Best Friends
See Ships- U.S.S. Warren U.S.S. Callaway U.S.S. DuPage U.S.S Ormsby U.S. ATS Pennat U.S.S. McIntyre LST 1110 U.S.S Grimes
Best Moment
Best moment in Regimental Weapons was getting off of the front line. Riding to front line instead of walking.
Worst Moment
Pulling the 37MM under water on the invasion of Guam. Digging a foxhole for the gun.
Chain of Command
Major General A.A. Vandegrift Major General Lemuel Shepherd Col. Alan Shapley Commanding Officer Gildo Codispoti April 1944 1st Raider Battalion redesignated as 4th Marines (Battalions 1, 2, 3); 2nd Raider Battaion redesignated Regtl Weapons Co and augmented Battalions 1, 2 and 3.
Unit location - Emira Island, Papau New Guiena; Guadalcanal; Okinawa; Tokyo Bay and Hijms Nagato, Japan
Other Memories
After the Raiders disbanded in Feb. 1944 I transferred into Regimental Weapons Company of the 4th Marines and was assigned to a 37MM Gun. I was then an anti-tank man on a 37MM as assistant gunner. March 8th and 10th we were on maneuvers on the U.S.S. Warren.We were training for the invasion of wherever they were going to send us. It was Emirau. After Emirau we went back to Guadalcanal and began training for the attack on Guam. After Guam we went back to Guadalcanal and began training to go to Okinawa. The invasion of Okinawa was April 1,1945, Easter Sunday. After Okinawa I was sure wishing to go home but we were then training and making preparation for the invasion of Japan.
Best Friends
Joe Molnar Bart Taylor Henry Rawlings Gus Motz Miles DeRussy
Best Moment
Stopping in Hawaii 4PM until midnight. Going ashore with Joe Molnar, eating a steak and drinking a chocolate milk shake, getting back aboard ship on time and starting home. Arriving in San Francisco November 22, 1945 Thanksgiving Day and a good Thanksgiving meal. Best meal I had for 33 months.
Worst Moment
Paying a taxi in Hawaii to go to Waikiki Beach, he charged us TOO MUCH and there was nothing there. We turned around and came back to the ship.
Chain of Command
Commanding Officer: Gildo Codispoti
Other Memories
Cooking with the Navy cooks aboard ship, cold storage eggs about two months old, making salad dressing from scratch with eggs and salad oil. Frying Lamb Chops while the ship rocked side to side and up and down, with metal trays sliding off the shelves. Pots and pans sliding one side of the Galley to the other side.
Criteria The Combat Action Ribbon is a personal decoration awarded to members of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard (when operating under the control of the Navy) in the grade of captain (or colonel in th... The Combat Action Ribbon is a personal decoration awarded to members of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard (when operating under the control of the Navy) in the grade of captain (or colonel in the Marine Corps) and below who have actively participated in ground or surface combat. (World War II and Korea War service rate one ribbon for each period only) MoreHide
Description
Invasions of Bougainville, Emirau, Guam, Okinawa.
Criteria The Presidential Unit Citation may be awarded to units of the Armed Forces of the United States and cobelligerent nations for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy occurring on or aft... The Presidential Unit Citation may be awarded to units of the Armed Forces of the United States and cobelligerent nations for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy occurring on or after December 7, 1941. MoreHide
Description
Okinawa:
"For extraordinary heroism in action against enemy Japanese forces during the assault and capture of Okinawa, April 1 to June 21, 1945. Seizing Yontan Airfield in its initial operation, the S...
Okinawa:
"For extraordinary heroism in action against enemy Japanese forces during the assault and capture of Okinawa, April 1 to June 21, 1945. Seizing Yontan Airfield in its initial operation, the SIXTH Marine Division, Reinforced, smashed through organized resistance to capture Ishikawa Isthmus, the town of Nago and heavily fortified Motobu Peninsula in 13 days. Later committed to the southern front, units of the Division withstood overwhelming artillery and mortar barrages, repulsed furious counterattacks and staunchly pushed over the rocky terrain to reduce almost impregnabale defenses and capture Sugar Loaf Hill. Turning southeast, they took the capital city of Naha and executed surprise shore-to-shore landings on Oruku Peninsula, securing the area with its prized Naha Airfield and Harbor after nine days of fierce fighting. Reeentering the lines in the south, SIXTH Division Marines sought out enemy forces entrenched in a series of rocky ridges extending to the southern tip of the island, advancing relentlessly and rendering decisive support until the last remnants of enemy opposition were exterminated and the island secured. By their valor and tenacity, the officers and men of the SIXTH Marine Division, Reinforced contributed materially to the conquest of Okinawa, and their gallantry in overcoming a fanatic enemy in the face of extraordinary danger and difficulty adds new luster to Marine Corps history, and to the traditions of the United States Naval Service."
For the President,
James Forrestal, Secretary of the Navy
Criteria The Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members in the Regular Marine Corps or Marine Corