's
BERRY, CHARLES JOSEPH
sections, with It gun crews, was put out of action, leaving
Corporal, USMC. Born 10 July 1923, Lorain, Ohio.
only two men able to carry on. Moving an extra gun into
Accredited to Ohio.
AUG-06-1992 14:31 FROM COMMANDANT USMC
TO
912024566218 P.01
GENERAL CARL E. MUNDY, JR.
COMMANDANT OF THE MARINE CORPS
HEADQUARTERS, U.S. MARINE CORPS
WASHINGTON, DC 20380-0001
TRANSMITTAL SHEET
CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASS
TIME/DATE. 1420 8/6/92
PAGES (INCLUDING COVER SHEET): 3
POINT OF CONTACT: Gy Morgan
OFFICE TELEPHONF: (703) 614-2500 1872 AV 224
TELECOPIER NUMBER: (703) 697-7246/AV 227-7246
POINT OF CONTACT AT DESTINATION: mr Anidy Ferquson
OFFICE TELEPHONE:
TELECOPIER NUMBER: 202-456-6218
ORGANIZATION:
PLEASE CALL TO VERIFY RECEIPT OF FAX.
VERY RESPECTFULLY,
B. J. Morgan
AUG 6 '92 11:37 FROM OASD-PA
PAGE. 001
TELEFACSIMILE TRANSMITTAL HEADER SHEET
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
OFFICE OF ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF DEFENSE
FOR PUBLIC AFFAIRS
TO Andy Fergusm
NUMBER
TELEFACS #: 202-456-6218
OF PAGES
NAME:
(INCLUDING HEADER)
OFFICE:
- 13 -
PHONE:( ) -
FROM Elical Brenner
CLASSIFICATION
NAME:
(IE. CLOSE HOLD, FOUO,
OFFICE: OASD(PA)-
PRIORITY, ROUTINE, ETC.)
PHONE: (703)
-
or DSN 22 -
-
-
TELEFACS #: (703) 695-1149 OR AV 225-1149
If all pages sent are not received or pages are illegible,
immediately contact sender indicated in FROM block of header.
RELEASER COMMENTS:
05 : 11v 9 GUG 26
TELEFACSIMILE TRANSMITTAL HEADER SHEET
AUG 6 '92 11:37 FROM OASD-PA
PAGE. 002
11:18 am
Eliot Brenner
8/06/92
Remarks by Secretary Cheney
Guadalcanal 50th Anniversary
7 Aug. 1992
where Iveput times are grafs
or Thoughts that I've put in the
Cheney intro. The restistair
General Mundy,
game.
[Other platform dignitaries names to follow]
Good morning, and welcome.
We gather today to commemorate a landmark event in the history of our
nation.
We gather to recall and pay tribute to those who served in the six months of
)
hell that was Guadalcanal.
And we gather to renew our promise that the lessons we learned from those
who fought there -- those who fought across the Pacific and in Europe -- will not be
forgotten.
Starting last December we began a series of commemorations of the significant
events of World War Two. Each battle in that struggle holds a special significance
for this nation, and in particular for those who participated in the conflict. At each
event, the history of the circumstances hold lessons for us.
At Pearl Harbor, we learned that there is no substitute for preparedness. We
were stunned at our vulnerability.
Six months later, at the Battle of the Coral Sea, we learned the value of
carrier aviation, and we dealt our opponent the first set-back of what would be a
long and deadly fight across the Pacific.
A month later, in June, we were able to deal our enemy a devastating naval
blow at Midway. Never again were we on the defensive in the Pacific. We knew
we could operate effectively on the seas.
AUG 6 '92 11:37 FROM OASD-PA
PAGE. 003
-2-
But something was lacking. We needed to reverse the aggression that had
swallowed up island after island across the Pacific. We had to send word that there
was no place in the Pacific that the forces of tyranny could find shelter.
The men of Guadalcanal did just that. They sent the message. They made it
clear that people who cherish freedom are willing to pay a heavy price to wrest it
back from those who would steal it.
They took the first step in that long journey up the islands of the Pacific that
rolled back the forces of an invader.
They did it under some of the worst conditions ever imaginable. They fought
in torrential rains, in grass that cut like razors, through shellings that seemed to
leave no piece of earth undisturbed. They fought in a land of three-inch hornets,
malarial mosquitos and wrenching dysentery. They fought at night, in the jungle, on
the water, and in the air.
They were in unfamiliar territory, against experienced, heavily armed
opponents.
At Guadalcanal, the First Marine Division, and the Navy, Army, Coast Guard,
and Army Air Corps personnel who followed, taught us new words for anguish and
bravery -- Henderson Field, Edson's Ridge, the Cactus Air Force, The Slot,
Ironbottom Sound.
And from the men at Guadalcanal, we learned about leaders we would hear of
again and again. Names like Vandegrift, Halsey, Puller, Boyington.
Historian Samuel Eliot Morison tells us that "Guadalcanal is not a name, but an
emotion."
And it was, for those who were there, and for those at home praying for their
success. And every time we hear the name Guadalcanal, or any of the names this
conflict made familiar for us, we recall the sacrifice that was made. And we recall
with pride the elation their victory brought us.
With the placing of a wreath this morning, and the unveiling of a
commemorative stamp, we honor the thousands of our Marines, sailors, soldiers, and
airmen who paid the ultimate price for freedom at Guadalcanal. But we also
rededicate ourselves to making certain we never forget the lessons they have taught
us.
-DRAFT-
AUG 6 92 11:38 FROM OASD-PA
PAGE 004
-3-
Although times have changed, and the face of the world has changed, those
lessons are just as applicable today. Those lessons served us during the long Cold
War, when our commitment to freedom had to be as strong as the commitment of the
men at Edson's Ridge. And we will heed these lessons as we enter this new
post-Cold War era of hope and uncertainty.
The events at Guadalcanal, and throughout the Pacific Theater and in Europe,
remind us that freedom is a precious right. It must be preserved. It must be
protected. And above all, it can never be taken for granted.
Atthis
There is no substitute for preparedness.
point we
to
We must always have the military forces needed to deter aggression. And
if
the 6Bintro so
that fails, we must be strong enough to prevail.
routine
We must stay ready to respond to crises. And we must remain forward
deployed. Events in unheard-of places can have a significant impact upon our lives.
This past Sunday marked the second anniversary of an act of aggression that
tested how well we had learned these lessons that tested our commitment to
defend our security interests halfway around the world. Again, it was in places most
Americans had never heard of, places like Khafji and Kuwait City, Dharhan and
Dammam.
When Saddam Hussein decided to invade Kuwait, and menace a strategic region
of the world, our Marines with their prepositioned equipment were ready to go.
Our Air Force, Navy and Army and our Coast Guard were ready to go, too.
We did not forget the lessons we learned from those at Guadalcanal. We knew
what maintaining freedom required. We had not taken it for granted.
Under President Bush's leadership, our men and women in uniform stepped up
to the challenge, and pushed Iraq out of Kuwait. They met the challenge with the
same willingness to sacrifice that you, their brothers in spirit, displayed at
Guadalcanal. They broke through elaborate defenses, forced their way through the
mine fields, met and defeated the Republican Guard, and freed a hostage nation.
Today, we have forces exercising in Kuwait. Our exercises keep our forces
trained and ready, and make it clear that we are capable of responding to threats
against our friends and our interests.
-DRAFT-
AUG 6 '92 11:39 FROM OASD-PA
PAGE. 005
4
We will face other difficult challenges in the years ahead. The only thing
certain about the future is the uncertainty of what we may encounter. We know that
from the rapid evolution in world history we've seen in just the past few years.
We can meet those challenges if we remember the lessons that we draw from
the service and sacrifice of those who went to Guadalcanal.
No one knows more about the value of peace than the veterans who fought for
our nation with such distinction 50 years ago. No one knows more about the price
of freedom.
To each of the veterans here today, to your fallen comrades, and to your
families, your nation says thank you for your service, and for your sacrifices. We
are grateful. You have taught us valuable lessons. We will not forget Guadalcanal.
Thank you.
***
-DRAFT-
AUG 6 '92 11:39
FROM OASD-PA
PAGE. 006
11:15 am
Eliot Brenner
8/06/92
Draft
Remarks by Secretary Cheney
Guadalcanal 50th Anniversary
7 Aug. 1992
President Bush,
General Mundy,
[Other platform dignitaries names to follow.]
Good morning, and welcome.
We gather today to recall and pay tribute to those who
served in the six months of hell that was the battle for
Guadalcanal.
Since December Seventh of last year, we have begun
commemorations of the significant events of World War Two.
Each battle in that stuggle holds special meaning for our nation,
and particularly for those who were there.
At Guadalcanal, we began to reverse the aggression that
had swallowed up island after island in the Pacific. We sent
the message that there was no place in the Pacific that the
forces of tyranny could find shelter.
The men of Guadalcanal fought under some of the worst
conditions imaginable. They fought in torrential rains, in grass
that cut like razors, through shellings that seemed to leave no
AUG 6 '92 11:40 FROM OASD-PA
PAGE. 007
-2-
piece of earth undisturbed. They fought in a land of three-inch
hornets, malarial mosquitos, and wrenching dysentery. They
fought at night, in the jungle, on the water, and in the air.
They taught us new words for anguish and bravery --
Henderson Field, Edson's Ridge, the Cactus Air Force, the
Slot, and Ironbottom Sound.
With our ceremony today we rededicate ourselves to
making certain we never forget the lessons these brave men
have taught us.
The events at Guadalcanal, and throughout the Pacific
Theater and in Europe, remind us that freedom is a precious
right. It must be preserved. It must be protected. And above
all, it can never be taken for granted.
No one knows these lessons better than the man who serves
as President of the United States.
George Bush volunteered as a naval aviator and flew in
combat before he was 20 years old.
He knows what it was like to serve his nation far from
home to take enemy fire to see a friend die. He knows
the risks of taking action and the even greater risk when you
fail to act when you must.
President Bush carried with him into his career of public
service the lessons of that war and the knowledge that we have
a responsibility to be a world leader.
-DRAFT-
AUG 6 '92 11:40 FROM OASD-PA
PAGE 008
&
We are fortunate he was our President when this nation
faced the challenge to freedom in the Persian Gulf. He didn't
fear to stand up for America's principles. He refused to
reward aggression. He had no doubt about America's ability to
prevail. He knew that our liberty and our security can never be
taken for granted.
That's because he understands -- just as the veterans of
Guadalcanal understand -- the precious value of freedom.
Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my honor to introduce to you
President George Bush.
***
-DRAFT-
AUG
6
'92
11:40
FROM OASD-PA
PAGE 009
Fact Sheet
50
even
THE
Guada [cana]
First American Ground Offensive
The first American ground offensive in the Pacificouring World
War II took place at an obscure island in the southern Solomons-
Guadaicanal. There, the high tide of Japanese conquest was reached
and the ebb began.
After Midway, The U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff decided that the
strategic situation bad improved enough to risk the mounting of a
limited offensive. In July, aerial reconnaissance showed that the
Japanese had begun to build an airfield on Guadalcanal, marking
Japan's furthest advance toward the eastern half of the South Pacific.
Thus, this island became the principal target of the offensive.
At least a division of trained amphibious assault troops was
needed for WATCHTOWER, the code-name of the Guadalcanal-
Tulagi operation, and only one such unit was available in the Pacific
-the 1st Marine Division.
Marines look ata captured Japanese artillery
The plan for WATCHTOWER called for two separate landings.
Enemy air and naval reaction to the assault was expected to be
Coast Guard assists at Guada
violent and strong.
On Aug. 7, the Marines landed on Guadalcanal with no enemy
The U.S Coast Guard was deeply involved with the campaign
response. Naval gunfire had driven the labor troops working on the
for Guadalcanal- Of the 23 transports and destroyer.
airfield into the hills. The primary obstacles to the Marine advance
Task Force Tare, the Amphibious Task Force which landed the
were the jungle and the enervating effect of the hot, humid climate
Marines, all but four had Coastguardsmente Coastguardsmen
on men not used to the tropics.
operated the craft which landed the Marines on the beaches of
Maj. Gen. Alexander A. Vandegrift, commanding general of the
Guadalcanal. They also evacuated Marines amid intense enemy
1st Marine Division, posted his troops to hold perimeter defenses,
attack. It was for heroic actions during one such evacuation on Sept.
while engineers worked around the clock to finish the airstrip the
27, 1942, Signalman First Class Douglas A. Munro was gwarded the
Japanese had begun. On Aug. 20, the first Allied air units landed at
Medal of Honor (posthumously).
Henderson Field, named after a Marine aviator killed at the Battle of
Midway.
Marine aviators contribute to
The ground action on Guadalcanal revolved around a series of
highpoints of intense fighting with intervals marked by vigorous
The air elements in the campaign contributed greatlysto the
patrol combat. The fiercest battles were waged at Edson's Ridge.
ultimate victory at Guadalcanal. In September, the CACTUS Air
Marines and soldiers fought side by side to defend Henderson Field
Force, under Brig. Gen. Roy S. Geiger, commanding general of the
against intense, repeated enemy attacks.
1st Marine Aircraft Wing, took shape as a joint service forces These
Marine and Army aircraft closely supported the ground elements
and were the decisive factor in the sea battles. The CACTUS Air
Navy faces own challenges
Force and carrier squadrons exacted a heavy toll on enemy trans-
ports during repeated reinforcements attempts.
during Guadalcanal
While the ground forces held their own, the American Navy was
Guadalcanal campaign decided
suffering the worst series of reverses in its history. Around midnight
November was the critical month in which the issue of the
Aug. 8/9, the Battle of Savo Island was waged. Seven Japanese
campaign was decided. A month of continuous fighting with artil-
cruisers sank four Allied cruisers and damaged three other ships.
lery, air and naval gunfire support all playing a part in the destruc-
Sealark Channel won a new title, Iron Bottom Sound, in dubious
tion, virtually finished one Japanese division and elements of
tribute to the number of ships that sank there during frequent and
another.
costly night battles which ensued throughout the campaign for
On Dec. 9, General Vandegrift numed over command. of the
Guadalcanal.
forces on Guadalcanal to Maj. Gen. Alexander M. Patch, com-
mander of the Americal Division, as the 1st Marine Division was
officially relieved.
50th Anniversary of World War II
The enemy had had enough. He wished only to rescued the troops
Commemoration Committee
still alive on the island to fight another day. On Feb. 8, General Patch
HQDA, SACC; Pengaon, Room 3E524
reported, "Total and complete defeat of Japanese: forces on
Washington, D.C. 20310-0107 (703) 692-2111
Guadalcanal "
AUG
6 92 11:42
FROM OASD-PA
PAGE. 010
Personnel Losses
American
Marine units had more than 1,200 killed and 3,000 wounded in
action.
By November 1942, it was estimated that one third of the 1st
Marine Division was medically unfit for combat due to malaria and
mainutrition. By the end of the campaign, the 1st Marine Division
had 8,580 recorded cases of malaria.
Army units bad approximately 450 killed and 900 wounded.
The Navy had more than 3,600 killed in the many naval engage-
ments
United States and Allied Naval Casualties
Ships
Ships
Month Sunk
Damaged
Killed
Wounded
August
9
26
1,519
938
An American convoy
September
3
0
271
272
Results
October
6
20
695
554
Guadaleso wasbots
the
November
10
19
2,108
886
United States sile Allte
The Japane were
point
December
0
1
3
6
from which the
Inc.U.S.
to Australia ultimately izol
January
1
8
92
71
This first offensive of Work Warl
the beginning of continue
February
1
2
170
47
Guadulcanal resulted In
are
still adhered to todays)
- command of ground troops, on
ship,
0
was shifted from the Command Amphibic
(Navy)
0
RELOWETERS
to the Commander, Landing Force (Mi
Fionds 1
- amphibious task forces would
thome
TULAG
port outfitted only for 8 training mile
one) 1200
carry
Save
% Married May - , Para Be
enough supplies and ammunition for combat
Three resirence -
1/7 fob TOST
- both the Commander, Landing Forcer and Commander,
I -
, August 1842
-
USI Maring ON
Amphibious Task Force must agree therefile objective the
amphibious task force have been met before the Naw vicleased
IROMEOTTO
SOUND
from the area of operations.
TENARD
- -
I
Hight Best
Medal of Honor Recipients
THE
Marry reden
FII. 8Ass
$ Birth Reg: levels
- - State
Westerson Fall
I
17 Jen 1941
AND
tabe
1 Store Regulations
and
Kenneth D. Bailey, Maj., USMC, Sept. THE 1942
Jee Seventment Army
Sept
withholderst from
EDF. -
John Basilone, Sgt, USMC, Oct. 24-25, 1942
Covige A:
the
BUSUM
TENANT
Harold William Baner, Maj., USMC (Air), May 10 Nor. 14, 1942
23 26 Oct
Neght 20 23 and
Daniel Judson Callaghan, Rear Adm, USN, Nov: 12-13, 1942
Maravame's stiecks
detailement
regulard
destroved
Anthony Casamento, Cpl., USMC, Nov. 1.1942
/
12 142ept
Charles W. Davis, Maj., USA, Jan. 12, 1943
collers
provy losses a:
Jefferson Joseph DeBlane, 1st Lt, USMC (Air), Jan. 31. 1943
$Hocally Rrdge
Merritt Austin Edson, Col., USMC, Sept. 13-14, 1942
Guadalvanal
Joseph Jacob Foss, Capt., USMC(Air), Oct. 9,1942- 25,1943
William G. Formey, Sgt., USA,Jan. 10, 1943
Robert Edward Caler, Maj., USMC (Air) A
942
Howard Walter Gilmore, Cindre, USN: THE 70
Lewis Hall, Technician Finh Grade, USA,
Rienhardt John Keepler, Boatswain's Maet
12-13-1942
This map depicts the Battle of Guadalcanal.
Bruce McCandless, Cmdr., USN, Nov. 12-13,
Sources
Mitchell Paige, Plt. Sgt., USMC, Oct. 26.1942
The United States Marines in the Guadaicanal Campaign. Henry 1 Shaw Jr.
Douglas Albert Munro, Signaturen 1/c, USCG Sept. 1942
Guadalcanal-The Definitive Account of the Landmark Battle. Richard B. Frank.
Herbert Emery Schonland, Cude: USN, Now 12-13 1942
The United States Marines. 1775-1975, Brig. Gen. Edwin H. Simmons, USMC
Norman Scott, Rear Adm., USN, Nov. 2-13-1942
Retired.
John Lucian Smith, Maj USMC (Air) Sept 15, 1942
The Coast Guard at War, The Pacific andines VI. U.S. Coast Guard Historical
James Elins Swett, 1st LE,
Division.
Alexander Archer Vandegrift, Maj. Gen., USMC. Aug 7. Dec. 9-1942
AUG 6 92 11:43
FROM OASD-PA
PAGE. 011
ALAN for your reading pleasure
DTD
SUPPLEMENT: Monday, July 27, 1992
Military History
Star Tribune
July 19, 1992
Pg. 17
MINNEAPOLIS
miles to the southeast.
Guadalcanal
To stop them, President Franklin
Roosevelt dispatched the Marines.
They captured the airstrip and
named it after Maj. Lofton Hender-
son, a Marine dive bomber pilot
was total war
killed in June at the battle of Mid-
way, the turning point at sea.
The full force of the Tokyo war ma-
chine tried to take back Henderson
For those who survived
Field. Three times, the Japanese
scheduled U.S. surrender ceremo-
nies, only to be thwarted by the
Marines.
the battle, the very word
During a dozen charges in a Sept. 12-
14 battle, the Japanese came within
1,000 yards of capturing the field.
evokes grief and pride
But Marine Raiders and paratroopers
held on their last line of defense —
Bloody Ridge or Edson's Ridge,
By Robert Dvorchak
named for Col. Merritt Edson, the
Associated Press
Corps reputation, but we burnished it
commander of the 1st Raider
a. bit," said John Sweeney, a native of
Battalion.
At 9:09 a.m. on Aug. 7, 1942
Columbus, Ohio, and 8 company
exactly eight months after Pearl Har-
commander of Marine Raiders on
"We were told we had to stay until
bor- the first wave landed on Gua
Guadalcanal.
you die to hold the line," said Thom-
dalcanal's Red Beach. The 1st Ma-
as Mullahey, a platoon leader on the
rine Division, mostly apple-green
"A lot of the guys - the fighters, the
ridge. "We never felt we'd get out of
and carrying bolt-action Springfield
privates- they stuck at their posts
it, actually. We thought we'd either
rifles from an earlier world war, wad-
and did everything that was asked,
be paraded in cages in Tokyo or be
ed in.
sometimes almost impossible tasks,"
pulling rickshaws somewhere. It
Sweeney said. "And a lot of people
came out our way. By the skin of our
Over the next six months and two
got killed along the way. A lot of
teeth."
days. history would be written in
good men. You can't forget them."
blood on the 90-mile-long junk of
For a hint of how tough it was, every
island jungle.
To be sure, Guadaicanal wasn't just a
Marine who wasn't on the island
Marine Corps show. Every branch of
the U.S. military - the Navy, Coast
knew the rhyme: "Say a prayer for
"Guadalcanal is not a name but an
emotion," wrote historian Samuel El-
Guard, Army and combined air
your pal on Guadalcanal.'
iot Morison, "recalling desperate
forces - had a hand in the battle on
the ground, in the skies and on the
For starters, a 76-ship Navy task
fights in the air, furious night naval
force withdrew on Aug. 9, with half
battles, frantic work at supply or con-
seas.
the Marines' equipment and too
struction, savage fighting in the sod-
much of their food still aboard. Tok-
den jungle, nights broken by scream-
This was total war and it took bullets,
yo Rose taunted the marooned Ma-
ing bombs and deafening explosions
bayonets, battleships, bombers and
bulldozers to pay the first horrible
rines, who ate palm tree roots and
of naval shells."
installment on the price of victory.
coconuts to augment their meager
Guadalcanal was a turning point
rations. On average, a combatant lost
the steppingstone for invasions of
25 pounds.
Tarawa, Saipan, Peleliu, Iwo Jima,
Guadaicanal was the first U.S. offen-
Okinawa, each island a step closer to
The slop and scum of Guadalcanal
sive of World War II and the first
Tokyo Bay.
time the Japanese Imperial Army lost
featured clouds of mosquitos, jungle
a piece of ground. It was an obscure
rot. dysentery, leeches and tropical
And it was on Guadalcanal that a
downpours. Marines who survived
place for one of history's turning
Leatherneck legacy dawned in World
combet faced the alternating fever
points.
War II. It provided the first indelible
and chill of malaria; a Marine wasn't
images of Marines assaulting a beach
Located in the lower Solomon Is-
pulled off the line unless his tempera-
and raising the U.S. flag on Japanese
lands, Guadaicanal was a largely un-
ture soared past 104 degrees.
ground - the blueprint for Pacific
inhabitable British protectorate. The
victory.
Japanese seized it and cobbled an
And then there were the Japanese -
screaming "Banzai!" or "Long live
airstrip out of the jungle from which
"I can't say we started the Marine
the emperor!" as they charged.
they could menace Australia, 1,000
They were flushed with Bushido, the
B
38
AUG 6 '92 11:44
FROM OASD-PA
PAGE. 012
SUPPLEMENT: Monday, July 27, 1992
ancient samurai code of preferring
supported by naval and air power.
awarded the Navy Cross. Silver Star
death to the disgrace of surrender.
Their first general order WAS: "Do
and Purple Heart - took a bullet
not expect to return, not even one
through his chest, made his confes-
The Japanese had pushed the Ameri-
man, if occupation is not successful."
sion and commended himself to
cans off Guam, Wake, Bataan and
God.
Corregidor and they figured to do the
One of the last Japanese assaults
same at Guadalcanal. In 97 minutes
failed in front of Mitchell Paige, a
"If I get out of this, maybe it means I
on one night, Japanese battleships hit
machine-gunner who was awarded
should do something special." Moore
Henderson with 918 rounds from
the Medal of Honor. Near the end of
thought.
their 14-inch guns.
a seven-hour battle, Paige cradied his
42-pound gun in his arms and draped
He did. The warrior was ordained an
"It seemed like it lasted forever. Day
two belts of ammo around his neck.
Episcopal priest and later became
after day of getting bombed, shelled,
He yelled to some Marines: "Fix bay.
bishop of New York.
shot at. You never got any real sleep,
onets and follow me." Then he
never got any real food," said Victor
charged.
"It was a just war, if there is any such
Croizat, a retired Marine colonel.
thing." Moore said. "There was a real
"It took me 15 years before I could
sense of camaraderie among us. You
"But nobody was going to drive us
talk about it," said Paige. "A Marine
were really fighting more for the Ma.
out," Croizat said. "We were there to
is like a well-oiled machine. You
rine Corps than for the United States.
stay. You're damned if you're going
know in your own heart and your
We were stuck there, so we had to
to let the Marine Corps down and
own mind the guys on your left and
stick together. What the bell are you
damned if you're going to let your
your right are going to fight to the
going to do? Your life is in each
outfit down.
death. It's your job. I felt confident
other's hands every moment of the
we could whip any fighting force in
day. It's a terrible responsibility."
When things were at their worst,
the world."
commanders quietly drew up plans
Air power was pivotal in the way
to have troops melt into the jungle
On Guadalcanal, uncommon valor
things turned out. Henderson Field
and fight as guerrillas.
was a common occurrence.
opened Aug. 20 under the name Cac-
tus Air Force. With the help of the
But reinforcements arrived to beat
Of the 30 men in Lt. Paul Moore's
construction battalions, the planes
the last and largest Japanese offen-
platoon, only six survived unscathed.
kept flying, sometimes with fuel or
sive, on Oct. 23-27. The Sendai Divi-
Ten were killed and the others were
parts taken from wrecked aircraft.
sion tried a three-pronged assault
wounded or sickened. Moore
CONTINUED NEXT PAGE
The battle for Guadalcanal/50th anniversary
Aug. 7, 1942/ 1st Marine
PAPUA NEW GUINEA
Division lands.
Pacific
Aug. 8/ Marines capture
Ocean
Japanese airstrip, rename
it Henderson Field.
1,000 miss
Aug. 9/ Japanese sink
AUSTRALIA
three U.S. cruisers and
1.000 km
Australian cruiser, damage
Solomon
three other U.S. ships.
Bougsimville
Islands
Navy task force withdraws.
Choiseul
Aug. 21/ Japanese
Santa
attempt to reclaim
lisabel
Valla Lavelle
New
Henderson ends in
Georgia
Mulata
annihilation. More than
Rendova
800 are killed and 15
Russell &
captured.
100 miles
Aug. 24-25/ Japanese fail
Gusdaicanal
100 form
to retake Henderson by
sea.
Sept. 12-14/ Japanese mount a dozen attacks and get to within
1,000 yards of Henderson Field.
Sept. 15/ Carrier Wasp sunk.
Oct. 11/ Naval battle of Cape Esperance results in U.S. strategic
victory.
Oct. 23-27/ Japanese make last and largest ground assault with
three-pronged attack while naval and air forces bombard airfield.
Oct. 26-27/ Naval battle of Santa Cruz Islands! Carrier Hornet
sunk: two Japanese carriers damaged.
Nov. 12-15/ Naval battle of Guadaicanal. Japan fails to pulverize
Henderson Field with its battleships' 14-inch guns. Japanese lose
two battleships, a cruiser, three destroyers and 10 transports.
Nov. 30/ Naval battle of Tassafronga. One U.S. cruiser sunk and
three damaged in Japanese victory.
Dec. 9/ 1st Marine Division relieved by Army's Americal and 25th
divisions and elements of 2nd Marine Division.
Feb. 9, 1943/ Guadaicanal declared secure after the last 13,000
Japanese abandon the battlefield for transport ships.
Members of 8 U.S. Marine engineer batallion took a break under the eye of a machine
Source: Associated Press
gunner during a kill in the fighting on the South Pacific island of Guadalcanal
B
39
AUG
6
92
11:45
FROM OASD-PA
PAGE 013
SUPPLEMENT: Monday, July 27, 1992
WAR
CONTINUED
Among the 15 Medals of Honor
awarded during the Guadalcanal
ing men and equipment to the island.
war. Once we were able to hold on. it
campaign, five went to Marine avia-
"We've got the bastards licked!" de-
gave everybody a lift." said George
tors. One was Capt. Joe Foss, who
bettered Capt. Eddie Rickenbacker's
clared Admiral William (Bull) Hal-
MacGillivray, then a Marine
World War I record of 25 kills to
sey, who took command in the South
corporal.
become the new ace of aces.
Pacific on Oct. 18.
The amphibious tactics were a model
"Marines have the best esprit de
Back on the ground, the 1st Marine
for getting troops ashore in North
Division was relieved Dec. 9 by the
Africa. Sicily, Anzio and Normandy.
corps. The thing that a lot of people
Army's Americal and 25th Divisions
And in later years, every Marine
don't realize was the dedication of
and elements of the 2nd Marine
shared the lore and myth of
the people that were there. They put
Division.
Guadalcanal.
their lives on the line every day,"
said Foss, later the governor of South
The fresh troops pushed the Japanese
If these gung-ho fighters could take
Dakota and president of the National
Rifle Association.
off the island. It was declared secure
on the Rising Sun's empire, com-
Feb. 9, 1943, after the last 13,000
manders didn't hesitate to use them
"From the generals to the privates,
Japanese fled to transport ships.
some would say misuse them -
at Inchon in Korea, at Da Nang as
we had one thing on our minds -
In the end, naval losses were roughly
the first U.S. combat troops sent to
get the job done and go home. The
equal; each side had 24 warships
Vietnam in 1965, at Beirut as an ill-
historians called it a turning point.
sunk. In the air, Japan lost 682 air-
fated 1983 peacekeeping force and at
Of course, we didn't know it at the
craft, 446 of them combat planes.
Kuwait City as liberators.
time. We were just battling to knock
U.S. air losses were 615 planes, in-
Fifty years later. Guadalcanal's capi-
those suckers down."
cluding 264 combat planes.
tal city of Honiara, a sleepy port that
didn't exist in 1942, sits near Red
At sea, seven major battles were
The human cost was greater. The
Beach.
fought. So much war junk from both
U.S. death toll included 1,769 ground
sides went to the bottom that the
forces (1,207 of them Marines), 4,911
Japan's money, not its military, ex-
turquoise waters around the island
men at sea and 420 in the air.
erts influence. Honiara's only hotel,
were called Ironbottom Sound.
the Mendana, is owned by the Japa-
But Japanese fatalities were four
nese. So is half the island's tuna
The U.S. Navy suffered perhaps the
times greater. The Japanese lost
factory. The Japanese are building a
worst defeat in its history on Aug. 9,
25,600 troops on the ground, 3,500 at
new terminal at Henderson Interna-
when three American cruisers and an
sea and 1,200 in the air.
tional Airport, the landing strip that
Australian one were sunk in less than
so many men died for.
60 minutes off Savo Island.
And that is how the Japanese came
to call Guadaicanal the Island of
And demolition crews still uncover
But in the naval battle of Guadalca-
Death.
and detonate leftover bombs that lit-
nal in mid-November, the Japanese
ter the island, their explosions a dis
lost two battleships, a cruiser, three
tant echo of what happened 50 years
destroyers and 10 transports funnel-
"It set the stage for the rest of the
ago.
The Philadelphia Inquirer
July 20, 1992
Pg. 1
A military corps of their own
Fifty years ago today, the first women began basic training.
WORLD WARII
By Tom Infield
amusements generally. play little, if any,
Fifty years ago to-
INQUIRERST WRITER
part."
day. July 20, 1942. a
Before women could be permitted to join
Once Congress was finished with its de
group of 440 women
the military, Congress, of course, had to
bate that May, finally having voted to au-
from the then-18
have its say.
thorize a Women's Auxiliary Army Corps
states gathered at an
50
"Take the women into the armed serv-
(WAAC). the bureaucrats got their hooks
old cavalry post near
ice? Who will then do the cooking, the
into matters.
Des Moines, lowa, to
washing, the mending, the humble, homey
Should the women wear skirts or pants?
begin training as offi-
FIFTIETH
tasks to which every woman has devoted
Carry bandbags or shoulder bags? And
cers in the WAAC.
herself?"
what about foundation garments? The
They were the first
Thus spoke a member of the House in
Army could not require women to wear
of 400,000 women who
March 1942, three months after Pearl Har-
them unless it issued them. But was it legal
served in the World War II military, the
bor.
to issue garments to women it didn't issue
pathfinders for today's full integration of
"Think of the humiliation!" said another
to men?
men and women in the armed services.
member. "What has become of the man-
The battle ran for weeks, with generals,
hood of America?"
congresspeople, civil libertarians and fash.
"This
war is not a social event," said a
ion designers all putting in their two cents.
CONTINUED NEXT PAGE
third. "In it, teas, dances, card parties,
Was this any way to run a women's army?
B
40
Pawnee, OK
(918) 762 2108
Concerning
pop. 2,000
river?
Pawnee Lake
in Ralston
Ancansas River
22 mi. away
Pawnee, OK
pop-
2,000
body of H2O
Pawnee Lake
(or Arkansas River, not
in Pawnee, but 22mi.
away. Nemest river.
Chicken shit river.)
AUG-06-1992 14:31 FROM COMMANDANT USMC
TO
912024566218 P.02
PAGE: 1
GUEST LIST FOR: 7 Aug 92
PRINTED: 6 Aug 42
50th Anniversary of the Battle of Guadaicenal
7Aug92
ACCEPT
REGRET
DOD
NONDOD
VIP
ARTHUR, Admiral Stanley R.
0
0
0
0
13
Vice Chief of Navel Operations
BACON, Vice Admiral Roger F.
0
0
0
0
15
Assistant Chief of Naval Operations for Undersea Warfare (OP-02)
BUSHEY, Master Ch Petty off Duane R.
0
0
0
0
19
Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy
CHAFEE, The Honorable John H.
0
0
0
0
2
U.S. Senate
CHENEY, The Honorable Richard B.
0
0
0
0
1
The Secretary of Defense
HAGAN, Master Ch Petty Off John
0
0
0
0
21
Incoming Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy
HEFLIN, The Honorable Howell T.
0
0
0
0
3
U.S. Senate
KICKLIGHTER, Lieutenant General Claude
0
0
0
0
17
Executive Director, DoD 50th Anniversary of WWII Commemoration Committee
KIME, Admiral J. William
0
0
0
0
8
Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard
LLOYD, Master Ch Petty off Robert J.
0
0
0
0
20
Master Chief Petty of the Coast Guard
and Mrs. Lloyd
MARSH, JR., The Honorable John 0.
0
0
0
0
12
Chairman, Reserve Forces Policy Board, OSD
MCINERNEY, Lieutenant General Thomas G.
0
0
0
0
14
Assistant Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force
O'KEEFE, The Honorable Sean C.
0
0
0
0
4
Acting Secretary of the Navy
OVERSTREET, Sergeant Major Harold G.
0
0
0
0
18
Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps
and Mrs. Jeanne Overstreet
POWELL, General Colin L.
0
0
0
0
6
Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff
AUG-06-1992 14:31 FROM COMMANDANT USMC
TO
912024566218 P.03
PAGE: 2
GUEST LIST FOR: 7 Aug 92
PRINTED: 6 Aug 92
50th Anniversary of the Battle of Guadalcanal
7Aug92
ACCEPT
REGRET
DOD
NONDOD
VIP
RUNYON, The Honorable Marvin T.
0
0
0
0
5
Postmaster General of the United States, U.S. Postal Service
SHANNON, The Honorable John W.
0
0
0
0
11
The Under Secretary of the Army
SITTMANN, The Honorable William F.
0
0
0
0
9
Executive Secretary of the National Security Council
SULLIVAN, General Gordon R.
0
0
0
0
7
Chief of Staff, U.S. Army
TIMPERLAKE, Honorable Edward
0
0
0
0
10
Assistant Secretary for Public and Intergovernment Affairs, Department of Veterans Affairs
WILLS, Lieutenant General Duane A.
0
0
0
0
16
Deputy Chief of Staff for Aviation
and Mrs. Patty Wills
TOTAL
I
0
of
0
n 21
uss Missouri
Japanese surrendered
Tokyo Bay
MacAthm
TEL No.
9087545580 Aug 06,92 15:09 P.01
Central Jersey
Chamber of Commerce
lifEast Front Street 120 WEST 7TH ST,
Plainfield New Jersey 07060
908-754-7250
Fax-908-754-5580
FAX COVER SHEET
)
TO: CAROL
COMPANY:
PHONE:
/
FAX NUMBER: 202-456-6218
FROM: BARBARA BALLARD
NUMBER OF PAGES: 2
KARITAN
One of the area's early setties vas George Hiddaugh, who bought land
in Resitan, Being BP Industrieus man, he net about building a tevefn, which
he completed in 1734. This daysen, which aroug on the curner of Classr
Avenue and Cransts Place, with its crude-cut bar and large hearth. salved as
# meeting place for the colonists of the village of Merican.
In the yours 1778-1779, Washington Quartered his troops 18 the Somereet
Valley erst. Washington made bis own headquarters at the Wallace Rouse In
Somerville; while his good friend and contade In area, Ceneral Lafeyette,
chope the "Cojaman House" in Mariton.
After 1840, Resitan untered a new "Born Town" BYB. Company stores were
being buflt, house for workers affered, blackenish shops boomed. bridges
META butls across the canal and the river. The village was alive with
activity and people; an are of prosperity began. Three years ofser the
civil Vor ended, the Willage of Rariten become the Town of Bariter,
Ratitan gave its 011 to the World War T effort; the Rerston Woolen
Hills produced blankers for the Army and the Town citizansy enlisted In the
aread forces.
The sulf-sectifies of the people of Parican was $0 widely known one
appreciated that 11 MAR docided in Washington, D.C., that . ship be Butle
and newed after Waritan. the S.S. Notirer, (Seritan spelled backwards) and
launched at Wilmington. Delaware in 1920. This would .... the highest Monor
a cown could receive. bur Keritan received a orill grester distinction. The
Treaty of Daritan, signed at the home of Senstor Joseph S. Frelinghuysen in
Maritan by Presiden: Warren c. Harding on July 2. 1921, officially ended
World War 1.
The zown vent to WAT again during World War 11, and a shousand of her
citizens served with distinction and honor. Among them yas à Marine
sergeant named John Basilons. No --- awarded the Congressional Medal of
Honor for his heroic actions on Guadaltanal. Busilons was later killed on
the beach-hoad of Byo Jime in February of 1945.
In 1948 4 special election was held to decide whether of not the town
should become a borough, Co May 12, 1948. the Borough of Maritan was
officially born, one hundred-and-ninty years after the first village
meeting.
HISTORIC SITES:
Ceneral John Frelinghuyeen Mouse
Kerican Train Station
-70-
Raritan, NJ
population 5,780
2.6 sq.mi.
(908)
Raritan liver
Central NJ Coc
Barbara Balland
Plainfield
908-754-7250
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
July 29, 1992
Backup from
Tim mcBride
MEMORANDUM FOR TIMOTHY J. MCBRIDE
8/6/92
ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT FOR
MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION
FROM:
JOHN A, GAUGHAN
DEPUTY ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT
SUBJECT:
50th Anniversary of Guadalcanal Amphibious Landing
As you are aware, we submitted a schedule proposal recommending
the President's attendance at the August 7th wreath laying
ceremony commemorating the 50th anniversary of the amphibious
landing on the island of Guadalcanal. Our recommendation was
based on an invitation extended by the Secretary of Defense.
This proposal was considered at a recent long-range scheduling
meeting and disapproved.
I believe that you should be made aware of additional information
which strongly supports reconsideration of this proposal.
a. The local producer for Charles Kuralt is going to
prepare a 15 to 20 minute segment on activities
surrounding the 50th anniversary; this segment will be
aired on Mr. Kuralt's Sunday morning television show.
b. This event will be held at the Marine Corps
Memorial with 2,000 veterans marching in formation; 600
of those veterans were participants in the landing on
Guadalcanal. With the flag-raising backdrop of the Iwo
Jima Memorial creates a breathtaking effect for what
could be a spectacular event with the President's
participation since he was a hero from WWII.
C. The Postmaster General is planning to unveil a stamp
commemorating the 50th as part of this particular
ceremony.
d. The battle at Guadalcanal is extremely significant in a
historical perspective because it was the first ground
offensive in WWII and was hardest fought land campaign
of the war. The Navy suffered some of its worst losses
in American history while supporting the Marines on the
Island. This was considered by many the turning point
of the war.
THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE
OF DEFE OREGON
WASHINGTON. THE DISTRICT OF columbia
UNITED STATES 01 AMERICA
20 JUL 1992
The President
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear Mr. President:
August 7, 1992, marks the 50th Anniversary of the amphibious
landing on the island of Guadalcanal, the first U.S. ground
offensive in WWII. The battle of Guadalcanal proved to be one
of the hardest fought land campaigns of WWII.
The Commandant of the Marine Corps will host a wreath laying
ceremony dedicated to all Guadalcanal veterans. The ceremony
will be held at the Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, on
August 7, 1992, at 1030 a.m. We anticipate more than a thousand
veterans will attend this event.
I know the WWII commemorative events hold a special meaning
for you as Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces and a WWII
veteran who served in the Pacific. On behalf of all veterans of
Guadalcanal, it is my pleasure to extend an invitation to you to
be our guest speaker.
I hope that you will be able to attend what will be a most
memorable event.
Respectfully,
Die Change
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
SCHEDULE PROPOSAL
July 21, 1992
TO:
Katherine Super
Deputy Assistant to the President
for Appointments and Scheduling
FROM:
Timothy J. McBride
Assistant to the President for
Management and Administration
REQUEST:
An invitation to the President (from the
Secretary of Defense) to be the guest
speaker at a 50th Anniversary wreath
laying ceremony dedicated to all
Guadalcanal veterans.
PURPOSE:
The Commandant of the Marine Corps will
host this wreath laying ceremony. It is
one of the WWII commemorative events.
BACKGROUND:
August 7, 1992, marks the 50th
Anniversary of the amphibious landing on
the island of Guadalcanal (the first
ground offensive in WWII) The battle
of Guadalcanal proved to be one of the
hardest fought land campaigns of WWII.
The Department of Defense anticipates
more than a thousand veterans will
attend this event.
PREVIOUS
PARTICIPATION:
None.
DATE AND TIME:
August 7, 1992; 10:30 a.m.
Duration: 60 minutes.
LOCATION:
Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington.
PARTICIPANTS:
Attached (Tab A)
OUTLINE OF EVENT:
Attached (Tab B)
REMARKS REQUIRED:
Yes, to be provided by Speechwriters.
MEDIA COVERAGE:
Open
RECOMMENDED BY:
Mr. Timothy J. McBride
Mr. John A. Gaughan
Attachments
VIP LIST FOR 7 AUGUST COMMEMORATION OF GUADALCANAL
The President of the United States
The Vice President of the United States
The Honorable Dick Cheney, Secretary of Defense
The Honorable Edward J. Derwinski, Secretary of Veterans Affairs
The Honorable James B. Busey, Jr., Secretary of Transportation
The Honorable Donald J. Atwood, Deputy Secretary of Defense
The Honorable M. P. W. Stone, Secretary of the Army
The Honorable Sean O'Keefe, Secretary of the Navy (Acting)
The Honorable Donald B. Rice, Secretary of the Air Force
The Honorable John H. Chafee, Senator R-RI, Guadalcanal veteran
The Honorable Howell Heflin, Senator D-AL, Guadalcanal veteran
The Honorable Jack Brooks, Representative D-9-TX, Guadalcanal
veteran
The Honorable Donald J. Yockey, Under Secretary of Defense for
Acquisition
The Honorable Paul Wolfowitz, Under Secretary of Defense for Policy
The Honorable Brent Scowcroft, The National Security Advisor
GEN Colin Powell, Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff
ADM David E. Jeremiah, Vice Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff
GEN Gordon R. Sullivan, Chief of Staff of the Army
ADM Frank Kelso, Chief of Naval Operations
GEN Merrill A. McPeak, Chief of Staff of the Air Force
ADM J. William Kime, Commandant of the Coast Guard
LTG Claude Kicklighter, USA (Ret.), Executive Director, DoD 50th
Anniversary of WWII Commemoration Committee
The Honorable Marvin Runyon, Postmaster General
SgtMaj Harold G. Overstreet, Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps
SgtMaj Richard A. Kidd, Sergeant Major of the Army
Master Chief John Hagan, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy
Master Chief Jay Lloyd, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast
Guard
Chief Master Sergeant Gary R. Pfingston, Chief Master Sergeant of
the Air Force
VETERAN-RELATED ORGANIZATION GUEST LIST
Marine Corps Aviation Association
A. A. Cunningham Air Museum Foundation
Marine Corps Musicians Association
Edson's Raiders Association
Marine Corps Association
Marine Corps Command & Staff
Marine Corps Drill Instructors Association
Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation
Marine Corps Reserve Officers Association
USMC Combat Correspondents Association
Marine Executive Association
Marine Corps Historical Foundation
Marine Corps League National Headquarters
Montford Point Marine Association
Marine Military Academy
Marine Corps Scholarship
Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation
The Association of Survivors - WWII Marine/Navy Parachute Units
The Chosin Few
U.S. Marine Raider Association
Women Marines Association
First Marine Division Association
Second Marine Division Association
Third Marine Division Association
Fourth Marine Division Association
Fifth Marine Division Association
6th Marine Division Association
Marine Corps Mustang Association
Marine Corps Reserve Officers Association
American Ex-Prisoners of War
The American Legion
American Red Cross
American Veterans of WWII, Korea and Vietnam (AMVETS)
Army & Navy Union, U.S.A.
Blinded Veterans Association
Catholic War Veterans, U.S.A.
Congressional Medal of Honor Society of the U.S.A
Disabled American Veterans
Gold Star Wives of America
Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.A.
Legion of Valor of the U.S.A
Military Order of the Purple Heart of the U.S.A.
Non Commissioned Officers Association
Paralyzed Veterans of America
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States
Veterans of World War I of the U.S.A.
Vietnam Veterans of America
Women's Army Corps Veterans Association
Fleet Reserve Association
Air Force Association
American Gold Star Mothers
National Association of Black Veterans
Navy League of the United States
Reserve Officers Association of the United States
United States Merchant Marine Veterans of World War II
Waves National
Women Air Force Service Pilots, World War II
GUADALCANAL COMMEMORATION
WREATH LAYING CEREMONY - EVENT SCHEDULE
FRIDAY 7 AUGUST 1992
LOCATION: MARINE WAR MEMORIAL, WASHINGTON, DC
10:30 All persons to participate in the ceremony are staged.
10:35 Veterans March On.
10:45 Concert by The U.S. Marine Band.
10:55 National Anthem.
11:00 Invocation.
11:01 CMC's Welcome and Introduction of the President and VIP
Guests.
11:03
President's Address.
11:10
Wreath Laying.
11:20 Benediction.
11:22 Marines' Hymn.
11:27 Formation Dismissed
August 6, 1992
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
THROUGH:
STEVEN PROVOST
FROM:
ANDY FERGUSON
SUBJECT:
WREATH-LAYING CEREMONY
On Friday, August 7 at 10:45 a.m., you will participate in a
wreath-laying ceremony hosted by the Commandant of the Marine
Corps at the Marine Corps Memorial in Arlington. This ceremony
is dedicated to all Guadalcanal veterans, and marks the 50th
anniversary of the amphibious landing on the island of
Guadalcanal. Your remarks are ten minutes in length, and will be
on cards.
FIRST OFFENSIVE:
THE MARINE CAMPAIGN
FOR GUADALCANAL
MARINES IN
WORLD WAR II
COMMEMORATIVE SERIES
BY HENRY I. SHAW, JR.
$
May
First Offensive: The Marine
Campaign for Guadalcanal
by Henry I. Shaw, Jr.
n the early summer of
ic had to be secured. The Japanese
Battle of Midway (3-6 June 1942) had
I
1942, intelligence re-
advance had to be stopped. Thus,
caused Imperial General Headquart-
ports of the construc-
Operation Watchtower, the seizure of
ers to cancel orders for the invasion
tion of a Japanese
Guadalcanal and Tulagi, came into
of Midway, New Caledonia, Fiji, and
airfield near Lunga
being.
Samoa, but plans to construct a
Point on Guadalcanal in the Solo-
The islands of the Solomons lie
major seaplane base at Tulagi went
mon Islands triggered a demand for
nestled in the backwaters of the
forward. The location offered one of
offensive action in the South Pacif-
South Pacific. Spanish fortune-
the best anchorages in the South Pa-
ic. The leading offensive advocate in
hunters discovered them in the mid-
cific and it was strategically located:
Washington was Admiral Ernest J.
sixteenth century, but no European
560 miles from the New Hebrides,
King, Chief of Naval Operations
power foresaw any value in the is-
800 miles from New Caledonia, and
(CNO). In the Pacific, his view was
lands until Germany sought to ex-
1,000 miles from Fiji.
shared by Admiral Chester A.
pand its budding colonial empire
Nimitz, Commander in Chief, Pacific
The outposts at Tulagi and
more than two centuries later. In
Guadalcanal were the forward evi-
Fleet (CinCPac), who had already
1884, Germany proclaimed a protec-
proposed sending the 1st Marine
dences of a sizeable Japanese force in
torate over northern New Guinea, the
Raider Battalion to Tulagi, an island
the region, beginning with the Seven-
Bismarck Archipelago, and the
20 miles north of Guadalcanal across
teenth Army, headquartered at
northern Solomons. Great Britain
Sealark Channel, to destroy a
Rabaul. The enemy's Eighth Fleet,
Japanese seaplane base there.
countered by establishing a protec-
Eleventh Air Fleet, and 1st, 7th, 8th,
torate over the southern Solomons
and 14th Naval Base Forces also were
Although the Battle of the Coral Sea
and by annexing the remainder of
had forestalled a Japanese amphibi-
on New Britain. Beginning on 5 Au-
New Guinea. In 1905, the British
ous assault on Port Moresby, the Al-
gust 1942, Japanese signal intelligence
crown passed administrative control
lied base of supply in eastern New
units began to pick up transmissions
Guinea, completion of the Guadal-
over all its territories in the region to
between Noumea on New Caledonia
Australia, and the Territory of
canal airfield might signal the begin-
and Melbourne, Australia. Enemy
Papua, with its capital at Port Mores-
ning of a renewed enemy advance to
analysts concluded that Vice Admiral
by, came into being. Germany's hold-
the south and an increased threat to
Richard L. Ghormley, commanding
ings in the region fell under the
the lifeline of American aid to New
the South Pacific Area (ComSoPac),
Zealand and Australia. On 23 July
administrative control of the League
was signalling a British or Australian
of Nations following World War I,
1942, the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS)
force in preparation for an offensive in
with the seat of the colonial govern-
the Solomons or at New Guinea. The
in Washington agreed that the line of
ment located at Rabaul on New Bri-
communications in the South Pacif-
warnings were passed to Japanese
tain. The Solomons lay 10 degrees
headquarters at Rabaul and Truk, but
below the Equator-hot, humid, and
were ignored.
On the cover: A Marine machine gun-
buffeted by torrential rains. The
ner and his Browning .30-caliber M1917
The invasion force was indeed on its
celebrated adventure novelist, Jack
heavy machine gun stand guard while
way to its targets, Guadalcanal, Tula-
1st Marine Division engineers clean up
London, supposedly muttered: "If I
gi, and the tiny islets of Gavutu and
in the Lunga River. (Department of
were king, the worst punishment I
Tanambogo close by Tulagi's shore. The
Defense [USMC] Photo 588741)
could inflict on my enemies would be
to banish them to the Solomons."
landing force was composed of Ma-
At left: It was from a Boeing B-17 Fly-
rines; the covering force and transport
ing Fortress such as this that LtCol Mer-
On 23 January 1942, Japanese
force were U.S. Navy with a reinforce-
rill B. Twining and Maj William B.
forces seized Rabaul and fortified it
ment of Australian warships. There was
McKean reconnoitered the Watchtower
extensively. The site provided an ex-
not much mystery to the selection of
target area and discovered the Japanese
cellent harbor and numerous posi-
the 1st Marine Division to make the
building an airfield on Guadalcanal.
tions for airfields. The devastating
landings. Five U.S. Army divisions were
(National Archives Photo 80-G-34887)
enemy carrier and plane losses at the
located in the South and Southwest Pa-
1
U.S.S.R.
KAMCHATKA
in
Aftu
Kisko
CANADA
Adak
ALEUTIAN ISLANDS
OUTER MONGOLIA
MANCHURIA
North Pacific Area
UNITED
STATES
KOREA
JAPAN
San Francisco
CHINA
San Diego
cast
China
RYUKYU
Sea
IS.
Midway
HAWAIIAN
Is.
Formose
ISLANDS
Ochu
Hong Kong
BURMA
Woke
Peart Harbor
MARIANAS
Luzon
THAI-
FRENCH
IS.
Johnston I.
LAND
INDO
CHINA
PHILIPPINE
IS.
MARSHALL
Guam
IS.
South
Central Pacific Area
China
Sulu
Mindanao
Dea
see
Polou is.
Truk is.
Malay
Polmyre
Pen.
Siam
Celebes Sea
CAROLINE ISLANDS
GILBERT
I
Christmas 1.
BORNED
0
Admiralty Is.
IS.
Boker l.
PHOENIX IS.
SUMATRA
Bismarck
Conton I.
Amboina
NEW
Arch.
NETHERLANDS EAST INDIES
GUINEA
SOLOMON
IS.
ELLICE
South Pacific Area
Timor ArafuntSex
Port
Santo
Moresby
Guadalcanal
IS.
Cruz is.
SAMOA
NEW
SOCIETY
HEBRIDES
IS..,
Townsville
FIJI IS.-
TONGA
Loyalty
COOK
Southwest Pacific Area
New
IS.
Caledonia
is.
IS.
Nournes
THE PACIFIC AREAS
AUSTRALIA
1 AUGUST 1942
Brisbane
Area Boundaries
Subdivision Boundaries
60.0
200
400
600
800
ЮОО.
Sydney
60°
30'
30°
0°
0"
Statute Miles
Melhourne
NEW ZEALAND
John Carnes
cific: three in Australia, the 37th In-
tached, from the 11th Marines, in the
round of working parties, often dur-
fantry in Fiji, and the Americal
case of the 5th and 1st; the 2d Marines
ing rainstorms which hampered the
Division on New Caledonia. None was
drew its reinforcing 75mm howitzers
task, but the job was done. Succeed-
amphibiously trained and all were con-
from the 2d Division's 10th Marines.
ing echelons of the division's forces
sidered vital parts of defensive garri-
The news that his division would
all got their share of labor on the
sons. The 1st Marine Division, minus
be the landing force for Watchtower
docks as various shipping groups ar-
one of its infantry regiments, had be-
came as a surprise to Major General
rived and the time grew shorter.
gun arriving in New Zealand in mid-
Alexander A. Vandegrift, who had
General Vandegrift was able to con-
June when the division headquarters
anticipated that the 1st Division
vince Admiral Ghormley and the
and the 5th Marines reached Welling-
would have six months of training in
Joint Chiefs that he would not be
ton. At that time, the rest of the rein-
the South Pacific before it saw ac-
able to meet a proposed D-Day of 1
forced division's major units were
tion. The changeover from adminis-
August, but the extended landing
getting ready to embark. The 1st Ma-
trative loading of the various units'
date, 7 August, did little to improve
rines were at San Francisco, the 1st
supplies to combat loading, where
the situation.
Raider Battalion was on New Caledo-
first-needed equipment, weapons,
An amphibious operation is a
nia, and the 3d Defense Battalion was
ammunition, and rations were posi-
vastly complicated affair, particularly
at Pearl Harbor. The 2d Marines of the
tioned to come off ship first with the
when the forces involved are assem-
2d Marine Division, a unit which
assault troops, occasioned a never-to-
bled on short notice from all over the
would replace the 1st Division's 7th
be-forgotten scene on Wellington's
Pacific. The pressure that Vandegrift
Marines stationed in British Samoa,
docks. The combat troops took the
felt was not unique to the landing
was loading out from San Diego. All
place of civilian stevedores and un-
force commander. The U.S. Navy's
three infantry regiments of the land-
loaded and reloaded the cargo and
ships were the key to success and they
ing force had battalions of artillery at-
passenger vessels in an increasing
were scarce and invaluable. Although
2
General Alexander A. Vandegrift
A
distinguished military analyst once noted that if
favors the bold and strong of heart," he led the 1st Marine
titles were awarded in America as they are in Eng-
Division ashore in the Solomon Islands in the first large-
land, the commanding general of Marine Corps
scale offensive action against the Japanese.
forces at Guadalcanal would be known simply as "Van-
His triumph at Guadalcanal earned General Vandegrift
degrift of Guadalcanal." But America does not bestow
the Medal of Honor, the Navy Cross, and the praise of a
aristocratic titles, and besides, such a formality would not
grateful nation. In July 1943 he took command of I Ma-
be in keeping with the soft-spoken, modest demeanor of
rine Amphibious Corps and planned the landing at Em-
Alexander A. Vandegrift.
press Augusta Bay, Bougainville, Northern Solomons, on
The man destined to lead the 1st Marine Division in
1 November 1943. He then was recalled to Washington, to
America's first ground offensive operation of World War
become the Eighteenth Commandant of the Marine Corps.
II was born in 1887 in Charlottesville, Virginia, where he
On 1 January 1944, as a lieutenant general, Vandegrift
grew up fascinated by his grandfather's stories of life in the
was sworn in as Commandant. On 4 April 1945 he was
Confederate Army during the Civil War. It was axiomatic
promoted to general, and thus became the first Marine
that young Alexander would settle on a military career.
officer on active duty to attain four-star rank.
Commissioned a Marine lieutenant in 1909, Vandegrift
In the final stages of the war, General Vandegrift direct-
received an early baptism of fire in 1912 during the bom-
ed an elite force approaching half-a-million men and wom-
bardment, assault, and capture of Coyotepe in Nicaragua.
en, with its own aviation force. Comparing his Marines
Two years later he participated in the capture and occupa-
with the Japanese, he noted that the Japanese soldier "was
tion of Vera Cruz. Vandegrift would spend the greater part
trained to go to a place, stay there, fight and die. We train
of the next decade in Haiti, where he fought Caco bandits,
our men to go to a place, fight to win, and to live. I can
and served as an inspector of constabulary with the Gen-
assure you, it is a better theory."
darmerie d'Haiti. It was in Haiti that he met and was
befriended by Marine Colonel Smedley D. Butler, who
After the war, Vandegrift fought another battle, this time
called him "Sunny Jim." The lessons of these formative years
in the halls of Congress, with the stakes being the survival
fighting an elusive enemy in a hostile jungle environment
of the Marine Corps. His counter-testimony during Con-
were not lost upon the young Marine officer.
gressional hearings of the spring of 1946 was instrumental
in defeating initial attempts to merge or "unify" the U.S.
He spent the next 18 years in various posts and stations
Armed Forces. Although his term as Commandant ended
in the United States, along with two tours of China duty
on 31 December 1947, General Vandegrift would live to see
at Peiping and Tientsin. Prior to Pearl Harbor, Vandegrift
passage of Public Law 416, which preserved the Corps and
was appointed assistant to the Major General Comman-
its historic mission. His official retirement date of 1 April
dant, and in April 1940 received the single star of a
1949 ended just over 40 years of service.
brigadier general. He was detached to the 1st Marine Di-
General Vandegrift outlived both his wife Mildred and
vision in November 1941, and in May 1942 sailed for the
their only son, Colonel Alexander A. Vandegrift, Jr., who
South Pacific as commanding general of the first Marine
fought in World War II and Korea. He spent most his final
division ever to leave the United States. On 7 August 1942,
years in Delray, Florida. He died on 8 May 1973. - Robert
after exhorting his Marines with the reminder that "God
V. Aquilina
3
the Battles of Coral Sea and Midway
force approaching Guadalcanal in
about their opponents. Those maps
had badly damaged the Japanese
early August was vested in Vice Ad-
that were available were poor, con-
fleet's offensive capabilities and crip-
miral Frank J. Fletcher as Expedition-
structions based upon outdated
pled its carrier forces, enemy naval
ary Force Commander (Task Force
hydrographic charts and information
aircraft could fight as well ashore as
61). His force consisted of the am-
provided by former island residents.
afloat and enemy warships were still
phibious shipping carrying the 1st
While maps based on aerial photo-
numerous and lethal. American loss-
Marine Division, under Rear Ad-
graphs had been prepared they were
es at Pearl Harbor, Coral Sea, and
miral Richmond K. Turner, and the
misplaced by the Navy in Auckland,
Midway were considerable, and
Air Support Force led by Rear Ad-
New Zealand, and never got to the
Navy admirals were well aware that
miral Leigh Noyes. Admiral Ghorm-
Marines at Wellington.
the ships they commanded were in
ley contributed land-based air forces
On 17 July, a couple of division
short supply. The day was coming
commanded by Rear Admiral John
staff officers, Lieutenant Colonel
when America's shipyards and facto-
S. McCain. Fletcher's support force
Merrill B. Twining and Major Wil-
ries would fill the seas with warships
consisted of three fleet carriers, the
liam McKean, had been able to join
of all types, but that day had not ar-
Saratoga (CV 3), Enterprise (CV 6),
the crew of a B-17 flying from Port
rived in 1942. Calculated risk was the
and Wasp (CV 7); the battleship
Moresby on a reconnaissance mission
name of the game where the Navy
North Carolina (BB 55), 6 cruisers,
over Guadalcanal. They reported
was concerned, and if the risk seemed
16 destroyers, and 3 oilers. Admiral
what they had seen, and their anal-
too great, the Watchtower landing
Turner's covering force included five
ysis, coupled with aerial photo-
force might be a casualty. As it hap-
cruisers and nine destroyers.
graphs, indicated no extensive
pened, the Navy never ceased to risk
The Landing and August Battles
defenses along the beaches of
its ships in the waters of the Solo-
Guadalcanal's north shore.
mons, but the naval lifeline to the
On board the transports approach-
This news was indeed welcome.
troops ashore stretched mighty thin
ing the Solomons, the Marines were
The division intelligence officer (G-2),
at times.
looking for a tough fight. They knew
Lieutenant Colonel Frank B. Goettge,
Tactical command of the invasion
little about the targets, even less
had concluded that about 8,400
(3)
Transport
FLORIDA ISLAND
Group YOKE
Hotelo
GUADALCANAL
Mokambo
TULAGI
SAVOI.
GAVDTUL
TULAGI-GAVUTU
Tronsport
and
Cope Esperance
Group
Vggela
Channel
Florida Islands
Visate
Kamimbo
Tenoro
XRAT
o
5
10
Bay
Aruligo Pt.
Marovovo
Tenamba
Domo Cove
Sealask
Channel
Miles
Verahus)
Lengo % Charnel
Tassafaronga PL
PLCruz
Lungo Jenaru PL
KoliPt
volnorera
Tosimboko Tolvu Pr.
Kukum
Matonikou
Airtial
Tenavary
Matanikau
Mt.
Tapananja
Austen,
Becarde
Aola Bay
Beaufort Bay
prouts
7
GUADALCANAL ISLAND
John Carnes
4
First Marine Utility Uniform Issued in World War II
T
he United States Marine Corps entered World War
II wearing essentially the same summer field uni-
form that it had worn during the "Banana Wars."
The Marines defending America's Pacific outposts on
Guam, Wake Island, and in the Philippines in the late
months of 1941 wore a summer field uniform consisting
of a khaki cotton shirt and trousers, leggings, and a
M1917A1 steel helmet. Plans to change this uniform had
been underway for at least one year prior to the opening
of hostilities.
As had the Army, the Marine Corps had used a loose-fit-
ting blue denim fatigue uniform for work details and some
field exercises since the 1920s. This fatigue uniform was
either a one-piece coverall or a two-piece bib overall and
jacket, both with "USMC" metal buttons. In June 1940, it
was replaced by a green cotton coverall. This uniform and
the summer field uniform were replaced by what would
become known as the utility uniform. Approved for general
The new uniform was issued to the flood of new recruits
issue on the Marine Corps' 166th birthday, 10 November
crowding the recruit depots in the early months of 1942 and
1941, this new uniform was made of sage-green (although
was first worn in combat during the landing on Guadal-
"olive drab" was called for in the specifications) herring-
canal in August 1942. This uniform was subsequently worn
bone twill cotton, then a popular material for civilian work
by Marines of all arms from the Solomons Campaign to
clothing. The two-piece uniform consisted of a coat (often
the end of the war. Originally, the buttons on the coat and
referred to as a "jacket" by Marines) and trousers. In 1943,
the trousers were all copper-plated, but an emergency al-
a cap made of the same material would be issued.
ternate specification was approved on 15 August 1942, eight
The loose-fitting coat was closed down the front by four
days after the landing on Guadalcanal, which allowed for
two-piece rivetted bronze-finished steel buttons, each bear-
a variety of finishes on the buttons. Towards the end of
ing the words "U.S. MARINE CORPS" in relief. The cuffs
the war, a new "modified" utility uniform which had been
were closed by similar buttons. Two large patch pockets
developed after Tarawa was also issued, in addition to a
were sewn on the front skirts of the jacket and a single patch
variety of camouflage uniforms. All of these utility uni-
pocket was stitched to the left breast. This pocket had the
forms, along with Army-designed M1 helmets and Marine
Marine Corps eagle, globe, and anchor insignia and the
Corps-designed cord and rubber-soled rough-side-out
letters "USMC" stencilled on it in black ink. The trousers,
leather "boondocker" shoes, would be worn throughout the
worn with and without the khaki canvas leggings, had two
war in the Pacific, during the postwar years, and into the
slashed front pockets and two rear patch pockets.
Korean War. Kenneth L. Smith-Christmas
Japanese occupied Guadalcanal and
units. Infantry regiments numbered
of engineers, pioneers, and Seabees,
Tulagi. Admiral Turner's staff figured
3,168 and consisted of a headquart-
provided a hefty combat and serv-
that the Japanese amounted to 7,125
ers company, a weapons company,
ice element. The total was rounded
men. Admiral Ghormley's intelli-
and three battalions. Each infantry
out by division headquarters battal-
gence officer pegged the enemy
battalion (933 Marines) was or-
ion's headquarters, signal, and mili-
strength at closest to the
ganized into a headquarters compa-
tary police companies and the
3,457 actual total of Japanese troops;
ny (89), a weapons company (273),
division's service troops-service,
2,571 of these were stationed on
and three rifle companies (183). The
motor transport, amphibian tractor,
Guadalcanal and were mostly
artillery regiment had 2,581 officers
and medical battalions. For Watch-
laborers working on the airfield.
and men organized into three 75mm
tower, the 1st Raider Battalion and
To oppose the Japanese, the Ma-
pack howitzer battalions and one
the 3d Defense Battalion had been
rines had an overwhelming superiori-
105mm howitzer battalion. A light
added to Vandegrift's command to
ty of men. At the time, the tables of
tank battalion, a special weapons
provide more infantrymen and much
organization for a Marine Corps di-
battalion of antiaircraft and antitank
needed coast defense and antiaircraft
vision indicated a total of 19,514
guns, and a parachute battalion ad-
guns and crews.
officers and enlisted men, including
ded combat power. An engineer regi-
Unfortunately, the division's heav-
naval medical and engineer (Seabee)
ment (2,452 Marines) with battalions
iest ordnance had been left behind in
5
Fletcher added some bad news. In
view of the threat from enemy land-
based air, he could not "keep the car-
riers in the area for more than 48
hours after the landing." Vandegrift
protested that he needed at least four
days to get the division's gear ashore,
and Fletcher reluctantly agreed to
keep his carriers at risk another day.
On the 28th the ships sailed from
the Fijis, proceeding as if they were
headed for Australia. At noon on 5
August, the convoy and its escorts
turned north for the Solomons. Un-
detected by the Japanese, the assault
force reached its target during the
night of 6-7 August and split into two
landing groups, Transport Division
X-Ray, 15 transports heading for the
Naval Historical Photographic Collection 880-CF-117-4-63
north shore of Guadalcanal east of
Enroute to Guadalcanal, RAdm Richmond Kelly Turner, commander of the Amphi-
Lunga Point, and Transport Division
bous Force, and MajGen Alexander A. Vandegrift, 1st Marine Division commander,
Yoke, eight transports headed for
review the Operation Watchtower plan for landings in the Solomon Islands.
Tulagi, Gavutu, Tanambogo, and the
New Zealand. Limited ship space and
vision, but the majority of the men
nearby Florida Island, which loomed
time meant that the division's big
were going into their initial battle.
over the smaller islands.
guns, a 155mm howitzer battalion,
The commanding officer of the 1st
Vandegrift's plans for the landings
and all the motor transport battal-
Marines, Colonel Clifton B. Cates,
would put two of his infantry regi-
ion's two-and-a-half-ton trucks were
estimated that 90 percent of his men
ments (Colonel LeRoy P. Hunt's 5th
not loaded. Colonel Pedro A. del
had enlisted after Pearl Harbor. The
Marines and Colonel Cates' 1st Ma-
Valle, commanding the 11th Marines,
fabled 1st Marine Division of later
rines) ashore on both sides of the
was unhappy at the loss of his heavy
World War II, Korean War, Vietnam
Lunga River prepared to attack in-
howitzers and equally distressed that
War, and Persian Gulf War fame, the
land to seize the airfield. The 11th
essential sound and flash-ranging
most highly decorated division in the
Marines, the 3d Defense Battalion,
equipment necessary for effective
U.S. Armed Forces, had not yet es-
and most of the division's support-
counterbattery fire was left behind.
tablished its reputation.
ing units would also land near the
Also failing to make the cut in the
The convoy of ships, with its out-
Lunga, prepared to exploit the beach-
battle for shipping space, were all
riding protective screen of carriers,
head. Across the 20 miles of Sealark
spare clothing, bedding rolls, and
reached Koro in the Fiji Islands on
Channel, the division's assistant com-
supplies necessary to support the
26 July. Practice landings did little
mander, Brigadier General William
reinforced division beyond 60 days
more than exercise the transports'
H. Rupertus, led the assault forces
of combat. Ten days supply of am-
landing craft, since reefs precluded an
slated to take Tulagi, Gavutu, and
munition for each of the division's
actual beach landing. The rendez-
Tanambogo: the 1st Raider Battalion
weapons remained in New Zealand.
vous at Koro did give the senior com-
(Lieutenant Colonel Merritt A. Ed-
In the opinion of the 1st Division's
manders a chance to have a
son); the 2d Battalion, 5th Marines
historian and a veteran of the land-
face-to-face meeting. Fletcher,
(Lieutenant Colonel Harold E. Rose-
ing, the men on the approaching
McCain, Turner, and Vandegrift got
crans); and the 1st Parachute Battal-
transports "thought they'd have a bad
together with Ghormley's chief of
ion (Major Robert H. Williams).
time getting ashore." They were con-
staff, Rear Admiral Daniel J. Calla-
Company A of the 2d Marines would
fident, certainly, and sure that they
ghan, who notified the conferees that
reconnoiter the nearby shores of
could not be defeated, but most of
ComSoPac had ordered the 7th Ma-
Florida Island and the rest of Colonel
the men were entering combat for the
rines on Samoa to be prepared to em-
John A. Arthur's regiment would
first time. There were combat vete-
bark on four days notice as a
stand by in reserve to land where
ran officers and noncommissioned
reinforcement for Watchtower. To
needed.
officers (NCOs) throughout the di-
this decidedly good news, Admiral
As the ships slipped through the
6
channels on either side of rugged
0909 on Red Beach. To the men's sur-
cial naval landing force sailors and
Savo Island, which split Sealark near
prise (and relief), no Japanese ap-
they had no intention of giving up
its western end, heavy clouds and
peared to resist the landing. Hunt
what they held without a vicious, no-
dense rain blanketed the task force.
immediately moved his assault
surrender battle. Edson's men land-
Later the moon came out and sil-
troops off the beach and into the sur-
ed first, following by Rosecrans' bat-
houetted the islands. On board his
rounding jungle, waded the steep-
talion, hitting Tulagi's south coast
command ship, Vandegrift wrote to
banked Ilu River, and headed for the
and moving inland towards the ridge
his wife: "Tomorrow morning at
enemy airfield. The following 1st
which ran lengthwise through the is-
dawn we land in our first major
Marines were able to cross the Ilu on
land. The battalions encountered
offensive of the war. Our plans have
a bridge the engineers had hastily
pockets of resistance in the under-
been made and God grant that our
thrown up with an amphibian trac-
growth of the island's thick vegeta-
judgement has been sound
tor bracing its middle. The silence
tion and maneuvered to outflank and
whatever happens you'll know I did
was eerie and the absence of oppo-
overrun the oppostion. The advance
my best. Let us hope that best will
sition was worrisome to the riflemen.
of the Marines was steady but casual-
be good enough."
The Japanese troops, most of whom
ties were frequent. By nightfall, Ed-
At 0641 on 7 August, Turner sig-
were Korean laborers, had fled to the
son had reached the former British
nalled his ships to "land the landing
west, spooked by a week's B-17 bom-
residency overlooking Tulagi's harbor
force." Just 28 minutes before, the
bardment, the pre-assault naval gun-
and dug in for the night across a hill
heavy cruiser Quincy (CA 39) had
fire, and the sight of the ships
that overlooked the Japanese final
begun shelling the landing beaches at
offshore. The situation was not the
position, a ravine on the island's
Guadalcanal. The sun came up that
same across Sealark. The Marines on
southern tip. The 2d Battalion, 5th
fateful Friday at 0650, and the first
Guadalcanal could hear faint rum-
Marines, had driven through to the
landing craft carrying assault troops
bles of a firefight across the waters.
northern shore, cleaning its sector of
of the 5th Marines touched down at
The Japanese on Tulagi were spe-
enemy; Rosecrans moved into posi-
MajGen Alexander A. Vandegrift, CG, 1st Marine Division,
LtCol Gerald C. Thomas, operations officer; LtCol Randolph
confers with his staff on board the transport uss McCawley
McC. Pate, logistics officer; LtCol Frank B. Goettge, intelli-
(APA-4) enroute to Guadalcanal. From left: Gen Vandegrift;
gence officer; and Col William Capers James, chief of staff.
National Archives Photo 80-G-17065
7
National Archives Photo 80-CF-112-5-3)
First Division Marines storm ashore across Guadalcanal's
Barnett (AP-11) and attack cargo ship Fomalhaut (AK-22). The
beaches on D-Day, 7 August 1942, from the attack transport
invaders were surprised at the lack of enemy opposition.
LANDING ON GUADALCANAL
and Capture of the Airfield
Lungo Point
7-8 AUGUST 1942
Marine Positions, Evening, 7 August
Positions Reached, 8 August
Axis of Advance
LUNGA
Japanese Bivouac Area
X5
500
0
2000
KUKUM
Yards
I
I(+)
X
3
5
X
I(+)
X
5
2
8Aug.
1(+)
BEACH RED
BEACH
RED
EXTENSION
X
1
5(+)
3
5(+)
Control Tower
TENARU
Rador
(Pagoda)
Airstrip
3X5
Hangars
River
Bloody
is
X
IVA
Jour
Ridge
Block
River
X
Lunga River
2d and 3d Bns
Marine Regt + (Inf) (Reinf)
X
8 August
Marine Bn (Inf)
3
1(+) Third Bn First Marine (Reinf)
John Carnes
8
Photo courtesy of Col James A. Donovan, Jr.
When the 5th Marines entered the jungle from the beachhead,
Division engineers hastily constructed a bridge supported by
and had to cross the steep banks of the Ilu River, 1st Marine
amphibian tractors. Though heavily used, the bridge held up.
Photographed immediately after a prelanding strike by uss
Gavutu Islands lie smoking and in ruins in the morning sun.
Enterprise aircraft flown by Navy pilots, Tanambogo and
Gavutu is at the left across the causeway from Tanambogo.
National Archives Photo 80-G-11034
9
Department of Defense (USMC) Photo 52231
After the battle, almost all palm trees on Gavutu were shorn
hitting the enemy emplacements, Japanese opposition from
of their foliage. Despite naval gunfire and close air support
caves proved to be serious obstacles for attacking Marines.
tion to back up the raiders. By the
smaller and the opportunities for fire
attackers were driven to ground and
end of its first day ashore, 2d Battal-
support from offshore ships and car-
had to pull back to Gavutu.
ion had lost 56 men killed and
rier planes was severely limited once
After a rough night of close-in
wounded; 1st Raider Battalion
the Marines had landed. After naval
fighting with the defenders of both
casualties were 99 Marines.
gunfire from the light cruiser San
islands, the 3d Battalion, 2d Marines,
Throughout the night, the
Juan (CL 54) and two destroyers, and
reinforced the men already ashore
Japanese swarmed from hillside caves
a strike by F4F Wildcats flying from
and mopped up on each island. The
in four separate attacks, trying to
the Wasp, the 1st Parachute Battal-
toll of Marines dead on the three is-
penetrate the raider lines. They were
ion landed near noon in three waves,
lands was 144; the wounded num-
unsuccessful and most died in the at-
395 men in all, on Gavutu. The
bered 194. The few Japanese who
tempts. At dawn, the 2d Battalion,
Japanese, secure in cave positions,
survived the battles fled to Florida Is-
2d Marines, landed to reinforce the
opened fire on the second and third
land, which had been scouted by the
attackers and by the afternoon of 8
waves, pinning down the first Ma-
2d Marines on D-Day and found
August, the mop-up was completed
rines ashore on the beach. Major
clear of the enemy.
and the battle for Tulagi was over.
Williams took a bullet in the lungs
The Marines' landings and the
The fight for tiny Gavutu and
and was evacuated; 32 Marines were
concentration of shipping in Guadal-
Tanambogo, both little more than
killed in the withering enemy fire.
canal waters acted as a magnet to the
small hills rising out of the sea, con-
This time, 2d Marines reinforcements
Japanese at Rabaul. At Admiral
nected by a hundred-yard causeway,
were really needed; the 1st Battalion's
Ghormley's headquarters, Tulagi's ra-
was every bit as intense as that on
Company B landed on Gavutu and
dio was heard on D-Day "frantically
Tulagi. The area of combat was much
attempted to take Tanambogo; the
calling for [the] dispatch of surface
10
LVT (1)-The 'Amtrac'
W
hile the Marine Corps was developing amphibi-
with their machine guns. They also were used as pontoons
ous warfare doctrine during the 1920s and
to support bridges across Guadalcanal rivers.
1930s, it was apparent that a motorized amphib-
The LVT proved to be more seaworthy than a boat of
ian vehicle was needed to transport men and equipment
comparable size; it was able to remain afloat with its en-
from ships across fringing reefs and beaches into battle,
tire cargo hold full of water. However, defects in the de-
particularly when the beach was defended.
sign soon became apparent. The paddle treads on the tracks
In 1940, the Marines adopted the Landing Vehicle,
and the rigid suspension system were both susceptible to
Tracked (1), designed by Donald Roebling. More commonly
damage when driven on land and did not provide the
known as the "amtrac" (short for amphibian tractor), the
desired speeds on land or water. Although the LVT(1) per-
LVT(1) had a driver's cab in front and a small engine com-
formed admirably against undefended beachheads, its lack
partment in the rear, with the bulk of the body used for
of armor made it unsuitable for assaults against the heavi-
carrying space. During the next three years, 1,225 LVT(1)s
ly defended islands of the central Pacific. This weakness
were built, primarily by the Food Machinery Corporation.
was apparent during the fighting in the Solomon Islands,
but LVT(1)s with improvised armor were still in use at the
The LVT(1) was constructed of welded steel and was
assault on Tarawa, where 75 percent of them were lost in
propelled on both land and water by paddle-type treads.
three days.
Designed solely as a supply vehicle, it could carry 4,500
The LVT(1) proved its value and validated the amphibi-
pounds of cargo. In August 1942, the LVT(1) first saw com-
ous vehicle concept through the great versatility and mo-
bat on Guadalcanal with the 1st Amphibian Tractor Bat-
bility it demonstrated throughout numerous campaigns in
talion, 1st Marine Division. Throughout the Solomon
the Pacific. Although intended solely for supply purposes,
Islands campaigns, the LVT(1) provided Marines all types
it was thrust into combat use in early war engagements.
of logistical support, moving thousands of tons of supplies
In its initial role as a support vehicle, the LVT(1) delivered
to the front lines. At times they also were pressed into tac-
ammunition, supplies and reinforcements that made the
tical use: moving artillery pieces, holding defensive posi-
difference between victory and defeat. - Second Lieutenant
tions, and occasionally supporting Marines in the attack
Wesley L. Feight, USMC
forces to the scene" and designating
hills of the islands north of Guadal-
the Japanese were not daunted by the
transports and carriers as targets for
canal signalled that a Japanese air
setback; other planes and ships were
heavy bombing. The messages were
strike composed of heavy bombers,
enroute to the inviting target.
sent in plain language, emphasizing
light bombers, and fighters was head-
On 8 August, the Marines consoli-
the plight of the threatened garrison.
ed for the island. Fletcher's pilots,
dated their positions ashore, seizing
And the enemy response was prompt
whose carriers were positioned 100
the airfield on Guadalcanal and es-
and characteristic of the months of
miles south of Guadalcanal, jumped
tablishing a beachhead. Supplies
naval air and surface attacks to come.
the approaching planes 20 miles
were being unloaded as fast as land-
At 1030 on 7 August, an Aus-
northwest of the landing areas before
ing craft could make the turnaround
tralian coastwatcher hidden in the
they could disrupt the operation. But
from ship to shore, but the shore
11
swarmed out to rescue survivors. Ap-
proximately 1,300 sailors died that
night and another 700 suffered
wounds or were badly burned.
Japanese casualties numbered less
than 200 men.
The Japanese suffered damage to
only one ship in the encounter, the
cruiser Chokai. The American cruis-
ers Vincennes (CA 44), Astoria (CA
34), and Quincy (CA 39) went to the
bottom, as did the Australian Navy's
HMAS Canberra, so critically
damaged that she had to be sunk by
American torpedoes. Both the cruiser
Chicago (CA 29) and destroyer Tal-
bot (DD 114) were badly damaged.
Fortunately for the Marines ashore,
Marine Corps Personal Papers-Collection
the Japanese force - five heavy cruis-
Immediately after assault troops cleared the beachhead and moved inland, sup-
ers, two light cruisers, and a
plies and equipment, inviting targets for enemy bombers, began to litter the beach.
destroyer - departed before dawn
forces. They thought the Marine
without attempting to disrupt the
party was woefully inadequate to
landings constituted a reconnaissance
landing further.
handle the influx of ammunition, ra-
tions, tents, aviation gas, vehicles -
in force, perhaps 2,000 men, on
When the attack-force leader, Vice
all gear necessary to sustain the Ma-
Guadalcanal. By the evening of 8 Au-
Admiral Gunichi Mikawa, returned
rines. The beach itself became a
gust, Vandegrift had 10,900 troops
to Rabaul, he expected to receive the
dumpsite. And almost as soon as the
ashore on Guadalcanal and another
accolades of his superiors. He did get
initial supplies were landed, they had
6,075 on Tulagi. Three infantry regi-
those, but he also found himself the
to be moved to positions nearer Ku-
ments had landed and each had a
subject of criticism. Admiral Isoroku
kum village and Lunga Point within
supporting 75mm pack howitzer
Yamamoto, the Japanese fleet com-
the planned perimeter. Fortunately,
battalion - the 2d and 3d Battalions,
mander, chided his subordinate for
the lack of Japanese ground opposi-
11th Marines on Guadalcanal, and
failing to attack the transports. Mika-
tion enabled Vandegrift to shift the
the 3d Battalion, 10th Marines on
wa could only reply, somewhat lame-
supply beaches west to a new
Tulagi. The 5th Battalion, 11th Ma-
ly, that he did not know Fletcher's
beachhead.
rines' 105mm howitzers were in
aircraft carriers were so far away
Japanese bombers did penetrate
general support.
from Guadalcanal. Of equal sig-
the American fighter screen on 8 Au-
That night a cruiser-destroyer
nificance to the Marines on the
gust. Dropping their bombs from
force of the Imperial Japanese Navy
beach, the Japanese naval victory
20,000 feet or more to escape antiair-
reacted to the American invasion
caused celebrating superiors in Tokyo
craft fire, the enemy planes were not
with a stinging response. Admiral
to allow the event to overshadow the
very accurate. They concentrated on
Turner had positioned three cruiser-
the ships in the channel, hitting and
destroyer groups to bar the Tulagi-
U.S. 105mm Howitzer
damaging a number of them and
Guadalcanal approaches. At the Bat-
sinking the destroyer Jarvis (DD
tle of Savo, the Japanese demonstrat-
393). In their battles to turn back the
ed their superiority in night fighting
attacking planes, the carrier fighter
at this stage of the war, shattering
squadrons lost 21 Wildcats on 7-8
two of Turner's covering forces
August.
without loss to themselves. Four
The primary Japanese targets were
heavy cruisers went to the bottom -
the Allied ships. At this time, and for
three American, one Australian -
a thankfully and unbelievably long
and another lost her bow. As the sun
time to come, the Japanese com-
came up over what soon would be
manders at Rabaul grossly underes-
called "Ironbottom Sound," Marines
timated the strength of Vandegrift's
watched grimly as Higgins boats
12
importance of the amphibious
ships still half-full steamed away. The
operation.
forces ashore had 17 days' rations-
The disaster prompted the Ameri-
after counting captured Japanese
can admirals to reconsider Navy sup-
food - and only four days' supply of
port for operations ashore. Fletcher
ammunition for all weapons. Not
feared for the safety of his carriers;
only did the ships take away the rest
he had already lost about a quarter
of the supplies, they also took the
of his fighter aircraft. The com-
Marines still on board, including the
mander of the expeditionary force
2d Marines' headquarters element.
had lost a carrier at Coral Sea and
Dropped off at the island of Espiritu
another at Midway. He felt he could
Santo in the New Hebrides, the in-
not risk the loss of a third, even if
fantry Marines and their com-
it meant leaving the Marines on their
mander, Colonel Arthur, were most
U.S. 90mm Antiaircraft Gun
own. Before the Japanese cruiser at-
unhappy and remained so until they
tack, he obtained Admiral Ghorm-
finally reached Guadalcanal on 29
also hauled away empty sand bags
ley's permission to withdraw from
October.
and valuable engineer tools. So the
the area.
Ashore in the Marine beachheads,
Marines used Japanese shovels to fill
At a conference on board Turner's
General Vandegrift ordered rations
Japanese rice bags with sand to
flagship transport, the McCawley,
reduced to two meals a day. The
strengthen their defensive positions.
on the night of 8 August, the admiral
reduced food intake would last for
The Marines dug in along the
told General Vandegrift that Fletch-
six weeks, and the Marines would
beaches between the Tenaru and the
er's impending withdrawal meant
become very familiar with Japanese
ridges west of Kukum. A Japanese
that he would have to pull out the
canned fish and rice. Most of the Ma-
counter-landing was a distinct pos-
amphibious force's ships. The Battle
rines smoked and they were soon dis-
sibility. Inland of the beaches, defen-
of Savo Island reinforced the decision
gustedly smoking Japanese-issue
sive gun pits and foxholes lined the
to get away before enemy aircraft,
brands. They found that the separate
west bank of the Tenaru and
unchecked by American interceptors,
paper filters that came with the
crowned the hills that faced west
struck. On 9 August, the transports
cigarettes were necessary to keep the
toward the Matanikau River and
withdrew to Noumea. The unload-
fast-burning tobacco from scorching
Point Cruz. South of the airfield
ing of supplies ended abruptly, and
their lips. The retreating ships had
where densely jungled ridges and ra-
When ships carrying barbed wire and engineering tools needed ashore were forced
vines abounded, the beachhead
to leave the Guadalcanal area because of enemy air and surface threats, Marines
perimeter was guarded by outposts
had to prepare such hasty field expedients as this cheval de frise of sharpened stakes.
and these were manned in large part
Department of Defense (USMC) Photo 5157
by combat support troops. The en-
gineer, pioneer, and amphibious trac-
tor battalion all had their positions
on the front line. In fact, any Marine
with a rifle, and that was virtually
every Marine, stood night defensive
duty. There was no place within the
perimeter that could be counted safe
from enemy infiltration.
Almost as Turner's transports
sailed away, the Japanese began a
pattern of harassing air attacks on
the beachhead. Sometimes the raids
came during the day, but the 3d
Defense Battalion's 90mm antiaircraft
guns forced the bombers to fly too
high for effective bombing. The er-
ratic pattern of bombs, however,
meant that no place was safe near the
airfield, the preferred target, and no
place could claim it was bomb-free.
13
General Vandegrift and His 1st Marine Division Staff
henever a work about the Guadalcanal operation is
why this photograph was taken. The division's morale was
W
published, one of the pictures always included is
affected by the fact that Vice Admiral Frank Jack Fletcher was
that of Major General Alexander A. Vandegrift,
forced to withdraw his fleet from the area - with many of his
1st Marine Division commanding general, and his staff officers
ships not yet fully unloaded and holding more than half of
and commanders, who posed for the photograph on 11 Au-
the division's supplies still needed ashore. Adding to the Ma-
gust 1942, just four days after the assault landings on the is-
rines' uneasiness at seeing their naval support disappear be-
land. Besides General Vandegrift, there are 40 Marines and
low the horizon, was the fact that they had been under almost
one naval officer in this picture, and each one deserves a page
constant enemy air attacks beginning shortly after their land-
of his own in Marine Corps history.
ing on Guadalcanal. In an effort to counter the adverse in-
Among the Marines, 23 were promoted to general officer
fluence on morale of the day and night air attacks, Vandegrift
rank and three became Commandants of the Marine Corps:
began making tours of the division perimeter every morning
General Vandegrift and Colonels Cates and Pate. The naval
to talk to as many of his Marines as possible, and to keep a
officer, division surgeon Commander Warwick T. Brown, MC,
personal eye on the command. As he noted:
USN, also made flag officer rank while on active duty and
was promoted to vice admiral upon retirement.
By August 11, the full impact of the vanished transports was
Four of the officers in the picture served in three wars. Lieu-
permeating the command, so again I called a conference of my
tenant Colonels Gerald C. Thomas, division operations officer,
staff and command officers
I ended the conference by
posing with this fine group of officers, a morale device that
and Randolph McC. Pate, division logistics officer, served in
worked because they thought if I went to the trouble of hav-
both World Wars I and II, and each commanded the 1st Ma-
ing the picture taken then I obviously planned to enjoy it in
rine Division in Korea. Colonel William J. Whaling similarly
future years.
served in World Wars I and II, and was General Thomas' as-
sistant division commander in Korea. Major Henry W. Buse,
Recently, General Merrill B. "Bill" Twining, on Guadalcanal
Jr., assistant operations officer, served in World War II, Korea,
a lieutenant colonel and assistant D-3, recalled the circum-
and the Vietnam War. Others served in two wars World
stances of the photograph and philosophized about the men
Wars I and II, or World War II and Korea. Represented in the
who appeared in it:
photograph is a total of nearly 700 years of cumulative ex-
The group is lined up on the slope of the coral ridge which
perience on active Marine Corps service.
provided a degree of protection from naval gunfire coming from
Three key members of the division - the Assistant Division
the north and was therefore selected as division CP
Commander, Brigadier General William H. Rupertus; the As-
There was no vital reason for the conclave. I think V[an-
sistant Chief of Staff, G1, Colonel Robert C. Kilmartin, Jr.;
degrift] just wanted to see who was in his outfit. Do you real-
and the commanding officer of the 1st Raider Battalion, Lieu-
ize these people had never been together before? Some came
tenant Colonel Merritt A. Edson - were not in this picture for
from as far away as Iceland
V[andegrift] mainly introduced himself, gave a brief pep talk
a good reason. They were on Tulagi, where Rupertus headed
I have often been asked how we could afford to congregate
the Tulagi Command Group with Kilmartin as his chief of
all this talent in the face of the enemy. We didn't believe we
staff, and Edson commanded the combat troops. Also nota-
(at the moment) faced any threat from the Japanese. The defense
bly absent from this photograph was the commander of the
area was small and every responsible commander could reach
his CP in 5 minutes and after all there were a lot of good peo-
7th Marines, Colonel James C. Webb, who had not joined the
ple along those lines. Most of the fresh-caught second lieutenants
division from Samoa, where the regiment had been sent be-
were battalion commanders two years later. We believed in each
fore the division deployed overseas.
other and trusted.
In his memoir, Once a Marine, General Vandegrift explained
Benis M. Frank
The General and His Officers on Guadalcanal, According to the Chart
1. Col George R. Rowan
15. LtCol Walter W. Barr
29. Maj Henry H. Crockett
2. Col Pedro A. del Valle
16. LtCol Raymond P. Coffman
30. LtCol Lenard B. Cresswell
3. Col William C. James
17. LtCol Francis R. Geraci
31. Maj Robert O. Brown
4. MajGen Alexander A. Vandegrift
18. LtCol William E. Maxwell
32. LtCol John A. Bemis
5. LtCol Gerald C. Thomas
19. LtCol Edward G. Hagen
33. Col Kenneth W. Benner
6. Col Clifton B. Cates
20. LtCol William N. McKelvy, Jr.
34. Maj Robert B. Luckey
7. Col Randolph McC. Pate
21. LtCol Julian N. Frisbie
35. LtCol Samuel B. Taxis
8. Cdr Warwick T. Brown, USN
22. Maj Milton V. O'Connèll
36. LtCol Eugene H. Price
9. Col William J. Whaling
23. Maj William Chalfant III
37. LtCol Merrill B. Twining
10. Col Frank B. Goettge
24. Maj Horace W. Fuller
38. LtCol Walker A. Reaves
11. Col LeRoy P. Hunt, Jr.
25. Maj Forest C. Thompson
26. Maj Robert G. Ballance
39. LtCol John D. Macklin
12. LtCol Frederick C. Biebush
27. Maj Henry C. Buse, Jr.
40. LtCol Hawley C. Waterman
13. LtCol Edwin A. Pollock
14. LtCol Edmund J. Buckley
28. Maj James W. Frazer
41. Maj James C. Murray, Jr.
14
15
8
4
r
9
9D
S
t
11
E
I
15
z
/
14
13
21
II
6
25
24
21
of
23
22
20
61
L
81
30
96
35
34
67
28
17
41
33
32
31
47
97
of
66
38
37
The most disturbing aspect of
disappeared with the Navy's trans-
Japanese air attacks soon became the
ports, the resourceful Marines soon
nightly harassment by Japanese air-
completed the airfield's runway with
craft which singly, it seemed, roamed
captured Japanese gear. On 12 Au-
over the perimeter, dropping bombs
gust Admiral McCain's aide piloted
and flares indiscriminately. The
in a PBY-5 Catalina flying boat and
nightly visitors, whose planes' en-
bumped to a halt on what was now
gines were soon well known sounds,
officially Henderson Field, named for
won the singular title "Washing
a Marine pilot, Major Lofton R. Hen-
Machine Charlie," at first, and later,
derson, lost at Midway. The Navy
"Louie the Louse," when their
officer pronounced the airfield fit for
presence heralded Japanese shore
fighter use and took off with a load
bombardment. Technically, "Charlie"
of wounded Marines, the first of
was a twin-engine night bomber
2,879 to be evacuated. Henderson
from Rabaul. "Louie" was a cruiser
Field was the centerpiece of Van-
float plane that signalled to the bom-
degrift's strategy; he would hold it at
Department of Defense (USMC) Photo 150993
Col Kiyono Ichiki, a battle-seasoned
bardment ships. But the harassed
all costs.
Japanese Army veteran, led his force in
Marines used the names inter-
Although it was only 2,000 feet
an impetuous and ill-fated attack on
changeably.
long and lacked a taxiway and ade-
strong Marine positions in the Battle of
Even though most of the division's
quate drainage, the tiny airstrip,
the Tenaru on the night of 20-21 August.
heavy engineering equipment had
often riddled with potholes and ren-
Of his watercolor painting "Instructions to a Patrol," Capt
corporal with the bearing of a high-school athlete. The man
Donald L. Dickson said that three men have volunteered to
on the right is "rough and ready." To the one at left, it's just
locate a Japanese bivouac The one in the center is a clean-cut
another job; he may do it heroically, but it's just another job.
Captain Donald L. Dickson, USMCR
16
dered unusable because of frequent,
On 12 August, CinCPac deter-
Hyakutake chose the 35th Infantry
torrential downpours, was essential
mined that a sizable Japanese force
Brigade (Reinforced), commanded by
to the success of the landing force.
was massing at Truk to steam to the
Major General Kiyotake Kawaguchi.
With it operational, supplies could
Solomons and attempt to eject the
At the time, Kawaguchi's main force
be flown in and wounded flown out.
Americans. Ominously, the group in-
was in the Palaus. Hyakutake select-
At least in the Marines' minds, Navy
cluded the heavy carriers Shokaku
ed a crack infantry regiment-the
ships ceased to be the only lifeline for
and Zuikaku and the light carrier
28th -commanded by Colonel Kiyo-
the defenders.
Ryujo. Despite the painful losses at
no Ichiki to land first. Alerted for its
While Vandegrift's Marines dug in
Savo Island, the only significant in-
mission while it was at Guam, the
east and west of Henderson Field,
creases to American naval forces in
Ichiki Detachment assault echelon,
Japanese headquarters in Rabaul
the Solomons was the assignment of
one battalion of 900 men, was trans-
planned what it considered an effec-
a new battleship, the South Dakota
ported to the Solomons on the only
tive response to the American offen-
(BB 57).
shipping available, six destroyers. As
sive. Misled by intelligence estimates
Imperial General Headquarters in
a result the troops carried just small
that the Marines numbered perhaps
Tokyo had ordered Lieutenant
amounts of ordnance and supplies.
2,000 men, Japanese staff officers be-
General Haruyoshi Hyakutake's
A follow-on echelon of 1,200 of
lieved that a modest force quickly
Seventeenth Army to attack the Ma-
Ichiki's troops was to join the assault
sent could overwhelm the invaders.
rine perimeter. For his assault force,
battalion on Guadalcanal.
The Coastwatchers
A
group of fewer than 1,500 native Coastwatchers
neared, were placed under the control of the intelligence
served as the eyes and ears of Allied forces in
section of the Australian Navy.
reporting movements of Japanese units on the
By 1942, the system of coastwatchers and the accompany-
ground, in the air, and at sea.
ing intelligence network covered an area of 500,000 square
Often performing their jobs in remote jungle outposts,
miles, and was placed under the control of the Allied In-
the Coastwatchers were possessed of both mental and phys-
telligence Bureau (AIB). The AIB coordinated Allied intel-
ical courage. Their knowledge of the geography and peoples
ligence activities in the southwest Pacific, and had as its
of the Pacific made them invaluable additions to the Al-
initial principal mission the collection of all possible infor-
lied war effort.
mation about the enemy in the vicinity of Guadalcanal.
The concept for this service originated in 1919 in a
Coastwatchers proved extremely useful to U.S. Marine
proposal by the Royal Australian Navy to form a civilian
forces in providing reports on the number and movement
coastwatching organization to provide early warning in the
of Japanese troops. Officers from the 1st Marine Division
event of an invasion. By the outbreak of war in September
obtained accurate information on the location of enemy
1939, approximately 800 persons were serving as coast-
forces in their objective areas, and were provided vital
watchers, operating observation posts mainly on the Aus-
reports on approaching Japanese bombing raids. On 8 Au-
tralian coast. They were, at the outset, government officials
gust 1942, Coastwatcher Jack Reed on Bougainville alert-
aided by missionaries and planters who, as war with Japan
ed American forces to an upcoming raid by 40 Japanese
Coastwatcher Capt W. F. Martin Clemens, British Solomon
bombers, which resulted in 36 of the enemy planes being
Islands Defence Force, poses with some of his constabulary.
destroyed. The "early warning system" provided by the
National Archives Photo 80-G-17080 courtesy of Richard Frank
Coastwatchers helped Marine forces on Guadalcanal to hold
onto the Henderson Field airstrip.
The Coastwatchers also rescued and sheltered 118 Al-
lied pilots, including Marines, during the Solomons Cam-
paign, often at the immediate risk of their own lives.
Pipe-smoking Coastwatcher Reed also was responsible for
coordinating the evacuation on Bougainville of four nuns
and 25 civilians by the U.S. submarine Nautilus.
It is unknown exactly how many Coastwatchers paid the
ultimate sacrifice in the performance of their duties. Many
died in anonymity, without knowledge of the contribution
their services had made to final victory. Perhaps they would
be gratified to know that no less an authority than Admiral
William F. Halsey recorded that the Coastwatchers saved
Guadalcanal, and Guadalcanal saved the Pacific. - Robert
V. Aquilina
17
Bombing Squadron (VMSB)-232
with 12 Douglas SBD-3 Dauntless
dive bombers.
From this point of the campaign,
the radio identification for Guadal-
canal, Cactus, became increasingly
synonymous with the island. The
Marine planes became the first ele-
ments of what would informally be
known as Cactus Air Force.
Wasting no time, the Marine pilots
were soon in action against the
Japanese naval aircraft which fre-
quently attacked Guadalcanal. Smith
National Archives Photo 80-G-37932
shot down his first enemy Zero fight-
On 20 August, the first Marine Corps aircraft such as this F4F Grumman Wildcat
er on 21 August; three days later
landed on Henderson Field to begin combat air operations against the Japanese.
VMF-223's Wildcats intercepted a
While the Japanese landing force
Islands Constabulary, Jacob C. Vou-
strong Japanese aerial attack force
was headed for Guadalcanal, the
za, volunteered about this time to
and downed 16 enemy planes. In this
Japanese already on the island
search out Japanese to the east of the
action, Captain Marion E. Carl, a
provided an unpleasant reminder
perimeter, where patrol sightings and
veteran of Midway, shot down three
that they, too, were full of fight. A
contacts had indicated the Japanese
planes. On the 22d, coastwatchers
captured enemy naval rating, taken
might have effected a landing.
alerted Cactus to an approaching air
in the constant patrolling to the west
The ominous news of Japanese
attack and 13 of 16 enemy bombers
of the perimeter, indicated that a
sightings to the east and west of the
were destroyed. At the same time,
Japanese group wanted to surrender
perimeter were balanced out by the
Mangrum's dive bombers damaged
near the village of Kokumbona,
joyous word that more Marines had
three enemy destroyer-transports at-
seven miles west of the Matanikau.
landed. This time the Marines were
tempting to reach Guadalcanal. On
This was the area that Lieutenant
aviators. On 20 August, two squa-
24 August, the American attacking
Colonel Goettge considered held
drons of Marine Aircraft Group
aircraft, which now included Navy
most of the enemy troops who had
(MAG)-23 were launched from the
scout-bombers from the Saratoga's
fled the airfield. On the night of 12
escort carrier Long Island (CVE-1) lo-
Scouting Squadron (VS) 5, succeed-
August, a reconnaissance patrol of 25
cated 200 miles southeast of Guadal-
ed in turning back a Japanese rein-
men led by Goettge himself left the
canal. Captain John L. Smith led 19
forcement convoy of warships and
perimeter by landing craft. The
Grumman F4F-4 Wildcats of Marine
destroyers.
patrol landed near its objective, was
Fighting Squadron (VMF)-223 onto
On 22 August, five Bell P-400 Air
ambushed, and virtually wiped out.
Henderson's narrow runway. Smith's
Cobras of the Army's 67th Fighter
Only three men managed to swim
fighters were followed by Major
Squadron had landed at Henderson,
and wade back to the Marine lines.
Richard C. Mangrum's Marine Scout-
followed within the week by nine
The bodies of the other members of
The first Army Air Forces P-400 Bell Air Cobras arrived on Guadalcanal on 22 Au-
the patrol were never found. To this
gust, two days after the first Marine planes, and began operations immediately.
day, the fate of the Goettge patrol
National Archives Photo 208-N-4932
continues to intrigue researchers.
After the loss of Goettge and his
men, vigilance increased on the
perimeter. On the 14th, a fabled
character, the coastwatcher Martin
Clemens, came strolling out of the
jungle into the Marine lines. He had
watched the landing from the hills
south of the airfield and now
brought his bodyguard of native
policemen with him. A retired ser-
geant major of the British Solomon
18
The 1st Marine Division Patch
T
he 1st Division shoulder patch originally was
authorized for wear by members of units who
were organic or attached to the division in its four
landings in the Pacific War. It was the first unit patch to
be authorized for wear in World War II and specifically
commemorated the division's sacrifices and victory in the
battle for Guadalcanal.
As recalled by General Merrill B. Twining, a lieutenant
colonel and the division's operations officer on Guadal-
canal, for a short time before the 1st left Guadalcanal for
Australia, there had been some discussion by the senior
D
staff about uniforming the troops. It appeared that the Ma-
rines might have to wear Army uniforms, which meant that
they would lose their identity and Twining came up with
the idea for a division patch. A number of different de-
signs were devised by both Lieutenant Colonel Twining and
Captain Donald L. Dickson, adjutant of the 5th Marines,
who had been an artist in civilian life. The one which Twin-
ing prepared on the flight out of Guadalcanal was approved
by Major General Alexander A. Vandegrift, the division
commander.
General Twining further recalled that he drew a diamond
in his notebook and "in the middle of the diamond I
doodled a numeral one
[and] I sketched in the word
'Guadalcanal' down its length
I got to thinking that
the whole operation had been under the Southern Cross,
so I drew that in, too
About an hour later I took
the patches began to roll off the knitting machines, and
the drawing up to the front of the aircraft to General Van-
Colonel Twining was there to approve them. General Twin-
degrift. He said, Yes, that's it!' and wrote his initials, A.A.V.,
ing further recalled: "After they came off the machine, I
on the bottom of the notebook page."
picked up a sheet of them. They looked very good, and
After he arrived in Brisbane, Australia, Colonel Twin-
when they were cut, I picked up one of the patches. It was
ing bought a child's watercolor set and, while confined to
one of the first off the machine."
his hotel room by a bout of malaria, drew a bunch of dia-
The division's post exchanges began selling the patches
monds on a big sheet, coloring each one differently. He then
almost immediately and they proved to be popular, with
took samples to General Vandegrift, who chose one which
Marines buying extras to give away as souvenirs to Aus-
was colored a shade of blue that he liked. Then Twining
took the sketch to the Australian Knitting Mills to have it
tralian friends or to send home to families. Before long,
newly established Marine divisions, as well as the raider
reproduced, pledging the credit of the post exchange funds
and parachute units, and as the aircraft wings, sea-going
to pay for the patches' manufacture. Within a week or two
Marines, Fleet Marine Force Pacific units, and others, were
Designer of the patch, LtCol Merrill B. Twining (later Gen)
authorized to have their own distinctive patch, a total of
sits in the 1st Marine Division operations bunker. Behind
33, following the lead of the 1st Marine Division. Marines
him is his assistant D-3, a very tired Maj Henry W. Buse, Jr.
returning to the United States for duty or on leave from
a unit having a distinctive shoulder insignia were autho-
rized to wear that insignia until they were assigned to
another unit having a shoulder patch of its own. For many
1st Marine Division men joining another unit and having
to relinquish the wearing of the 1st Division patch, this
rankled.
Shortly after the end of the war, Colonel Twining went
to now-Marine Commandant General Vandegrift saying
that he no longer thought Marines should wear anything
on their uniforms to distinguish them from other Marines.
He agreed and the patches came off for good."-Benis M.
Frank
19
more Air Cobras. The Army planes,
troops emphasized that they would
for his heroism by General Van-
which had serious altitude and
fight "to the last breath of the last
degrift, and later a Legion of Merit.
climb-rate deficiencies, were destined
man." And they did.
Vandegrift also made Vouza an
to see most action in ground combat
Too full of his mission to wait for
honorary sergeant major of U.S.
support roles.
the rest of his regiment and sure that
Marines.
The frenzied action in what be-
he faced only a few thousand men
At 0130 on 21 August, Ichiki's
came known as the Battle of the
overall, Ichiki marched from Taivu
troops stormed the Marines' lines in
Eastern Solomons was matched
to the Marines' lines. Before he at-
a screaming, frenzied display of the
ashore. Japanese destroyers had deli-
tacked on the night of the 20th, a
"spiritual strength" which they had
vered the vanguard of the Ichiki force
bloody figure stumbled out of the
been assured would sweep aside their
at Taivu Point, 25 miles east of the
jungle with a warning that the
American enemy. As the Japanese
Marine perimeter. A long-range
Japanese were coming. It was Ser-
charged across the sand bar astride
patrol of Marines from Company A,
geant Major Vouza, Captured by the
the Ilu's mouth, Pollock's Marines cut
1st Battalion, 1st Marines ambushed
Japanese, who found a small Ameri-
them down. After a mortar prepara-
a sizable Japanese force near Taivu
can flag secreted in his loincloth, he
tion, the Japanese tried again to
on 19 August. The Japanese dead
was tortured in a failed attempt to
storm past the sand bar. A section of
were readily identified as Army
gain information on the invasion
37mm guns sprayed the enemy force
troops and the debris of their defeat
force. Tied to a tree, bayonetted twice
with deadly canister. Lieutenant
included fresh uniforms and a large
through the chest, and beaten with
Colonel Lenard B. Cresswell's 1st Bat-
amount of communication gear.
rifle butts, the resolute Vouza chewed
talion, 1st Marines moved upstream
Clearly, a new phase of the fighting
through his bindings to escape. Taken
on the Ilu at daybreak, waded across
had begun. All Japanese encountered
to Lieutenant Colonel Edwin A. Pol-
the sluggish, 50-foot-wide stream,
to this point had been naval troops.
lock, whose 2d Battalion, 1st Ma-
and moved on the flank of the
Alerted by patrols, the Marines
rines held the Ilu mouth's defenses,
Japanese. Wildcats from VMF-223
now dug in along the Ilu River, often
he gasped a warning that an estimat-
strafed the beleagured enemy force.
misnamed the Tenaru on Marine
ed 250-500 Japanese soldiers were
Five light tanks blasted the retreat-
maps, were ready for Colonel Ichiki.
coming behind him. The resolute
ing Japanese. By 1700, as the sun was
The Japanese commander's orders
Vouza, rushed immediately to an aid
setting, the battle ended.
directed him to "quickly recapture
station and then to the division
Colonel Ichiki, disgraced in own
and maintain the airfield at Guadal-
hospital, miraculously survived his
mind by his defeat, burned his
canal," and his own directive to his
ordeal and was awarded a Silver Star
regimental colors and shot himself.
Close to 800 of his men joined him
in death. The few survivors fled east-
U.S. M-3 Light Tank
ward towards Taivu Point. Rear Ad-
miral Raizo Tanaka, whose
reinforcement force of transports and
destroyers was largely responsible for
the subsequent Japanese troop build-
up on Guadalcanal, recognized that
the unsupported Japanese attack was
sheer folly and reflected that "this
tragedy should have taught us the
hopelessness of bamboo spear tac-
tics." Fortunately for the Marines,
Ichiki's overconfidence was not
unique among Japanese com-
manders.
Following the 1st Marines' tangle
with the Ichiki detachment, General
Vandegrift was inspired to write the
Marine Commandant, Lieutenant
General Thomas Holcomb, and
report: "These youngsters are the
darndest people when they get start-
20
Captain Donald L. Dickson, USMCR
Capt Donald L. Dickson said of his watercolor: "I wanted to
over.
There is a sense of being alone, naked and unprotect-
catch on paper the feeling one has as a shell comes whistling
ed. And time seems endless until the shell strikes somewhere."
ed you ever saw." And all the Marines
easy targets; Zero fighters were
squadrons,
VMF-224
and
on the island, young and old, tyro
another story. Although the Wildcats
VMSB-231, flew in to Henderson.
and veteran, were becoming accom-
were a much sturdier aircraft, the
The air reinforcements were more
plished jungle fighters. They were no
Japanese Zeros' superior speed and
than welcome. Steady combat attri-
longer "trigger happy" as many had
better maneuverability gave them a
tion, frequent damage in the air and
been in their first days ashore, shoot-
distinct edge in a dogfight. The
on the ground, and scant repair fa-
ing at shadows and imagined enemy.
American planes, however, when
cilities and parts kept the number of
They were waiting for targets,
warned by the coastwatchers of
aircraft available a dwindling
patrolling with enthusiasm, sure of
Japanese attacks, had time to climb
resource.
themselves. The misnamed Battle of
above the oncoming enemy and
Plainly, General Vandegrift need-
the Tenaru had cost Colonel Hunt's
preferably attacked by making firing
regiment 34 killed in action and 75
Cactus Air Force commander, MajGen
runs during high speed dives. Their
wounded. All the division's Marines
Roy S. Geiger, poses with Capt Joseph
tactics made the air space over the
J. Foss, the leading ace at Guadalcanal
now felt they were bloodied. What
Solomons dangerous for the
with 26 Japanese aircraft downed. Capt
the men on Tulagi, Gavutu, and
Japanese. On 29 August, the carrier
Foss was later awarded the Medal of
Tanambogo and those of the Ilu had
Ryujo launched aircraft for a strike
Honor for his heroic exploits in the air.
done was prove that the 1st Marine
against the airstrip. Smith's Wildcats
Department of Defense (USMC) Photo 52622
Division would hold fast to what it
shot down 16, with a loss of four of
had won.
their own. Still, the Japanese con-
While the division's Marines and
tinued to strike at Henderson Field
sailors had earned a breathing spell
without letup. Two days after the
as the Japanese regrouped for
Ryujo raid, enemy bombers inflict-
another onslaught, the action in the
ed heavy damage on the airfield, set-
air over the Solomons intensified.
ting aviation fuel ablaze and
Almost every day, Japanese aircraft
incinerating parked aircraft.
arrived around noon to bomb the
VMF-223's retaliation was a further
perimeter. Marine fighter pilots
bag of 13 attackers.
found the twin-engine Betty bombers
On 30 August, two more MAG-23
21
ed infantry reinforcements as much
rines, made a shore-to-shore landing
canal at the end of August, arriving
as he did additional aircraft. He
near Kokumbona and marched back
in time to greet the aerial reinforce-
brought the now-combined raider
to the beachhead without any meas-
ments he had ordered forward, and
and parachute battalions, both un-
urable results. If the Japanese were
also in time for a taste of Japanese
der Edson's command, and the 2d
out there beyond the Matanikau- -
nightly bombing. He got to ex-
Battalion, 5th Marines, over to
and they were - they watched the
perience, too, what was becoming
Guadalcanal from Tulagi. This gave
Marines and waited for a better op-
another unwanted feature of Cactus
the division commander a chance to
portunity to attack.
nights: bombardment by Japanese
order out larger reconnaissance
cruisers and destroyers. General Van-
September and the Ridge
patrols to probe for the Japanese. On
degrift noted that McCain had got-
27 August, the 1st Battalion, 5th Ma-
Admiral McCain visited Guadal-
ten a dose of the "normal ration of
Sergeant Major Sir Jacob Charles Vouza
acob Charles Vouza was born in 1900 at Tasimboko,
exceptional devotion to duty. He later received the Police
J
Guadalcanal, British Solomon Islands Protectorate,
Long Service Medal and, in 1957, was made a Member of
and educated at the South Seas Evangelical Mission
the British Empire for long and faithful government service.
School there. In 1916 he joined the Solomon Islands Pro-
After the war, Vouza continued to serve his fellow is-
tectorate Armed Constabulary, from which he retired at
landers. In 1949, he was appointed district headman, and
the rank of sergeant major in 1941 after 25 years of service.
president of the Guadalcanal Council, from 1952-1958. He
After the Japanese invaded his home island in World War
served as a member of the British Solomon Islands Pro-
II, he returned to active duty with the British forces and
tectorate Advisory Council from 1950 to 1960.
volunteered to work with the Coastwatchers. Vouza's ex-
He made many friends during his long association with
perience as a scout had already been established when the
the U.S. Marine Corps and through the years was continu-
1st Marine Division landed on Guadalcanal. On 7 August
1942 he rescued a downed naval pilot from the USS Wasp
ally visited on Guadalcanal by Marines. During 1968, Vou-
za visited the United States, where he was the honored guest
who was shot down inside Japanese territory. He guided
of the 1st Marine Division Association. In 1979, he was
the pilot to friendly lines where Vouza met the Marines for
knighted by Britain's Queen Elizabeth II. He died on 15
the first time.
March 1984. A. Ferrante
Vouza then volunteered to scout behind enemy lines for
the Marines. On 27 August he was captured by the Japanese
while on a Marine Corps mission to locate suspected ene-
my lookout stations. Having found a small American flag
in Vouza's loincloth, the Japanese tied him to a tree and
tried to force him to reveal information about Allied forces.
Vouza was questioned for hours, but refused to talk. He
was tortured and bayoneted about the arms, throat, shoul-
der, face, and stomach, and left to die.
He managed to free himself after his captors departed,
and made his way through the miles of jungle to Ameri-
can lines. There he gave valuable intelligence information
to the Marines about an impending Japanese attack before
accepting medical attention.
After spending 12 days in the hospital, Vouza then
returned to duty as the chief scout for the Marines. He ac-
companied Lieutenant Colonel Evans F. Carlson and the
2d Marine Raider Battalion when they made their 30-day
raid behind enemy lines at Guadalcanal.
Sergeant Major Vouza was highly decorated for his
World War II service. The Silver Star was presented to him
personally by Major General Alexander A. Vandegrift,
commanding general of the 1st Marine Division, for refus-
ing to give information under Japanese torture. He also was
awarded the Legion of Merit for outstanding service with
the 2d Raider Battalion during November and December
1942, and the British George Medal for gallant conduct and
22
M3A1 37mm Antitank Gun
T
he M3 antitank gun, based on the successful Ger-
At the time of its adoption, the M3 could destroy any
man Panzer Abwehr Kanone (PAK)-36, was devel-
tank then being produced in the world. However, by the
oped by the U.S. Army in the late 1930s as a
time the United States entered the war, the M3 was out-
replacement for the French 37mm Puteaux gun, used in
matched by the tanks it would have met in Europe. The
World War I but unable to destroy new tanks being
Japanese tanks were smaller and more vulnerable to the
produced.
M3 throughout the war. In the Pacific, it was used against
The M3 was adopted because of its accuracy, fire con-
bunkers, pillboxes and, when loaded with canister, against
trol, penetration, and mobility. Towed by its prime mover,
banzai charges. It was employed throughout the war by
the 4x4 quarter-ton truck, the gun would trail at 50 mph
Marine regimental weapons companies, but in reduced
on roads. When traveling crosscountry, gullies, shell holes,
numbers as the fighting continued. It was replaced in the
mud holes, and slopes of 26 degrees were negotiated with
European Theater by the M1 57mm antitank gun.
ease. In 1941, the gun was redesignated the M3A1 when
The 37mm antitank gun, manned by a crew of four who
the muzzles were threaded to accept a muzzle brake that
fired a 1.61-pound projectile with an effective range of 500
was rarely, if ever, used.
yards. - Stephen L. Amos and Kenneth L. Smith-Christmas
shells." The admiral saw enough to
On 3 September, the Command-
at the leading edge of air combat,
signal his superiors that increased
ing General, 1st Marine Aircraft
that they were setting the pace for the
support for Guadalcanal operations
Wing, Brigadier General Roy S.
rest of Marine aviation. Vandegrift
was imperative and that the "situa-
Geiger, and his assistant wing com-
could thankfully turn over the day-
tion admits no delay whatsoever." He
mander, Colonel Louis Woods,
to-day management of the aerial
also sent a prophetic message to Ad-
moved forward to Guadalcanal to
defenses of Cactus to the able and ex-
mirals King and Nimitz: "Cactus can
take charge of air operations. The ar-
perienced Geiger. There was no
be a sinkhole for enemy air power
rival of the veteran Marine aviators
shortage of targets for the mixed air
and can be consolidated, expanded,
provided an instant lift to the morale
force of Marine, Army, and Navy
and exploited to the enemy's mortal
of the pilots and ground crews. It
flyers. Daily air attacks by the
hurt."
reinforced their belief that they were
Japanese, coupled with steady rein-
23
National Archives Photo 80-G-29536-413C)
This is an oblique view of Henderson Field looking north with
the left center is the "Pagoda," operations center of Cactus Air
Ironbottom Sound (Sealark Channel) in the background. At
Force flyers throughout their first months of operations ashore.
forcement attempts by Tanaka's des-
better protected, it was hoped, from
cluding a captured enemy map,
troyers and transports, meant that
enemy bombing and shellfire.
pointed to the likelihood of an attack
every type of plane that could lift off
on the airfield and Vandegrift moved
Henderson's runway was airborne as
The success of Kawaguchi's plan
his combined raider-parachute battal-
often as possible. Seabees had begun
depended upon the Marines keeping
ion to the most obvious enemy ap-
work on a second airstrip, Fighter
the inland perimeter thinly manned
proach route, the ridge. Colonel
One, which could relieve some of the
while they concentrated their forces
Edson's men, who scouted Savo Is-
pressure on the primary airfield.
on the east and west flanks. This was
land after moving to Guadalcanal
not to be. Available intelligence, in-
and destroyed a Japanese supply base
Most of General Kawaguchi's
brigade had reached Guadalcanal.
Marine ground crewmen attempt to put out one of many fires occuring after a
Those who hadn't, missed their land-
Japanese bombing raid on Henderson Field causing the loss of much-needed aircraft.
Marine Corps Personal Papers Collection
fall forever as a result of American
air attacks. Kawaguchi had in mind
a surprise attack on the heart of the
Marine position, a thrust from the
jungle directly at the airfield. To
reach his jumpoff position, the
Japanese general would have to move
through difficult terrain unobserved,
carving his way through the dense
vegetation out of sight of Marine
patrols. The rugged approach route
would lead him to a prominent ridge
topped by Kunai grass which wove
snake-like through the jungle to with-
in a mile of Henderson's runway.
Unknown to the Japanese, General
Vandegrift planned on moving his
headquarters to the shelter of a spot
at the inland base of this ridge, a site
24
at Tasimboko in another shore-to-
12th, once the threat of American air
spine. The 2d Battalion, 5th Marines,
shore raid, took up positions on the
attacks subsided. The first Japanese
his backup on Tulagi, moved into po-
forward slopes of the ridge at the
thrust came at 2100 against Edson's
sition to reinforce again.
edge of the encroaching jungle on 10
left flank. Boiling out of the jungle,
The next night's attacks were as
September. Their commander later
the enemy soldiers attacked fearlessly
fierce as any man had seen. The
said that he "was firmly convinced
into the face of rifle and machine gun
Japanese were everywhere, fighting
that we were in the path of the next
fire, closing to bayonet range. They
hand-to-hand in the Marines' fox-
Jap attack." Earlier patrols had spot-
were thrown back. They came again,
holes and gun pits and filtering past
ted a sizable Japanese force ap-
this time against the right flank,
forward positions to attack from the
proaching. Accordingly, Edson
penetrating the Marines' positions.
rear. Division Sergeant Major
patrolled extensively as his men dug
Again they were thrown back. A
Sheffield Banta shot one in the new
in on the ridge and in the flanking
third attack closed out the night's ac-
command post. Colonel Edson ap-
jungle. On the 12th, the Marines
tion. Again it was a close affair, but
peared wherever the fighting was
made contact with enemy patrols
by 0230 Edson told Vandegrift his
toughest, encouraging his men to
confirming the fact that Japanese
men could hold. And they did.
their utmost efforts. The man-to-man
troops were definitely "out front."
On the morning of 13 September,
battles lapped over into the jungle on
Kawaguchi had about 2,000 of his
Edson called his company com-
either flank of the ridge, and engineer
men with him, enough he thought to
manders together and told them:
and pioneer positions were attacked.
punch through to the airfield.
"They were just testing, just testing.
The reserve from the 5th Marines
Japanese planes had dropped
They'll be back." He ordered all po-
was fed into the fight. Artillerymen
500-pound bombs along the ridge on
sitions improved and defenses con-
from the 5th Battalion, 11th Marines,
the 11th and enemy ships began
solidated and pulled his lines towards
as they had on the previous night,
shelling the area after nightfall on the
the airfield along the ridge's center
fired their 105mm howitzers at any
The raging battle of Edson's Ridge is depicted in all its fury
as a captain, was adjutant of the 5th Marines on Guadalcanal.
in this oil painting by the late Col Donald L. Dickson, who,
Dickson's artwork later was shown widely in the United States.
Captain Donald L. Dickson, USMCR
25
( (Fifth Morines on Beach Defense this Area )
EDSON'S (BLOODY) RIDGE
Lunga Point
12-14 SEPTEMBER 1942
Marine Positions 13 September
Axis of Japanese Attack
5=1
LUNGA
500
0
1000
2000
5 5th Marines
Command Post
Yords
KUKUM
1st Marines
TENASU
Command
Post
Henderson Field
OKA
2X5
FORCE
1st Marine Div Command Post
Amph Trac
Bloody.
4
Ridge
Kawaguchi Force
Pioneers
Approach Route
14Sep
Approximate
Positions
Parachute-Raider Bn
13/14 Sep
13 Sep
12 Sep
KAWAGUCHI
FORCE
John Carnes
Edson's or Raider's Ridge is calm after the fighting on the nights
Field and the Marine perimeter on Guadalcanal. The knobs
of 12-13 and 13-14 September, when it was the scene of a vali-
at left background were Col Edson's final defensive position,
ant and bloody defense crucial to safeguarding Henderson
while Henderson Field lies beyond the trees in the background.
Department of Defense (USMC) Photo 500007
26
called target. The range grew as short
parachutists' original strength could
as 1,600 yards from tube to impact.
walk off the ridge, soon in legend to
The Japanese finally could take no
become "Bloody Ridge" or "Edson's
more. They pulled back as dawn ap-
Ridge." Both Colonel Edson and Cap-
proached. On the slopes of the ridge
tain Kenneth D. Bailey, commanding
and in the surrounding jungle they
the raider's Company C, were award-
left more than 600 bodies; another
ed the Medal of Honor for their
600 men were wounded. The rem-
heroic and inspirational actions.
nants of the Kawaguchi force stag-
On 13 and 14 September, the
gered back toward their lines to the
Japanese attempted to support
west, a grueling, hellish eight-day
Kawaguchi's attack on the ridge with
march that saw many more of the
thrusts against the flanks of the Ma-
enemy perish.
rine perimeter. On the east, enemy
The cost to Edson's force for its
troops attempting to penetrate the
epic defense was also heavy. Fifty-
lines of the 3d Battalion, 1st Marines,
nine men were dead, 10 were miss-
were caught in the open on a grass
Department of Defense (USMC) Photo 310563)
ing in action, and 194 were wound-
plain and smothered by artillery fire;
Maj Kenneth D. Bailey, commander of
ed. These losses, coupled with the
at least 200 died. On the west, the
Company C, 1st Raider Battalion, was
casualties of Tulagi, Gavutu, and
3d Battalion, 5th Marines, holding
awarded the Medal of Honor posthu-
Tanambogo, meant the end of the 1st
ridge positions covering the coastal
mously for heroic and inspiring leader-
Parachute Battalion as an effective
road, fought off a determined attack-
ship during the Battle of Edson's Ridge.
fighting unit. Only 89 men of the
ing force that reached its front lines.
The Pagoda at Henderson Field, served as headquarters for
on Guadalcanal. From this building, Allied planes were sent
Cactus Air Force throughout the first months of air operations
against Japanese troops on other islands of the Solomons.
Department of Defense (USMC) Photo 50921
27
The victory at the ridge gave a
up and sank on its way to drydock.
from the area where most Japanese
great boost to Allied homefront
The Navy had accomplished its mis-
troops were landing. First, however,
morale, and reinforced the opinion
sion, the 7th Marines had landed,
he was going to test the Japanese
of the men ashore on Guadalcanal
but at a terrible cost. About the only
reaction with a strong probing force.
that they could take on anything the
good result of the devastating
He chose the fresh 1st Battalion,
enemy could send against them. At
Japanese torpedo attacks was that the
7th Marines, commanded by Lieu-
upper command echelons, the lead-
Wasp's surviving aircraft joined Cac-
tenant Colonel Lewis B. "Chesty"
ers were not so sure that the ground
tus Air Force, as the planes of the
Puller, to move inland along the
Marines and their motley air force
Saratoga and Enterprise had done
slopes of Mt. Austen and patrol
could hold. Intercepted Japanese dis-
when their carriers required combat
north towards the coast and the
patches revealed that the myth of the
repairs. Now, the Hornet (CV 8) was
Japanese-held area. Puller's battalion
2,000-man defending force had been
the only whole fleet carrier left in the
ran into Japanese troops bivouacked
completely dispelled. Sizable naval
South Pacific.
on the slopes of Austen on the 24th
forces and two divisions of Japanese
As the ships that brought the 7th
and in a sharp firefight had seven
troops were now committed to con-
Marines withdrew, they took with
men killed and 25 wounded. Van-
quer the Americans on Guadalcanal.
them the survivors of the 1st
degrift sent the 2d Battalion, 5th Ma-
Cactus Air Force, augmented fre-
Parachute Battalion and sick bays full
rines, forward to reinforce Puller and
quently by Navy carrier squadrons,
of badly wounded men. General
help provide the men needed to car-
made the planned reinforcement ef-
Vandegrift now had 10 infantry bat-
ry the casualties out of the jungle.
fort a high-risk venture. But it was
talions, one understrength raider bat-
Now reinforced, Puller continued his
a risk the Japanese were prepared to
talion, and five artillery battalions
advance, moving down the east bank
take.
ashore; the 3d Battalion, 2d Marines,
of the Matanikau. He reached the
On 18 September, the long-
had come over from Tulagi also. He
coast on the 26th as planned, where
awaited 7th Marines, reinforced by
reorganized the defensive perimeter
he drew intensive fire from enemy
the 1st Battalion, 11th Marines, and
into 10 sectors for better control, giv-
positions on the ridges west of the
other division troops, arrived at
ing the engineer, pioneer, and am-
river. An attempt by the 2d Battal-
Guadalcanal. As the men from
phibian tractor battalions sectors
ion, 5th Marines, to cross was beat-
Samoa landed they were greeted with
along the beach. Infantry battalions
en back.
friendly derision by Marines already
manned the other sectors, including
About this time, the 1st Raider
on the island. The 7th had been the
the inland perimeter in the jungle.
Battalion, its original mission one of
first regiment of the 1st Division to
Each infantry regiment had two bat-
establishing a patrol base west of the
go overseas; its men, many thought
talions on line and one in reserve.
Matanikau, reached the vicinity of
then, were likely to be the first to see
Vandegrift also had the use of a select
the firefight, and joined in. Van-
combat. The division had been care-
group of infantrymen who were
degrift sent Colonel Edson, now the
ful to send some of its best men to
training to be scouts and snipers un-
commander of the 5th Marines, for-
Samoa and now had them back. One
der the leadership of Colonel William
ward to take charge of the expanded
of the new and salty combat veterans
J. "Wild Bill" Whaling, an ex-
force. He was directed to attack on
of the 5th Marines remarked to a
perienced jungle hand, marksman,
the 27th and decided to send the raid-
friend in the 7th that he had waited
and hunter, whom he had appoint-
ers inland to outflank the Japanese
a long time "to see our first team get
ed to run a school to sharpen the di-
defenders. The battalion, command-
into the game." Providentially, a
vision's fighting skills. As men
ed by Edson's former executive
separate supply convoy reached the
finished their training under Whal-
officer, Lieutenant Colonel Samuel B.
island at the same time as the 7th's
ing and went back to their outfits,
Griffith II, ran into a hornet's nest of
arrival, bringing with it badly need-
others took their place and the Whal-
Japanese who had crossed the
ed aviation gas and the first resup-
ing group was available to scout and
Matanikau during the night. A gar-
ply of ammunition since D-Day.
spearhead operations.
bled message led Edson to believe
The Navy covering force for the
Vandegrift now had enough men
that Griffith's men were advancing
American reinforcement and supply
ashore on Guadalcanal, 19,200, to
according to plan, so he decided to
convoys was hit hard by Japanese
expand his defensive scheme. He
land the companies of the 1st Battal-
submarines. The carrier Wasp was
decided to seize a forward position
ion, 7th Marines, behind the enemy's
torpedoed and sunk, the battleship
along the east bank of the Matanikau
Matanikau position and strike the
North Carolina (BB 55) was
River, in effect strongly outposting
Japanese from the rear while Rose-
damaged, and the destroyer O'Brien
his west flank defenses against the
cran's men attacked across the river.
(DD 415) was hit so badly it broke
probability of strong enemy attacks
The landing was made without in-
28
The President of the United States
takes pleasure in presenting
the Medal of Honor posthumously to
Douglas Albert Munro
Signalman First Class
United States Coast Guard
for service as set forth
in the following citation:
PID-5
For extraordinary heroism and conspicuous
gallantry in action above and beyond the call
of duty as Officer in Charge of a group of
twenty-four Higgins boats engaged in the
evacuation of a battalion of Marines trapped
by enemy Japanese forces at Point Cruz,
Guadalcanal, on September 27, 1942. After
making preliminary plans for the evacuation
of nearly five hundred beleaguered Marines,
Munro, under constant strafing by enemy
machine guns on the island and at great risk
PIO21
of his life, daringly led five of his small craft
toward the shore. As he closed the beach, he
signalled the others to land and then in or-
der to draw the enemy's fire and protect the
heavily loaded boats, he valiantly placed his
craft, with its two small guns, as a shield be-
Painting by Bernard D'Andrea, Courtesy of U.S. Coast Guard Historical Office
tween the beachhead and the Japanese. When
wounded, carried on until the last boat had
rageous comrades undoubtedly saved the
the perilous task of evacuation was nearly
loaded and cleared the beach. By his out-
lives of many who otherwise would have
completed, Munro was instantly killed by
standing leadership, expert planning, and
perished. He gallantly gave up his life in
enemy fire, but his crew, two of whom were
dauntless devotion to duty, he and his cou-
defense of his country. /s/ Franklin Roosevelt
cident and the 7th Marines' compa-
Puller who accompanied the boats
head. Once the 7th Marines compa-
nies moved inland only to be
on the destroyer Ballard (DD 660).
nies got back to the perimeter,
ambushed and cut off from the sea
The Marines were evacuated after
landing near Kukum, the raider and
by the Japanese. A rescue force of
fighting their way to the beach co-
5th Marines battalions pulled back
landing craft moved with difficulty
vered by the destroyer's fire and the
from the Matanikau. The confirma-
through Japanese fire, urged on by
machine guns of a Marine SBD over-
tion that the Japanese would strongly
Shortly after becoming Commander, South Pacific Area and Forces, VAdm Wil-
contest any westward advance cost
liam F. Halsey visited Guadalcanal and the 1st Marine Division. Here he is shown
the Marines 60 men killed and 100
talking with Col Gerald C. Thomas, 1st Marine Division D-3 (Operations Officer).
wounded.
Department of Defense (USMC) Photo 53523
The Japanese the Marines had en-
countered were mainly men from the
4th Regiment of the 2d (Sendai) Di-
vision; prisoners confirmed that the
division was landing on the island.
Included in the enemy reinforcements
were 150mm howitzers, guns capa-
ble of shelling the airfield from po-
sitions near Kokumbona. Clearly, a
new and stronger enemy attack was
pending.
As September drew to a close, a
flood of promotions had reached the
division, nine lieutenant colonels put
on their colonel's eagles and there
were 14 new lieutenant colonels also.
Vandegrift made Colonel Gerald C.
Thomas, his former operations
29
an emergency landing at Henderson
Field. The CinCPac made the most
Japanese Model 4 (1919) 150mm Howitzer
of the opportunity. He visited the
front lines, saw Edson's Ridge, and
talked to a number of Marines. He
reaffirmed to Vandegrift that his
overriding mission was to hold the
airfield. He promised all the support
he could give and after awarding
Navy Crosses to a number of Ma-
rines, including Vandegrift, left the
officer, the new division chief of
vital combat knowledge they pos-
next day visibly encouraged by what
staff, and had a short time earlier
sessed was much needed in the train-
he had seen.
given Edson the 5th Marines. Many
ing pipeline. They, too - the
of the older, senior officers, picked
survivors-would soon be rotating
The next Marine move involved a
for the most part in the order they
back to rear areas, some for a much-
punishing return to the Matanikau,
had joined the division, were now
needed break before returning to
this time with five infantry battalions
sent back to the States. There they
combat and others to lead new squa-
and the Whaling group. Whaling
would provide a new level of com-
drons into the fray.
commanded his men and the 3d Bat-
bat expertise in the training and or-
October and the
talion, 2d Marines, in a thrust inland
ganization of the many Marine units
to clear the way for two battalions
Japanese Offensive
that were forming. The air wing was
of the 7th Marines, the 1st and 2d,
not quite ready yet to return its ex-
On 30 September, unexpectedly, a
to drive through and hook toward
perienced pilots to rear areas, but the
B-17 carrying Admiral Nimitz made
the coast, hitting the Japanese hold-
Visiting Guadalcanal on 30 September, Adm Chester W.
and, from left, BGen William H. Rupertus, ADC; Col Mer-
Nimitz, CinCPac took time to decorate LtCol Evans C. Carl-
ritt A. Edson, CO, 5th Marines; LtCol Edwin A. Pollock, CO,
son, CO, 2d Raider Battalion; MajGen Vandegrift, in rear;
2d Battalion, 1st Marines; Maj John L. Smith, CO, VMF-223.
Department of Defense (USMC) Photo 50883
30
Department of Defense (USMC) Photo 61534
A M1918 155mm howitzer is fired by artillery crewmen of the
Despite the lack of sound-flash equipment to locate hostile
11th Marines in support of ground forces attacking the enemy.
artillery, Col del Valle's guns were able to quiet enemy fire.
ing along the Matanikau. Edson's 2d
5th, could make little progress,
battalion discovered a number of
and 3d Battalions would attack
although the 2d Battalion encoun-
Japanese in a ravine to his front, fired
across the river mouth. All the divi-
tered slight opposition and won
his mortars, and called in artillery,
sion's artillery was positioned to fire
through to the river bank. It then
while his men used rifles and
in support.
turned north to hit the inland flank
machine guns to pick off enemy
On the 7th, Whaling's force moved
of the enemy troops. Vandegrift sent
troops trying to escape what proved
into the jungle about 2,000 yards up-
forward a company of raiders to rein-
to be a death trap. When his mortar
stream on the Matanikau, encounter-
force the 5th, and it took a holding
ammunition began to run short,
ing Japanese troops that harassed his
position on the right, towards the
Puller moved on toward the beach,
forward elements, but not in enough
beach.
joining the rest of Whaling's force,
strength to stop the advance. He
Rain poured down on the 8th, all
which had encountered no opposi-
bypassed the enemy positions and
day long, virtually stopping all for-
tion. The Marines then recrossed the
dug in for the night. Behind him the
ward progress, but not halting the
Mantanikau, joined Edson's troops,
7th Marines followed suit, prepared
close-in fighting around the Japanese
and marched back to the perimeter,
to move through his lines, cross the
pocket. The enemy troops finally
leaving a strong combat outpost at
river, and attack north toward the
retreated, attempting to escape the
the Matanikau, now cleared of
Japanese on the 8th. The 5th Ma-
gradually encircling Marines. They
Japanese. General Vandegrift, ap-
rines' assault battalions moving
smashed into the raider's position
prised by intelligence sources that a
toward the Matanikau on the 7th ran
nearest to their escape route. A wild
major Japanese attack was coming
into Japanese in strength about 400
hand-to-hand battle ensued and a
from the west, decided to consolidate
yards from the river. Unwittingly, the
few Japanese broke through to reach
his positions, leaving no sizable Ma-
Marines had run into strong advance
and cross the river. The rest died
rine force more than a day's march
elements of the Japanese 4th Regi-
fighting.
from the perimeter. The Marine ad-
ment, which had crossed the
On the 9th, Whaling's force,
vance on 7-9 October had thwarted
Matanikau in order to establish a
flanked by the 2d and then the 1st
Japanese plans for an early attack
base from which artillery could fire
Battalion, 7th Marines, crossed the
and cost the enemy more than 700
into the Marine perimeter. The fight-
Matanikau and then turned and fol-
men. The Marines paid a price too,
ing was intense and the 3d Battalion,
lowed ridge lines to the sea. Puller's
65 dead and 125 wounded.
31
For the present, however, there
was to be no relief for men starting
their third month on Guadalcanal.
The Japanese would not abandon
their plan to seize back Guadalcanal
and gave painful evidence of their in-
tentions near mid-October. General
Hyakutake himself landed on
Guadalcanal on 7 October to over-
see the coming offensive. Elements of
Major General Masao Maruyama's
Sendai Division, already a factor in
the fighting near the Matanikau,
landed with him. More men were
Department of Defense (USMC) Photo 50963
More than 200 Japanese soldiers alone were killed in a frenzied attack in the sand-
coming. And the Japanese, taking
spit where the Tenaru River flows into Ironbottom Sound (Sealark Channel).
advantage of the fact that Cactus
flyers had no night attack capabili-
There was another price that
to stop the spread of the mosquito-
ty, planned to ensure that no planes
Guadalcanal was exacting from both
borne infection. Malaria attacks were
at all would rise from Guadalcanal
sides. Disease was beginning to fell
so pervasive that nothing short of
to meet them.
men in numbers that equalled the
complete prostration, becoming a lit-
On 11 October, U.S. Navy surface
battle casualties. In addition to gas-
ter case, could earn a respite in the
ships took a hand in stopping the
troenteritis, which greatly weakened
hospital. Naturally enough, all these
"Tokyo Express," the nickname that
those who suffered its crippling
diseases affected most strongly the
had been given to Admiral Tanaka's
stomach cramps, there were all kinds
men who had been on the island the
almost nightly reinforcement forays.
of tropical fungus infections, collec-
longest, particularly those who ex-
A covering force of five cruisers and
tively known as "jungle rot," which
perienced the early days of short ra-
five destoyers, located near Rennell
produced uncomfortable rashes on
tions. Vandegrift had already argued
Island and commanded by Rear Ad-
men's feet, armpits, elbows, and
with his superiors that when his men
miral Norman Scott, got word that
crotches, a product of seldom being
eventually got relieved they should
many ships were approaching
dry. If it didn't rain, sweat provided
not be sent to another tropical island
Guadalcanal. Scott's mission was to
the moisture. On top of this came
hospital, but rather to a place where
protect an approaching reinforce-
hundreds of cases of malaria.
there was a real change of at-
ment convoy and he steamed toward
Atabrine tablets provided some
mosphere and climate. He asked that
Cactus at flank speed eager to en-
relief, besides turning the skin yellow,
Auckland or Wellington, New
gage. He encountered more ships
but they were not effective enough
Zealand, be considered.
than he had expected, a bombard-
By October, malaria began to claim as many casualties as
the patients in the division hospital who are ministered to by
Japanese artillery, bombs, and naval gunfire. Shown here are
physicians and corpsmen working under minimal conditions.
32
ment group of three heavy cruisers
such an occasion did present itself
Japanese flare planes heralded the
and two destroyers, as well as six des-
while the soldiers were landing and
bombardment, 80 minutes of sheer
troyers escorting two seaplane carrier
their supplies were being moved to
hell which had 14-inch shells explod-
transports. Scott maneuvered be-
dumps. Several flights of Japanese
ing with such effect that the accom-
tween Savo Island and Cape Esper-
bombers arrived over Henderson
panying cruiser fire was scarcely
ance, Guadalcanal's western tip, and
Field, relatively unscathed by the
noticed. No one was safe; no place
ran head-on into the bombardment
defending fighters, and began drop-
was safe. No dugout had been built
group.
ping their bombs. The soldiers head-
to withstand 14-inch shells. One wit-
Alerted by a scout plane from his
ed for cover and alert Marines,
ness, a seasoned veteran demonstra-
flagship, San Francisco (CA 38),
inured to the bombing, used the in-
bly cool under enemy fire, opined
spottings later confirmed by radar
terval to "liberate" interesting cartons
that there was nothing worse in war
contacts on the Helena (CL 50), the
and crates. The news that the Army
than helplessly being on the receiv-
Americans opened fire before the
had arrived spread across the island
ing end of naval gunfire. He remem-
Japanese, who had no radar, knew
like wildfire, for it meant to all Ma-
bered "huge trees being cut apart and
of their presence. One enemy des-
rines that they eventually would be
flying about like toothpicks." And he
troyer sank immediately, two cruis-
relieved. There was hope.
was on the frontlines, not the prime
ers were badly damaged, one, the
As if the bombing was not enough
enemy target. The airfield and its en-
Furutaka, later foundered, and the
grief, the Japanese opened on the air-
virons were a shambles when dawn
remaining cruiser and destroyer
field with their 150mm howitzers
broke. The naval shelling, together
turned away from the inferno of
also. Altogether the men of the 164th
with the night's artillery fire and
American fire. Scott's own force was
got a rude welcome to Guadalcanal.
bombing, had left Cactus Air Force's
punished by enemy return fire which
And on that night, 13-14 October,
commander, General Geiger, with a
damaged two cruisers and two des-
they shared a terrifying experience
handful of aircraft still flyable, an air-
troyers, one of which, the Duncan
with the Marines that no one would
field thickly cratered by shells and
(DD 485), sank the following day.
ever forget.
bombs, and a death toll of 41. Still,
On the 12th too, Cactus flyers spot-
Determined to knock out Hender-
from Henderson or Fighter One,
ted two of the reinforcement destroy-
son Field and protect their soldiers
which now became the main airstrip,
er escorts retiring and sank them
landing in strength west of Koli
the Cactus Flyers had to attack, for
both. The Battle of Cape Esperance
Point, the enemy commanders sent
the morning also revealed a shore
could be counted an American naval
the battleships Kongo and Haruna
and sea full of inviting targets.
victory, one sorely needed at the
into Ironbottom Sound to bombard
The expected enemy convoy had
time.
the Marine positions. The usual
gotten through and Japanese trans-
ports and landing craft were every-
Its way cleared by Scott's encoun-
Maj Harold W. Bauer, VMF-212 com-
mander, here a captain, was posthu-
where near Tassafaronga. At sea the
ter with the Japanese, a really wel-
mously awarded the Medal of Honor
escorting cruisers and destroyers
come reinforcement convoy arrived
at the island on 13 October when the
after being lost during a scramble with
provided a formidable antiaircraft
164th Infantry of the Americal Di-
Japanese aircraft over Guadalcanal.
screen. Every American plane that
Department of Defense (USMC) Photo 410772
could fly did. General Geiger's aide,
vision arrived. The soldiers, mem-
Major Jack Cram, took off in the
bers of a National Guard outfit
general's PBY, hastily rigged to car-
originally from North Dakota, were
ry two torpedoes, and put one of
equipped with Garand M-1 rifles, a
them into the side of an enemy trans-
weapon of which most overseas Ma-
port as it was unloading. He landed
rines had only heard. In rate of fire,
the lumbering flying boat with ene-
the semiautomatic Garand could eas-
my aircraft hot on his tail. A new
ily outperform the single-shot, bolt-
squadron of F4Fs, VMF-212, com-
action Springfields the Marines car-
manded by Major Harold W. Bauer,
ried and the bolt-action rifles the
flew in during the day's action, land-
Japanese carried, but most 1st Divi-
ed, refueled, and took off to join the
sion Marines of necessity touted the
fighting. An hour later, Bauer land-
Springfield as inherently more ac-
ed again, this time with four enemy
curate and a better weapon. This did
bombers to his credit. Bauer, who ad-
not prevent some light-fingered Ma-
ded to his score of Japanese aircraft
rines from acquiring Garands when
kills in later air battles, was subse-
the occasion presented itself. And
quently lost in action. He was award-
33
ed the Medal of Honor, as were four
other Marine pilots of the early Cac-
tus Air Force: Captain Jefferson J.
DeBlanc (VMF-112); Captain Joseph
J. Foss (VMF-121); Major Robert E.
Galer (VMF-224); and Major John L.
Smith (VMF-223).
The Japanese had landed more
than enough troops to destroy the
Marine beachhead and seize the air-
field. At least General Hvakutake
thought so, and he heartily approved
General Maruyama's plan to move
most of the Sendai Division through
the jungle, out of sight and out of
contact with the Marines, to strike
Department of Defense (USMC) Photos 304183 and 302980
from the south in the vicinity of Ed-
Two other Marine aviators awarded the Medal of Honor for heroism and intrepid-
son's Ridge. Roughly 7,000 men, each
ity in the air were Capt Jefferson J. DeBlanç left, and Maj Robert E. Galer, right.
carrying a mortar or artillery shell,
A Marine examines a Japanese 70mm howitzer captured at
ground, across two major streams and through heavy under-
the Battle of the Tenaru. Gen Maruyama's troops "had to lug,
brush" to get them to the target area - but they never did. The
push, and drag these supporting arms over the miles of broken
trail behind them was littered with the supplies they carried.
Photo courtesy of Col James A. Donovan, Jr.
34
started the trek along the Maruyama
Trail which had been partially
hacked out of the jungle well inland
from the Marine positions. Maruya-
ma, who had approved the trail's
name to indicate his confidence, in-
tended to support this attack with
heavy mortars and infantry guns
(70mm pack howitzers). The men
who had to lug, push, and drag these
supporting arms over the miles of
broken ground, across two major
streams, the Mantanikau and the
Lunga, and through heavy under-
brush, might have had another name
for their commander's path to sup-
poséd glory.
General Vandegrift knew the
Japanese were going to attack.
Patrols and reconnaissance flights
had clearly indicated the push would
be from the west, where the enemy
reinforcements had landed. The
American commander changed his
dispositions accordingly. There were
Japanese troops east of the perimeter,
Department of Defense (USMC) Photo 13628
too, but not in any significant
During a lull in the fight, a Marine machine gunner takes a break for coffee, with
strength. The new infantry regiment,
his sub-machine gun on his knee and his .30-caliber light machine gun in position.
the 164th, reinforced by Marine spe-
21 October to see for himself how his
more than half of his veterans were
cial weapons units, was put into the
Marines were faring. It also proved
line to hold the eastern flank along
worn out by three months' fighting
to be an occasion for both senior Ma-
and the ravages of jungle-incurred
6,600 yards, curving inland to join up
rines to meet the new ComSoPac,
diseases. Admiral Halsey told the
with 7th Marines near Edson's Ridge.
Vice Admiral William F. "Bull" Hal-
The 7th held 2,500 yards from the
Marine general: "You go back there,
sey. Admiral Nimitz had announced
ridge to the Lunga. From the Lunga,
Vandegrift. I promise to get you
Halsey's appointment on 18 October
everything I have."
the 1st Marines had a 3,500-yard sec-
and the news was welcome in Navy
When Vandegrift returned to
tor of jungle running west to the
and Marine ranks throughout the Pa-
Guadalcanal, Holcomb moved on to
point where the line curved back to
cific. Halsey's deserved reputation for
the beach again in the 5th Marines'
Pearl Harbor to meet with Nimitz,
elan and aggressiveness promised
carrying Halsey's recommendation
sector. Since the attack was expect-
renewed attention to the situation on
ed from the west, the 3d Battalions
that, in the future, landing force com-
Guadalcanal. On the 22d, Holcomb
of each of the 1st and 7th Marines
manders once established ashore,
and Vandegrift flew to Noumea to
held a strong outpost position for-
would have equal command status
meet with Halsey and to receive and
ward of the 5th Marines' lines along
with Navy amphibious force com-
give a round of briefings on the Al-
the east bank of the Matanikau.
manders. At Pearl, Nimitz approved
lied situation. After Vandegrift had
Halsey's recommendation-which
In the lull before the attack, if a
described his position, he argued
Holcomb had drafted - and in
time of patrol clashes, Japanese
strongly against the diversion of rein-
Washington so did King. In effect,
cruiser-destroyer bombardments,
forcements intended for Cactus to
then, the command status of all fu-
bomber attacks, and artillery har-
any other South Pacific venue, a
ture Pacific amphibious operations
rassment could properly be called a
sometime factor of Admiral Turner's
was determined by the events of
lull, Vandegrift was visited by the
strategic vision. He insisted that he
Guadalcanal. Another piece of news
Commandant of the Marine Corps,
needed all of the Americal Division
Vandegrift received from Holcomb
Lieutenant General Thomas Hol-
and another 2d Marine Division regi-
also boded well for the future of the
comb. The Commandant flew in on
ment to beef up his forces, and that
Marine Corps. Holcomb indicated
35
Department of Defense (USMC) Photo 513191
On the occasion of the visit of the Commandant, MajGen
(CG, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing); Gen Holcomb; MajGen
Thomas Holcomb, some of Operation Watchtower's major
Ralph J. Mitchell (Director of Aviation, Headquarters, U.S.
staff and command officers took time out from the fighting
Marine Corps); BGen Bennet Puryear, Jr. (Assistant Quarter-
to pose with him. From left, front row: Col William J. Whal-
master of the Marine Corps); Col Clifton B. Cates (CO, 1st
ing (Whaling Group); Col Amor LeRoy Sims (CO, 7th Ma-
Marines). Second row (between Whaling and Sims): LtCol
rines); Col Gerald C. Thomas (Division Chief of Staff); Col
Raymond P. Coffman (Division Supply Officer); Maj James
Pedro A. del Valle (CO, 11th Marines); Col William E. Riley
C. Murray (Division Personnel Officer); (behind Gen Hol-
(member of Gen Holcomb's party); MajGen Roy S. Geiger
comb) LtCol Merrill B. Twining (Division Operations Officer).
that if President Roosevelt did not
tillery. Near sunset the next day, the
with a grenade, and a 75mm half-
reappoint him, unlikely in view of his
Japanese tried again, this time with
track finished it off in the ocean's
age and two terms in office, he would
more artillery fire and more tanks in
surf. The following enemy infantry
recommend that Vandegrift be ap-
the fore, but again a 37mm gun
was smothered by Marine artillery
pointed the next Commandant.
knocked out a lead tank and dis-
fire as all battalions of the augment-
This news of future events had lit-
couraged the attack. On 22 October,
ed 11th Marines rained shells on the
tle chance of diverting Vandegrift's
the enemy paused, waiting for
massed attackers. Hundreds of
attention when he flew back to
Maruyama's force to get into position
Japanese were casualties and three
Guadalcanal, for the Japanese were
inland. On the 23d, planned as the
more tanks were destroyed. Later, an
in the midst of their planned offen-
day of the Sendaïs main attack, the
inland thrust further upstream was
sive. On the 20th, an enemy patrol
Japanese dropped a heavy rain of ar-
easily beaten back. The abortive
accompanied by two tanks tried to
tillery and mortar fire on McKelvy's
coastal attack did almost nothing to
find a way through the line held by
positions near the Matanikau River
aid Maruyama's inland offensive, but
Lieutenant Colonel William N.
mouth. Near dusk, nine 18-ton medi-
did cause Vandegrift to shift one bat-
McKelvy, Jr.'s 3d Battalion, 1st Ma-
um tanks clanked out of the trees
talion, the 2d Battalion, 7th Marines,
rines. A sharpshooting 37mm gun
onto the river's sandbar and just as
out of the lines to the east and into
crew knocked out one tank and the
quickly eight of them were riddled
the 4,000-yard gap between the Ma-
enemy force fell back, meanwhile
by the 37s. One tank got across the
tanikau position and the perimeter.
shelling the Marine positions with ar-
river, a Marine blasted a track off
This move proved providential since
36
Reising Gun
T
he Reising gun was designed and developed by not-
The Reising was made in two different models, the 50
ed gun inventor Eugene Reising. It was patented in
and the 55. The Model 50 had a full wooden stock and
1940 and manufactured by the old gun-making firm
a Cutts compensator attached to the muzzle. The compen-
of Harrington and Richardson of Worcester, Massachusetts.
sator, a device which reduced the upward muzzle climb
It is said that it was made on existing machine tools, some
from recoil, was invented by Richard M. Cutts, Sr., and
dating back to the Civil War, and of ordinary steel rather
his son, Richard M. Cutts, Jr., both of whom became Ma-
than ordnance steel. With new machine tools and ordnance
rine brigadier generals. The other version was dubbed the
steel scarce and needed for more demanding weapons, the
Model 55. It had a folding metal-wire shoulder stock which
Reising met an immediate requirement for many sub-
swivelled on the wooden pistol grip. It also had a shorter
machine guns at a time when production of Thompson
barrel and no compensator. It was intended for use by
M1928 and M1 sub-machine guns hadn't caught up with
parachutists, tank crews, and others needing a compact
demand and the stamped-out M3 "grease gun" had not yet
weapon. Both versions of the Reising fired .45-caliber am-
been invented. It was a wartime expedient.
munition, the same cartridge as the Colt automatic pistol
and the Thompson.
In all, there were approximately 100,000 Reising sub-
machine guns produced between 1940 and 1942. Small
numbers of the weapons were acquired by both Great Bri-
tain and the Soviet Union. However, most were used by
the U.S. Marine Corps in the Solomon Islands campaign.
The Model 55 was issued to both Marine parachute bat-
talions and Marine raiders, seeing service first on Guadal-
canal. After its dubious debut in combat it was withdrawn
from frontline service in 1943 due to several flaws in de-
sign and manufacture.
The Reising's major shortcoming was its propensity for
jamming. This was due to both a design problem in the
magazine lips and the fact that magazines were made of
a soft sheet steel. The weapon's safety mechanism didn't
always work and if the butt was slammed down on the
deck, the hammer would set back against the mainspring
and then fly forward, firing a chambered cartridge. The
design allowed the entry of dirt into the mechanism and
close tolerances caused it to jam. Finally, the steel used al-
lowed excessive rust to form in the tropical humidity of the
Solomons. Nevertheless, at six pounds, the Reising was
handier than the 10-pound Thompson, more accurate,
pleasanter to shoot, and reliable under other than combat
conditions, but one always had to keep the muzzle point-
ed in a safe direction. The Model 50 was also issued to Ma-
rines for guard duty at posts and stations in the United
Captain Donald L. Dickson, USMCR
States.-John G. Griffiths
one of Maruyama's planned attacks
on 24 October. The Marines were
and near midnight the first elements
was headed right for this area.
waiting.
of the enemy hit and bypassed a
Although patrols had encountered
An observer from the 1st Battal-
platoon-sized outpost forward of
no Japanese east or south of the jun-
ion, 7th Marines, spotted an enemy
Puller's barbed-wire entanglements.
gled perimeter up to the 24th, the
officer surveying Edson's Ridge on
Warned by the outpost, Puller's men
Matanikau attempts had alerted
the 24th, and scout-snipers reported
waited, straining to see through a
everyone. When General Maruyama
smoke from numerous rice fires ris-
dark night and a driving rain. Sud-
finally was satisfied that his men had
ing from a valley about two miles
denly, the Japanese charged out of
struggled through to appropriate as-
south of Lieutenant Colonel Puller's
the jungle, attacking in Puller's area
sault positions, after delaying his day
positions. Six battalions of the Sen-
near the ridge and the flat ground to
of attack three times, he was ready
dai Division were poised to attack,
the east. The Marines replied with
37
Marine Corps Personal Papers Collection
Five Japanese tanks sit dead in the water, destroyed by Ma-
Marine perimeter near the mouth of the Matanikau River in
rine 37mm gunfire during the abortive attempt to force the
late October. Many Japanese soldiers lost their lives also.
everything they had, calling in ar-
and the enemy attacks were getting
ma tried more of the same, with the
tillery, firing mortars, relying heavi-
weaker and weaker. The American
same result. The Army-Marine lines
ly on crossing fields of machine gun
return e-including flanking fire
held and the Japanese were cut down
fire to cut down the enemy infantry-
from machine guns and Weapons
in droves by rifle, machine gun, mor-
men. Thankfully, the enemy's ar-
Company, 7th Marines' 37mm guns
tar, 37mm, and artillery fire. To the
tillery, mortars, and other supporting
remaining in the positions held by 2d
west, an enemy battalion mounted
arms were scattered back along the
Battalion, 164th Infantry, on Puller's
three determined attacks against the
Maruyama Trail; they had proved
left-was just too much to take. Near
positions held by Lieutenant Colonel
too much of a burden for the infan-
dawn, Maruyama pulled his men
Herman H. Hanneken's 2d Battalion,
trymen to carry forward.
back to regroup and prepare to attack
7th Marines, thinly tied in with
A wedge was driven into the Ma-
again.
Puller's battalion on the left and the
rine lines, but eventually straightened
With daylight, Puller and Hall re-
3d Battalion, 7th Marines, on the
out with repeated counterattacks.
ordered the lines, putting the 3d Bat-
right. The enemy finally penetrated
Puller soon realized his battalion was
talion, 164th, into its own positions
the positions held by Company F, but
being hit by a strong Japanese force
on Puller's left, tying in with the rest
a counterattack led by Major Odell
capable of repeated attacks. He called
of the Army regiment. The driving
M. Conoley, the battalion's executive
for reinforcements and the Army's 3d
rains had turned Fighter One into a
officer, drove off the Japanese. Again
Battalion, 164th Infantry (Lieutenant
quagmire, effectively grounding Cac-
at daylight the American positions
Colonel Robert K. Hall), was ordered
tus flyers. Japanese planes used the
were secure and the enemy had
forward, its men sliding and slipping
"free ride" to bomb Marine positions.
retreated. They would not come
in the rain as they trudged a mile
Their artillery fired incessantly and
back; the grand Japanese offensive of
south along Edson's Ridge. Puller met
a pair of Japanese destroyers added
the Sendai Division was over.
Hall at the head of his column, and
their gunfire to the bombardment un-
About 3,500 enemy troops had
the two officers walked down the
til they got too close to the shore and
died during the attacks. General
length of the Marine lines, peeling off
the 3d Defense Battalion's 5-inch
Maruyama's proud boast that he
an Army squad at a time to feed into
guns drove them off. As the sun bore
"would exterminate the enemy
the lines. When the Japanese attacked
down, the runways dried and after-
around the airfield in one blow"
again as they did all night long, the
noon enemy attacks were met by
proved an empty one. What was left
soldiers and Marines fought back
Cactus fighters, who downed 22
of his force now straggled back over
together. By 0330, the Army battal-
Japanese planes with a loss of three
the Maruyama Trail, losing, as had
ion was completely integrated into
of their own.
the Kawaguchi force in the same sit-
the 1st Battalion, 7th Marines' lines
As night came on again, Maruya-
uation, most of its seriously wound-
38
ed men. The Americans, Marines
2d Battalion, both machine gun sec-
about the same time Japanese scout
and soldiers together, probably lost
tion heads, were recognized as hav-
planes spotted the American carriers.
300 men killed and wounded; exist-
ing performed "above and beyond the
The Japanese Zuiho's flight deck was
ing records are sketchy and incom-
call of duty" in the inspiring words
holed by the scout bombers, cancel-
plete. One result of the battle,
of their Medal of Honor citations.
ling flight operations, but the other
however, was a warm welcome to the
November and the
three enemy carriers launched strikes.
164th Infantry from the 1st Marine
Division. Vandegrift particularly
Continuing Buildup
The two air armadas tangled as each
strove to reach the other's carriers.
commended Lieutenant Colonel
While the soldiers and Marines
The Hornet was hit repeatedly by
Hall's battalion, stating the "division
were battling the Japanese ashore, a
bombs and torpedoes; two Japanese
was proud to have serving with it
patrol plane sighted a large Japanese
pilots also crashed their planes on
another unit which had stood the test
fleet near the Santa Cruz Islands to
board. The damage to the ship was
of battle." And Colonel Cates sent a
the east of the Solomons. The ene-
so extensive, the Hornet was aban-
message to the 164th's Colonel Bryant
my force was formidable, 4 carriers
doned and sunk. The Enterprise, the
Moore saying that the 1st Marines
and 4 battleships, 8 cruisers and 28
battleship South Dakota, the light
"were proud to serve with a unit such
destroyers, all poised for a victorious
cruiser San Juan (CL 54), and the
as yours."
attack when Maruyama's capture of
destroyer Smith (DD 378) were also
Amidst all the heroics of the two
Henderson Field was signalled. Ad-
hit; the destroyer Porter (DD 356)
nights' fighting there were many men
miral Halsey's reaction to the invit-
was sunk. On the Japanese side, no
who were singled out for recognition
ing targets was characteristic, he
ships were sunk, but three carriers
and an equally large number who
signaled Rear Admiral Thomas C.
and two destroyers were damaged.
performed great deeds that were
Kinkaid, with the Hornet and Enter-
One hundred Japanese planes were
never recognized. Two men stood out
prise carrier groups located north of
lost; 74 U.S. planes went down.
above all others, and on succeeding
the New Hebrides: "Attack Repeat
Taken together, the results of the Bat-
nights, Sergeant John Basilone of the
Attack."
tle of Santa Cruz were a standoff.
1st Battalion, 7th Marines, and Pla-
Early on 26 October, American
The Japanese naval leaders might
toon Sergeant Mitchell Paige of the
SBDs located the Japanese carriers at
have continued their attacks, but in-
Heavy tropical downpours at Guadalcanal all but flood out
Marines' damp clothing and bedding contributed to the heavy
a Marine camp near Henderson Field, and the field as well.
incidence of tormenting skin infections and fungal disorders.
Department of Defense (USMC) Photo
39
canal and with relative ease. On the
ground side, two batteries of 155mm
guns, one Army and one Marine,
landed on 2 November, providing
Vandegrift with his first artillery
units capable of matching the ene-
my's long-range 150mm guns. On the
4th and 5th, the 8th Marines
(Colonel Richard H. Jeschke) arrived
from American Samoa. The full-
strength regiment, reinforced by the
75mm howitzers of the 1st Battalion,
10th Marines, added another 4,000
men to the defending forces. All the
fresh troops reflected a renewed em-
phasis at all levels of command on
making sure Guadalcanal would be
held. The reinforcement-replacement
pipeline was being filled. In the off-
ing as part of the Guadalcanal
defending force were the rest of the
Americal Division, the remainder of
the 2d Marine Division, and the Ar-
my's 25th Infantry Division, then in
Hawaii. More planes of every type
and from Allied as well as American
sources were slated to reinforce and
replace the battered and battle-weary
Cactus veterans.
The impetus for the heightened
pace of reinforcement had been
provided by President Roosevelt.
Cutting through the myriad demands
for American forces worldwide, he
had told each of the Joint Chiefs on
24 October that Guadalcanal must be
Department of Defense (USMC) Photo 74093
reinforced, and without delay.
Marine engineers repair a flood-damaged Lunga River bridge washed out during
On the island, the pace of opera-
a period when 8 inches of rain fell in 24 hours and the river rose 7 feet above normal.
tions did not slacken after the
stead, disheartened by the defeat of
Tulagi had performed the very neces-
Maruyama offensive was beaten
their ground forces on Guadalcanal,
sary task of scouting and securing all
back. General Vandegrift wanted to
withdrew to attack another day.
the small islands of the Florida group
clear the area immediately west of
The departure of the enemy naval
while they had camped, frustrated,
the Matanikau of all Japanese troops,
force marked a period in which sub-
watching the battles across Sealark
forestalling, if he could, another
stantial reinforcements reached the
Channel. The men now would no
buildup of attacking forces. Admiral
island. The headquarters of the 2d
longer be spectators at the big show.
Tanaka's Tokyo Express was still
Marines had finally found transport
On 2 November, planes from
operating and despite punishing at-
space to come up from Espiritu San-
VMSB-132 and VMF-211 flew into
tacks by Cactus aircraft and new and
to and on 29 and 30 October, Colonel
the Cactus fields from New Caledo-
deadly opponents, American motor
Arthur moved his regiment from
nia. MAG-11 squadrons moved for-
torpedo boats, now based at Tulagi.
Tulagi to Guadalcanal, exchanging
ward from New Caledonia to
On 1 November, the 5th Marines,
his 1st and 2d Battalions for the well-
Espiritu Santo to be closer to the bat-
backed up by the newly arrived 2d
blooded 3d, which took up the Tulagi
tle scene; the flight echelons now
Marines, attacked across bridges en-
duties. The 2d Marines' battalions at
could operate forward to Guadal-
gineers had laid over the Matanikau
40
ber, the Japanese pocket just west of
the base at Point Cruz was eliminat-
ed; well over 300 enemy had been
killed. Elsewhere, the attacking Ma-
rines had encountered spotty
resistance and advanced slowly
across difficult terrain to a point
about 1,000 yards beyond the 5th
Marines' action. There, just as the
offensive's objectives seemed well in
hand, the advance was halted. Again,
the intelligence that a massive ene-
my reinforcement attempt was pend-
Department of Defense Photo (USMC) 56749
ing forced Vandegrift to pull back
2dLt Mitchell Paige, third from left, and PltSgt John Basilone, extreme right, received
most of his men to safeguard the all-
the Medal of Honor at a parade at Camp Balcombe, Australia, on 21 May 1943.
important airfield perimeter. This
MajGen Vandegrift, left, received his medal in a White House ceremony the previ-
time, however, he left a regiment to
ous 5 February, while Col Merritt A. Edson was decorated 31 December 1943. Note
outpost the ground that had. been
the 1st Marine Division patches on the right shoulders of each participant.
gained, Colonel Arthur's 2d Marines,
during the previous night. Inland,
Anthony Casamento, a badly
reinforced by the Army's 1st Battal-
Colonel Whaling led his scout-snipers
wounded machine gun squad leader
ion, 164th Infantry.
and the 3d Battalion, 7th Marines, in
in Edson's 1st Battalion, had so dis-
Emphasizing the need for caution
a screening movement to protect the
tinguished himself that he was
in Vandegrift's mind was the fact that
flank of the main attack. Opposition
recommended for a Navy Cross;
the Japanese were again discovered
was fierce in the shore area where the
many years later, in August 1980,
in strength east of the perimeter. On
1st Battalion, 5th, drove forward
President Jimmy Carter approved the
3 November, Lieutenant Colonel
toward Point Cruz, but inland the 2d
award of the Medal of Honor in its
Hanneken's 2d Battalion, 7th Ma-
Battalion and Whaling's group en-
stead.
rines, on a reconnaissance in force
countered slight oppositon. By night-
On the 2d, the attack continued
towards Koli Point, could see the
fall, when the Marines dug in, it was
with the reserve 3d Battalion mov-
Japanese ships clustered near Tetere,
clear that the only sizable enemy
ing into the fight and all three 5th
eight miles from the perimeter. His
force was in the Point Cruz area. In
Marines units moving to surround
Marines encountered strong Japanese
the day's bitter fighting, Corporal
the enemy defenders. On 3 Novem-
resistance from obviously fresh
75mm Pack Howitzer - Workhorse of the Artillery
D
uring the summer of 1930, the Marine Corps be-
gan replacing its old French 75mm guns (Model
1897) with the 75mm Pack Howitzer Model
1923-E2. This weapon was designed for use in the Army
primarily as mountain artillery. Since it could be broken
down and manhandled ashore in six loads from ships'
boats, the pack howitzer was an important supporting
weapon of the Marine Corps' landing forces in prewar land-
ing exercises.
The 75mm pack howitzer saw extensive service with the
Marine Corps throughout World War II in almost every
major landing in the Pacific. Crewed by five Marines, the
howitzer could hurl a 16-pound shell nearly 10,000 yards.
In the D Series table of organization with which the 1st
Marine Division went to war, and through the following
E and F series, there were three pack howitzer battalions
for each artillery regiment. - Anthony Wayne Tommell and
Kenneth L. Smith-Christmas
41
landed from submarines on Makin
Island in the Gilberts on 17-18 Au-
gust, destroying the garrison there.
For his part in the fighting on Makin,
Sergeant Clyde Thomason had been
awarded a Medal of Honor posthu-
mously, the first Marine enlisted man
to receive his country's highest award
in World War II.
In its march from Aola Bay, the 2d
Raider Battalion encountered the
Japanese who were attempting to
retreat to the west. On 12 November,
the raiders beat off attacks by two
enemy companies and then relent-
Marine Corps Historical Photo Collection
lessly pursued the Japanese, fighting
In a White House ceremony, former Cpl Anthony Casamento, a machine gun squad
a series of small actions over the next
leader in the 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, was decorated by President Jimmy Carter
five days before they contacted the
on 22 August 1980, 38 years after the battle for Guadalcanal. Looking on are
main Japanese body. From 17
Casamento's wife and daughters and Gen Robert H. Barrow, Marine Commandant.
November to 4 December, when the
raiders finally came down out of the
troops and he began to pull back. A
the first part; on the 11th the enemy
jungled ridges into the perimeter,
regiment of the enemy's 38th Divi-
force found a gap in the 164th's line
Carlson's men harried the retreating
sion had landed, as Hyakutake ex-
and broke through along a meander-
perimented with a Japanese
ing jungle stream. Behind they left
Sgt Clyde Thomason, who was killed in
Navy-promoted scheme of attacking
450 dead over the course of a seven-
action participating in the Makin Island
raid with the 2d Raider Battalion, was
the perimeter from both flanks.
day battle; the Marines and soldiers
the first enlisted Marine in World War
As Hanneken's battalion executed
had lost 40 dead and 120 wounded.
II to be awarded the Medal of Honor.
a fighting withdrawal along the
Essentially, the Japanese who
Department of Defense (USMC) Photo 310616
beach, it began to receive fire from
broke out of the encircling Ameri-
the jungle inland, too. A rescue force
cans escaped from the frying pan
was soon put together under Gener-
only to fall into the fire. Admiral
al Rupertus: two tank companies, the
Turner finally had been able to effect
1st Battalion, 7th Marines, and the
one of his several schemes for alter-
2d and 3d Battalions of the 164th.
native landings and beachheads, all
The Japanese troops, members of the
of which General Vandegrift vehe-
38th Division regiment and remnants
mently opposed. At Aola Bay, 40
of Kawaguchi's brigade, fought
miles east of the main perimeter, the
doggedly to hold their ground as the
Navy put an airfield construction
Marines drove forward along the
and defense force ashore on 4
coast and the soldiers attempted to
November. Then, while the Japanese
outflank the enemy in the jungle. The
were still battling the Marines near
running battle continued for days,
Tetere, Vandegrift was able to pur-
supported by Cactus air, naval gun-
suade Turner to detach part of this
fire, and the newly landed 155mm
landing force, the 2d Raider Battal-
guns.
ion, to sweep west, to discover and
The enemy commander received
destroy any enemy forces it en-
new orders as he was struggling to
countered.
hold off the Americans. He was to
Lieutenant Colonel Evans F. Carl-
break off the action, move inland,
son's raider battalion already had
and march to rejoin the main
seen action before it reached Guadal-
Japanese forces west of the perimeter,
canal. Two companies had reinforced
a tall order to fulfill. The two-
the defenders of Midway Island
pronged attack scheme had been
when the Japanese attacked there in
abandoned. The Japanese managed
June. The rest of the battalion had
42
Department of Defense (USMC) Photo 51728
Native guides lead 2d Raider Battalion Marines on a com-
lasted for less than a month, during which the Marines cov-
bat/reconnaissance patrol behind Japanese lines. The patrol
ered 150 miles and fought more than a dozen actions.
enemy. They killed nearly 500
any length of time were no better off;
ers all headed toward Guadalcanal.
Japanese. Their own losses were 16
they were, in fact, in worse shape.
A bombardment group led by the
killed and 18 wounded.
Medical supplies and rations were in
battleships Hiei and Kirishima, with
The Aola Bay venture, which had
short supply. The whole thrust of the
the light cruiser Nagura, and 15 des-
provided the 2d Raider Battalion a
Japanese reinforcement effort con-
troyers spearheaded the attack.
starting point for its month-long jun-
tinued to be to get troops and com-
Shortly after midnight, near Savo Is-
gle campaign, proved a bust. The site
bat equipment ashore. The idea
land, Callaghan's cruisers picked up
chosen for a new airfield was un-
prevailed in Tokyo, despite all evi-
the Japanese on radar and continued
suitable, too wet and unstable, and
dence to the contrary, that one over-
to close. The battle was joined at
the whole force moved to Koli Point
whelming coordinated assault would
such short range that each side fired
in early December, where another
crush the American resistance. The
at times on their own ships. Cal-
airfield eventually was constructed.
enemy drive to take Port Moresby on
laghan's flagship, the San Francisco,
The buildup on Guadalcanal con-
New Guinea was put on hold to con-
was hit 15 times, Callaghan was
tinued, by both sides. On 11 Novem-
centrate all efforts on driving the
killed, and the ship had to limp away.
ber, guarded by a cruiser-destroyer
Americans off of Guadalcanal.
The cruiser Atlanta (CL 104) was
covering force, a convoy ran in car-
On 12 November, a multifaceted
also hit and set afire. Rear Admiral
rying the 182d Infantry, another regi-
Japanese naval force converged on
Norman Scott, who was on board,
ment of the Americal Division. The
Guadalcanal to cover the landing of
was killed. Despite the hammering
ships were pounded by enemy bom-
the main body of the 38th Division.
by Japanese fire, the Americans held
bers and three transports were hit,
Rear Admiral Daniel J. Callaghan's
and continued fighting. The battle-
but the men landed. General Van-
cruisers and destroyers, the close-in
ship Hiei, hit by more than 80 shells,
degrift needed the new men badly.
protection for the 182d's transports,
retired and with it went the rest of
His veterans were truly ready for
moved to stop the enemy. Coast-
the bombardment force. Three des-
replacement; more than a thousand
watcher and scout plane sightings
troyers were sunk and four others
new cases of malaria and related dis-
and radio traffic intercepts had iden-
damaged.
eases were reported each week. The
tified two battleships, two carriers,
The Americans had accomplished
Japanese who had been on the island
four cruisers, and a host of destroy-
their purpose; they had forced the
43
38
Department of Defense (Navy) Photos 80-G-20824 and 80G-21099
In the great naval Battle of Guadalcanal, 12-15 November,
heavy cruiser San Francisco (CA 38) took 15 major hits and
RAdm Daniel J. Callaghan was killed when his flagship, the
was forced to limp away in the dark from the scene of action.
Japanese to turn back. The cost was
On 14 November Cactus and En-
out barely in time, each miss send-
high. Two antiaircraft cruisers, the
terprise flyers found a Japanese
ing up towering clouds of mist and
Atlanta and the Juneau (CL 52), were
cruiser-destroyer force that had
spray, every hit raising clouds of
sunk; four destroyers, the Barton
pounded the island on the night of
smoke and fire." Despite the intensive
(DD 599), Cushing (DD 376), Mons-
13 November. They damaged four
aerial attack, Tanaka continued on
sen (DD 436), and Laffey (DD 459),
cruisers and a destroyer. After refuel-
to Guadalcanal with four destroyers
also went to the bottom. In addition
ing and rearming they went after the
and four transports.
to the San Francisco, the heavy cruis-
approaching Japanese troop convoy.
Japanese intelligence had picked up
er Portland (CA 33) and the destroy-
They hit several transports in one at-
the approaching American battleship
ers Sterret (DD 407)) and Aaron
tack and sank one when they came
force and warned Tanaka of its ad-
Ward (DD 483) were damaged. Only
back again. Army B-17s up from Es-
vent. In turn, the enemy admirals
one destroyer of the 13 American
piritu Santo scored one hit and sever-
sent their own battleship-cruiser
ships engaged, the Fletcher (DD 445),
al near misses, bombing from 17,000
force to intercept. The Americans, led
was unscathed when the survivors re-
feet.
by Rear Admiral Willis A. Lee in the
tired to the New Hebrides.
Moving in a continuous pattern of
Washington, reached Sealark Chan-
With daylight came the Cactus
attack, return, refuel, rearm, and at-
nel about 2100 on the 14th. An hour
bombers and fighters; they found the
tack again, the planes from Guadal-
later, a Japanese cruiser was picked
crippled Hiei and pounded it merci-
canal hit nine transports, sinking
up north of Savo. Battleship fire soon
lessly. On the 14th the Japanese were
seven. Many of the 5,000 troops on
'turned it away. The Japanese now
forced to scuttle it. Admiral Halsey
the stricken ships were rescued by
learned that their opponents would
ordered his only surviving carrier,
Tanaka's destroyers, which were fir-
not be the cruisers they expected.
the Enterprise, out of the Guadal-
ing furiously and laying smoke
The resulting clash, fought in the
canal area to get it out of reach of
screens in an attempt to protect the
glare of gunfire and Japanese search-
Japanese aircraft and sent his battle-
transports. The admiral later recalled
lights, was perhaps the most signifi-
ships Washington (BB 56) and South
that day as indelible in his mind,
cant fought at sea for Guadalcanal.
Dakota (BB 55) with four escorting
with memories of "bombs wobbling
When the melee was over, the Ameri-
destroyers north to meet the
down from high-flying B-17s; of car-
can battleships' 16-inch guns had
Japanese. Some of the Enterprise's
rier bombers roaring towards targets
more than matched the Japanese.
planes flew in to Henderson Field to
as though to plunge full into the
Both the South Dakota and the
help even the odds.
water, releasing bombs and pulling
Washington were damaged badly
44
The Japanese Model 89 (1929)
50mm Heavy Grenade Discharger
B
orn out of the need to bridge the gap in range be-
tween hand grenades and mortars, the grenade dis-
charger evolved in the Imperial Japanese Army from
a special purpose weapon of infantry assault and defense
to an essential item of standard equipment with all Japanese
ground forces.
Commonly called Juteki by the Japanese, this weapon
officially was designated Hachikyu Shiki Jutekidarto, or
1189 Model Heavy Grenade Discharger, the term "heavy"
being justified by the powerful 1-pound, 12-ounce high ex-
plosive shell it was designed to fire, although it also fired
the standard Model 91 fragmentation grenade.
To the American Marines and soldiers who first encoun-
tered this weapon and others of its kind in combat they
were known as "knee mortars," likely so named because they
generally were fired from a kneeling position. Typically,
the discharger's concave baseplate was pressed firmly into
the surface of the ground by the firer's foot to support the
heavy recoil of the fired shell, but unfortunately the term
"knee mortar" suggested to some untutored captors of these
weapons that they were to be fired with the baseplate rest-
ing against the knee or thigh. When a Marine fired one
of these dischargers from his thigh and broke his upper leg
bone, efforts were swiftly undertaken in the field to edu-
cate all combat troops in the safe and proper handling of
these very useful weapons.
The Model 89 (1929) 50mm Heavy Grenade Discharger
is a muzzle-loaded, high-angle-of-fire weapon which weighs
10-1/4 pounds and is 24 inches in overall length. Its design
is compact and simple. The discharger has three major com-
ponents: the rifled barrel, the supporting barrel pedestal
placed in the barrel, projectile firing not being dependent
with firing mechanism, and the base plate. Operation of
upon dropping down the barrel against a stationary firing
the Model 89 was easy and straightforward, and with prac-
pin as with most mortars, where barrel fouling sometimes
tice its user could deliver accurate fire registered quickly
caused dangerous hangfires. Although an instantaneous
on target.
fuze employed on the Model 89 high explosive shell res-
Encountered in all major battles in the Pacific War, the
tricted this shell's use to open areas, the Model 91 fragmen-
Model 89 Grenade Discharger was an uncomplicated, very
tation grenade with its seven-second fuze made this dis-
portable, and highly efficient weapon operated easily by
charger effective in a jungle or forest setting, with complete
one man. It was carried in a cloth or leather case with a
safety for the user from premature detonation of projec-
sling, and its one-piece construction allowed it to be
tiles by overhanging foliage. Smoke and signal shells, and
brought into action very quickly. This grenade discharger
an incendiary grenade, were special types of ammunition
had the advantage over most mortars in that it could be
used with this versatile and effective weapon which won
aimed and fired mechanically after a projectile had been
the respect of all who came to know it. Edwin F. Libby
enough to force their retirement, but
Japanese attack force retired, Ad-
planes, warships, and artillery.
the Kirishima was punished to its
miral Tanaka ran his four transports
Ten thousand troops of the 38th
abandonment and death. One
onto the beach, knowing they would
Division had landed, but the
Japanese and three American des-
be sitting targets at daylight. Most of
Japanese were in no shape to ever
troyers, the Benham (DD 796), the
the men on board, however, did
again attempt a massive reinforce-
Walke (DD 416), and the Preston
manage to get ashore before the in-
ment. The horrific losses in the fre-
(DD 379), were sunk. When the
evitable pounding by American
quent naval clashes, which seemed at
45
Department of Defense (USMC) Photo 53510
A Japanese troop transport and her landing craft were badly
to run aground on Kokumbona beach after the naval Battle
damaged by the numerous Marine air attacks and were forced
of Guadalcanal. Many enemy troops were killed in the attacks.
times to favor the Japanese, did not
made. Admiral Turner had told Van-
out. They had done their part and
really represent a standoff. Every
degrift to leave all of his heavy equip-
they knew it.
American ship lost or damaged could
ment on the island when he did pull
On 29 November, General Van-
and would be replaced; every
out "in hopes of getting your units re-
degrift was handed a message from
Japanese ship lost meant a steadily
equipped when you come out." He
the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The crux of
diminishing fleet. In the air, the losses
also told the Marine general that the
it read: "1st MarDiv is to be relieved
on both sides were daunting, but the
Army would command the final
without delay
and will proceed
enemy naval air arm would never
phases of the Guadalcanal operation
to Australia for rehabilitation and
recover from its losses of experienced
since it would provide the majority
employment." The word soon spread
carrier pilots. Two years later, the
of the combat forces once the 1st Di-
that the 1st was leaving and where
Battle of the Philippine Sea between
vision departed. Major General Alex-
it was going. Australia was not yet
American and Japanese carriers
ander M. Patch, commander of the
the cherished place it would become
would aptly be called the "Marianas
Americal Division, would relieve
in the division's future, but any place
Turkey Shoot" because of the inepti-
Vandegrift as senior American officer
was preferable to Guadalcanal.
tude of the Japanese trainee pilots.
ashore. His air support would con-
The enemy troops who had been
tinue to be Marine-dominated as
December and the Final Stages
fortunate enough to reach land were
General Geiger, now located on Es-
On 7 December, one year after the
not immediately ready to assault the
piritu Santo with 1st Wing head-
Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor,
American positions. The 38th Divi-
quarters, fed his squadrons forward
General Vandegrift sent a message to
sion and the remnants of the various
to maintain the offensive. And the air
all men under his command in the
Japanese units that had previously
command on Guadalcanal itself
Guadalcanal area thanking them for
tried to penetrate the Marine lines
would continue to be a mixed bag of
their courage and steadfastness, com-
needed to be shaped into a coherent
Army, Navy, Marine, and Allied
mending particularly the pilots and
attack force before General
squadrons.
"all who labored and sweated within
Hyakutake could again attempt to
The sick list of the 1st Marine Di-
the lines in all manner of prodigious
take Henderson Field.
vision in November included more
and vital tasks." He reminded them
General Vandegrift now had
than 3,200 men with malaria. The
all that their "unbelievable achieve-
enough fresh units to begin to replace
men of the 1st still manning the
ments had made 'Guadalcanal' a syn-
his veteran troops along the front
frontline foxholes and the rear
onym for death and disaster in the
lines. The decision to replace the 1st
areas - if anyplace within Guadal-
language of our enemy." On 9 Decem-
Marine Division with the Army's
canal's perimeter could properly be
ber, he handed over his command to
25th Infantry Division had been
called a rear area-were plain worn
General Patch and flew out to Aus-
46
tralia at the same time the first ele-
ments of the 5th Marines were
boarding ship. The 1st, 11th, and 7th
Marines would soon follow together
with all the division's supporting
units. The men who were leaving
were thin, tired, hollow-eyed, and
apathetic; they were young men who
had grown old in four months time.
They left behind 681 dead in the is-
land's cemetery.
The final regiment of the Ameri-
cal Division, the 132d Infantry, land-
ed on 8 December as the 5th Marines
was preparing to leave. The 2d Ma-
rine Division's regiments already on
As he tells it, "Too Many, Too Close, Too
Long," is Donald L. Dickson's portrait of
one of the "little guys, just plain worn
out. His stamina and his spirit stretched
beyond human endurance. He has had
no real sleep for a long time
And he probably hasn't stopped duck-
ing and fighting long enough to discover
that he has malaria. He is going to dis-
cover it now, however. He is through."
Captain Donald L. Dickson, USMCR
U.S. Army Signal Corps Photo SC164898
Americal Division commander, MajGen Alexander M. Patch, Jr., watches while
his troops and supplies are staged on Guadalcanal's beaches on 8 December, the
day before he relieved Gen Vandegrift and his wornout 1st Marine Division.
the island, the 2d, 8th, and part of
ganized into a fighter command and
the 10th, knew that the 6th Marines
a strike (bomber) command, now
was on its way to rejoin. It seemed
operated from a newly redesignated
to many of the men of the 2d Ma-
Marine Corps Air Base. The Hender-
rines, who had landed on D-Day, 7
son Field complex included a new
August, that they, too, should be
airstrip, Fighter Two, which replaced
leaving. These took slim comfort in
Fighter One, which had severe
the thought that they, by all rights,
drainage problems. Brigadier General
should be the first of the 2d to depart
Louis Woods, who had taken over as
the island whenever that hoped-for
senior aviator when Geiger returned
day came.
to Espiritu Santo, was relieved on 26
General Patch received a steady
December by Brigadier General Fran-
stream of ground reinforcements and
cis P. Mulcahy, Commanding Gener-
replacements in December. He was
al, 2d Marine Aircraft Wing. New
not ready yet to undertake a full-scale
fighter and bomber squadrons from
offensive until the 25th Division and
both the 1st and 2d Wings sent their
the rest of the 2d Marine Division ar-
flight echelons forward on a regular
rived, but he kept all frontline units
basis. The Army added three fighter
active in combat and reconnaissance
squadrons and a medium bomber
patrols, particularly toward the
squadron of B-26s. The Royal New
western flank.
Zealand Air Force flew in a recon-
The island commander's air
naissance squadron of Lockheed
defense capabilities also grew sub-
Hudsons. And the U.S. Navy sent
stantially. Cactus Air Force, or-
forward a squadron of Consolidat-
47
The 'George' Medal
T
he George Medal is legendary among 1st Ma-
a grateful Marine. In the original design the sleeve bore the
rine Division veterans of Guadalcanal. Only
stripes of a vice admiral intended to be either Vice Admiral
about 50 were cast, in Australia, before the mold
Robert L. Ghormley, ComSoPac, or Vice Admiral Frank
gave out.
Jack Fletcher, Commander Joint Expeditionary Force, but
The medal commemorates the difficult situation of the
the final medal diplomatically omitted this identification.
division during the early days on Guadalcanal, when am-
Also on the obverse is a Saguaro cactus, indigenous to
munition, food, and heavy equipment were short and the
Arizona, not Guadalcanal, but representing the code name
Japanese plentiful. When the issue was no longer in doubt,
for the island, "Cactus." The obverse inscription is Facia Ge-
Marines had time to reflect on the D-plus-3 Navy with-
orgius, "Let George Do It." Thus it became known as the
drawal in the face of increasing Japanese air attacks and
George Medal.
surface action which left the division in such a tight spot.
The medal's reverse pictures a cow (the original design
In the recollection of then-Captain Donald L. Dickson,
showed a Japanese soldier with breeches down) and an elec-
adjutant of the 5th Marines, the Division G3, then-
tric fan, and is inscribed: "In fond remembrance of the hap-
Lieutenant Colonel Merrill B. Twining, resolved to com-
py days spent from Aug. 7th 1942 to Jan. 5th 1943.
memorate the occasion. Twining told artist Dickson in
U.S.M.C."
general terms what he had in mind. Dickson went to work
The suspension ribbon was made, appropriately, of the
designing an appropriate medal using a fifty-cent piece to
pale green herringbone twill from some Marine's utility uni-
draw a circle on a captured Japanese blank military
form. Legend has it that to be authentic the utilities from
postcard.
which the ribbons were made had to have been washed in
Dickson's design was approved and when the division
the waters of Guadalcanal's Lunga River. Some medals were
got to Australia a mold was made by a local metal crafts-
provided with the oversized safety pin used to identify laun-
man and a small number were cast before the mold became
dry bags in Navy shipboard laundries.
unserviceable. Those wanting a medal paid one Australian
Such unofficial commemorative mementoes are not un-
pound for it and received a certificate as well. The medals
common in military circles and recall, among others, the
are now an even greater rarity than at the time. In recent
Soochow Creek medals recognizing the defense of Shan-
years, reproductions have been cast, and can be identified
ghai's International Settlement during the Japanese inva-
by the different metal and a poor definition of details.
sions of 1932 and 1937 which were inspired by the Military
The obverse design shows a hand and sleeve dropping
Order of the Dragon medals of veterans of the China Relief
a hot potato, in the shape of Guadalcanal into the arms of
Expedition or Boxer Rebellion. - Brooke Nihart
48
ed PBY Catalina patrol planes which
mander, Major General John Mar-
diers, aided by Marines of the 1st
had a much needed night-flying capa-
ston, remained in New Zealand
Battalion, 2d Marines, had won
bility.
because he was senior to General
through to positions on the southern
The aerial buildup forced the
Patch.
flank of the 2d Marine Division.
Japanese to curtail all air attacks and
With three divisions under his
On 12 January, the Marines began
made daylight naval reinforcement
command, General Patch was desig-
their advance with the 8th Marines
attempts an event of the past. The
nated Commanding General, XIV
along the shore and 2d Marines in-
nighttime visits of the Tokyo Express
Corps, on 2 January. His corps head-
land. At the base of Point Cruz, in
destroyers now brought only supplies
quarters numbered less than a score
the 3d Battalion, 8th Marines' sector,
encased in metal drums which were
of officers and men, almost all taken
regimental weapons company half-
rolled over the ships' sides in hope
from the Americal's staff. Brigadier
tracks ran over seven enemy machine
they would float into shore. The men
General Edmund B. Sebree, who had
gun nests. The attack was then held
ashore desperately needed everything
already led both Army and Marine
up by an extensive emplacement until
that could be sent, even by this
units in attacks on the Japanese, took
the weapons company commander,
method, but most of the drums never
command of the Americal Division.
Captain Henry P. "Jim" Crowe, took
reached the beaches.
On 10 January, Patch gave the sig-
charge of a half-dozen Marine infan-
Still, however desperate the enemy
nal to start the strongest American
trymen taking cover from enemy fire
situation was becoming, he was
offensive yet in the Guadalcanal cam-
with the classic remarks: "You'll never
prepard to fight. General Hyakutake
paign. The mission of the troops was
get a Purple Heart hiding in a fox
continued to plan the seizure of the
simple and to the point: "Attack and
hole. Follow me!" The men did and
airfield. General Hitoshi Immamura,
destroy the Japanese forces remain-
they destroyed the emplacement.
commander of the Eighth Area
ing on Guadalcanal."
All along the front of the advanc-
Army, arrived in Rabaul on 2 De-
The initial objective of the corps'
ing assault companies the going was
cember with orders to continue the
attack was a line about 1,000 to 1,500
rough. The Japanese, remnants of the
offensive. He had 50,000 men to add
yards west of jump-off positions.
Sendai Division, were dug into the
to the embattled Japanese troops on
These ran inland from Point Cruz to
sides of a series of cross compart-
Guadalcanal.
the vicinity of Hill 66, about 3,000
ments and their fire took the Marines
Before these new enemy units
yards from the beach. In order to
in the flank as they advanced.
could be employed, the Americans
reach Hill 66, the 25th Infantry Di-
Progress was slow despite massive ar-
were prepared to move out from the
vision attacked first with the 35th
tillery support and naval gunfire
perimeter in their own offensive.
and 27th Infantry driving west and
from four destroyers offshore. In two
Conscious that the Mt. Austen area
southwest across a scrambled series
days of heavy fighting, flamethrow-
was a continuing threat to his inland
of ridges. The going was rough and
ers were employed for the first time
flank in any drive to the west, Patch
the dug-in enemy, elements of two
and tanks were brought into play.
committed the Americal's 132d Infan-
regiments of the 38th Division, gave
The 2d Marines was now relieved
try to the task of clearing the moun-
way reluctantly and slowly. By the
and the 6th Marines moved into the
tain's wooded slopes on 17
13th, however, the American sol-
attack along the coast while the 8th
December. The Army regiment suc-
ceeded in isolating the major
U.S. Halftrack Mounting a 75mm Pack Howitzer
and a .50-Caliber Air-Cooled Machine Gun
Japanese force in the area by early
January. The 1st Battalion, 2d Ma-
rines, took up hill positions to the
southeast of the 132d to increase
flank protection.
By this time, the 25th Infantry Di-
vision (Major General J. Lawton Col-
lins) had arrived and so had the 6th
Marines (6 January) and the rest of
the 2d Division's headquarters and
support troops. Brigadier General
Alphonse De Carre, the Marine di-
vision's assistant commander, took
charge of all Marine ground forces
on the island. The 2d Division's com-
49
Japanese Evacuation
Nights 1/2, 4/5
FINAL PHASE
and 7/8 Feb
Visale
26 JANUARY- -
Food
Cope Esperance
9 FEBRUARY 1943
Tenaro
9 Feb
O
5
Marcvava
8 Feb
Thi
Anuligo Pt.
Miles
2-6 Feb
7
Feb
tenamba
Levaro
191/1
Passage
Doma Cove
1 Feb
Verahue
2
132
Buning 7Feb PV
(+)
&
pt.
Nuga Pt.
Cambalego.K.
Unasanik
the line the 31 Jan my the
of
Poha 182d Mar
PtCruz
Kokumbona
cail
Bay
Matanikau
Tapananja
John Carnes
Marines took up the advance inland.
ly pinched out of the front lines by
senior staff officers were sent to
Naval gunfire support, spotted by
a narrowing attack corridor as the in-
Guadalcanal to ensure their accep-
naval officers ashore, improved
land mountains and hills pressed
tance. The Navy would make the fi-
measurably. On the 15th, the Ameri-
closer to the coastal trail. The 25th
nal runs of the Tokyo Express, only
cans, both Army and Marine,
Division, which was advancing
this time in reverse, to evacuate the
reached the initial corps objective. In
across this rugged terrain, had the
garrison so it could fight again in
the Marine attack zone, 600 Japanese
mission of outflanking the Japanese
later battles to hold the Solomons.
were dead.
in the vicinity of Kokumbona, while
Receiving intelligence that enemy
The battle-weary 2d Marines had
the CAM division drove west. On
ships were massing again to the
seen its last infantry action of
the 23d, as the CAM troops ap-
northwest, General Patch took steps,
Guadalcanal. A new unit now came
proached Kokumbona, the 1st Bat-
as Vandegrift had before him on
into being, a composite Army-
talion of the 27th Infantry struck
many occasions, to guard against
Marine division, or CAM division,
north out of the hills and overran the
overextending his forces in the face
formed from units of the Americal
village site and Japanese base. There
of what appeared to be another ene-
and 2d Marine Divisions. The direct-
was only slight but steady opposition
my attempt at reinforcement. He
ing staff was from the 2d Division,
to the American advance as the ene-
pulled the 25th Division back to bol-
since the Americal had responsibili-
my withdrew west toward Cape Es-
ster the main perimeter defenses and
ty for the main perimeter. Two of its
perance.
ordered the CAM division to con-
regiments, the 147th and the 182d In-
The Japanese had decided, reluc-
tinue its attack. When the Marines
fantry, moved up to attack in line
tantly, to give up the attempt to
and soldiers moved out on 26 Janu-
with the 6th Marines still along the
retake Guadalcanal. The orders were
ary, they had a surprisingly easy time
coast. The 8th Marines was essential-
sent in the name of the Emperor and
of it, gaining 1,000 yards the first day
50
and 2,000 the following day. The
drew about 11,000 men in those three
As was true with the 1st Marine Di-
Japanese were still contesting every
nights and evacuated about 13,000
vision, some of these men were so
attack, but not in strength.
soldiers from Guadalcanal overall.
debilitated by malaria they had to be
By 30 January, the sole frontline
The Americans would meet many of
carried on board. All of them struck
unit in the American advance was the
these men again in later battles, but
observers again as young men grown
147th Infantry; the 6th Marines held
not the 600 evacuees who died, too
old "with their skins cracked and fur-
worn and sick to survive their rescue.
positions to its left rear.
rowed and wrinkled." On 9 February,
the rest of the 8th Marines and a
The Japanese destroyer transports
On 9 February, American soldiers
advancing from east and west met at
good part of the division supporting
made their first run to the island on
Tenaro village on Cape Esperance.
units boarded transports. The 6th
the night of 1-2 February, taking out
2,300 men from evacuation positions
The only Marine ground unit still in
Marines, thankfully only six weeks
on the island, left on the 19th. All
near Cape Esperance. On the night
action was the 3d Battalion, 10th
of 4-5 February, they returned and
Marines, supporting the advance.
were headed for Wellington, New
Zealand, the 2d Marines for the first
took out most of the Sendai sur-
General Patch could happily report
time. Left behind on the island as a
vivors and General Hyakutake and
the "complete and total defeat of Ja-
panes forces on Guadalcanal." No or-
legacy of the 2d Marine Division
his Seventeenth Army staff. The fi-
were 263 dead.
nal evacuation operation was carried
ganized Japanese units remained.
The total cost of the Guadalcanal
out on the night of 7-8 February,
On 31 January, the 2d Marines and
campaign to the American ground
when a 3,000-man rear guard was
the 1st Battalion, 8th Marines,
combat forces was 1,598 officers and
embarked. In all, the Japanese with-
boarded ship to leave Guadalcanal.
men killed, 1,152 of them Marines.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt presents Gen Vandegrift the
Japanese in the Solomons. Looking on are Mrs. Vandegrift,
Medal of Honor for his heroic accomplishments against the
and the general's son, Maj Alexander A. Vandegrift, Jr.
National Archives Photo 208-PU-209V-4
51
LIES DEVILDOG
The temporary resting place of a Marine killed in the fighting
the division cemetery on Guadalcanal, and further reburial:
at Lunga Point is shown here. The grave marker was erected
at war's end either in his hometown or the Punchbowl Na-
by his friends. The Marine's remains were later removed to
tional Cemetery in Hawaii with the honors due a fallen hero.
The wounded totaled 4,709, and
thanks of a grateful nation, award-
squadrons, 16 Marine flying squa-
2,799 of these were Marines. Marine
ed General Vandegrift the Medal of
drons, 16 Navy flying squadrons,
aviation casualties were 147 killed
Honor for "outstanding and heroic
and 5 Army flying squadrons.
and 127 wounded. The Japanese in
accomplishment" in his leadership of
The victory at Guadalcanal
their turn lost close to 25,000 men on
American forces on Guadalcanal
marked a crucial turning point in the
Guadalcanal, about half of whom
from 7 August to 9 December 1942.
Pacific War. No longer were the
were killed in action. The rest suc-
And for the same period, he award-
Japanese on the offensive. Some of
cumbed to illness, wounds, and star-
ed the Presidential Unit Citation to
the Japanese Emperor's best infantry-
vation.
the 1st Marine Division (Reinforced)
men, pilots, and seamen had been
At sea, the comparative losses
for "outstanding gallantry" reflecting
bested in close combat by the Ameri-
were about equal, with each side los-
"courage and determination
of
cans and their Allies. There were
ing about the same number of fight-
an inspiring order." Included in the
years of fierce fighting ahead, but
ing ships. The enemy loss of 2
division's citation and award, besides
there was now no question of its
battleships, 3 carriers, 12 cruisers,
the organic units of the 1st Division,
outcome.
and 25 destroyers, was irreplaceable.
were the 2d and 8th Marines and at-
When the veterans of the 1st Ma-
The Allied ship losses, though cost-
tached units of the 2d Marine Divi-
rine Division were gathered in thank-
ly, were not fatal; in essence, all ships
sion, all of the Americal Division, the
ful reunion 20 years later, they
lost were replaced. In the air, at least
1st Parachute and 1st and 2d Raider
received a poignant message from
600 Japanese planes were shot down;
Battalions, elements of the 3d, 5th,
Guadalcanal. The sender was a
even more costly was the death of
and 14th Defense Battalions, the 1st
legend to all "Canal" Marines,
2,300 experienced pilots and aircrew-
Aviation Engineer Battalion, the 6th
Honorary U.S. Marine Corps Ser-
men. The Allied plane losses were
Naval Construction Battalion, and
geant Major Jacob C. Vouza. The
less than half the enemy's number
two motor torpedo boat squadrons.
Solomons native in his halting En-
and the pilot and aircrew losses sub-
The indispensable Cactus Air Force
glish said: "Tell them I love them all.
stantially lower.
was included, also represented by 7
Me old man now, and me no look
President Roosevelt, reflecting the
Marine headquarters and service
good no more. But me never forget."
52
Sources
About the Author
The basic source work for this booklet is
H
enry I. Shaw, Jr., former chief historian of
the History and Museums Division, was a
the first volume in the series History of U.S.
Marine Corps Operations in World War II,
Marine Corps historian from 1951-1990. He at-
Pearl Harbor to Guadalcanal, written by
tended The Citadel, 1943-1944, and was gradu-
LtCol Frank O. Hough, Maj Verle E. Ludwig,
ated with a bachelor of arts cum laude in history
and Henry I. Shaw, Jr. (Washington: Histor-
from Hope College, Holland, Michigan. He
ical Branch, G3 Division, Headquarters, U.S.
received a master of arts degree in history from
Marine Corps, 1958). Other books used in
Columbia University. Mr. Shaw served as a Ma-
writing this narrative were: BGen Samuel B.
rine in both World War II and the Korean War.
Griffith II, The Battle for Guadalcanal
He is the co-author of four of the five volumes
(Philadelphia: J. B. Lippincott, 1963); Gen
of the official history of Marine Corps operations
Alexander A. Vandegrift as told to Robert B.
in World War II and was the senior editor of most
Asprey, Once a Marine: The Memoirs of
of the official histories of Marines in Vietnam.
General A. A. Vandegrift, USMC (New York:
W. W. Norton, 1964); Col Mitchell Paige, A
In addition, he has written a number of brief Marine Corps histories. He has writ-
Marine Named Mitch (New York: Vantage
ten many articles on military history and has had more than 50 signed book reviews.
Press, 1975); Burke Davis, Marine: The Life
of Chesty Puller (Boston: Little, Brown,
The author gratefully acknowledges the permission granted by the Nautical and
1962); George McMillan, The Old Breed: A
Aviation Publishing Company of America to use the maps from BGen Samuel B.
History of the 1st Marine Division in World
Griffith II's The Battle for Guadalcanal and by Doubleday Books and Jack Cog-
War II (Washington: Infantry Journal Press,
gins for use of the sketches from his The Campaign for Guadalcanal. The author
1949); and Richard W. Johnston, Follow Me!:
also wishes to thank Richard J. Frank and Herbert C. Merillat for permission to
The Story of the Second Marine Division in
reproduce their photographs.
World War II (New York: Random House,
1948).
The correspondence of General Vandegrift
with General Holcomb and other senior Ma-
DEPARTMENT
OF
DEFENSE
rines, held at the Marine Corps Historical
50
ANNIVERSARY
1995
Center, was helpful. Equally of value were
OF
WORLD WAR II
conversations that the author had had with
1991-
General Vandegrift after his retirement. In the
COMMEMORATION
course of his career as a Marine historian, the
1041 WWIII 1945
author has talked with other Guadalcanal
veterans of all ranks; hopefully, this has
THIS PAMPHLET HISTORY, one in a series devoted to U.S. Marines in the
resulted in a "feel" for the campaign, essen-
World War II era, is published for the education and training of Marines by
tial in writing such an overview.
the History and Museums Division, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps,
The literature on the Guadalcanal opera-
Washington, D.C., as a part of the U.S. Department of Defense observance
tion is extensive. In addition to the books cit-
of the 50th anniversary of victory in that war.
ed above, there are several which are
Editorial costs of preparing this pamphlet have been defrayed in part by
personally recommended to the interested
a bequest from the estate of Emilie H. Watts, in memory of her late husband,
reader: Robert Leckie, Helmet for My Pillow
Thomas M. Watts, who served as a Marine and was the recipient of a Purple
(New York: Random House, 1957); Herbert
Heart.
Merillat, Guadalcanal Remembered (New
WORLD WAR II COMMEMORATIVE SERIES
York: Dodd, Mead, 1982); John Miller, Jr.,
The United States Army in World War II: The
DIRECTOR OF MARINE CORPS HISTORY AND MUSEUMS
War in the Pacific; Guadalcanal, The First
Brigadier General Edwin H. Simmons, USMC (Ret)
Offensive (Washington: Historical Division,
GENERAL EDITOR,
Department of the Army, 1949); T. Grady
WORLD WAR II COMMEMORATIVE SERIES
Gallant, On Valor's Side (New York: Double-
Benis M. Frank
day, 1963); Robert Sherrod, History of Ma-
CARTOGRAPHIC CONSULTANT
rine Corps Aviation in World War II
George C. MacGillivray
(Washington: Combat Forces Press, 1952);
EDITING AND DESIGN SECTION, HISTORY AND MUSEUMS DIVISION
Maj John L. Zimmerman, The Guadalcanal
Robert E. Struder, Senior Editor; W. Stephen Hill, Visual Information
Campaign (Washington: Historical Division,
Specialist; Catherine A. Kerns, Composition Services Technician
Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, 1949);
Marine Corps Historical Center
RAdm Samuel E. Morrison, The Struggle for
Building 58, Washington Navy Yard
Guadalcanal: History of United States Naval
Washington, D.C. 20374-0580
Operations in World War II, Vol V (Boston:
Little, Brown, 1950); and a recent, compre-
1992
hensive account, Richard B. Frank, Guadal-
PCN 190 003117 00
canal (New York: Random House, 1990).
50th
1941 WWII 1945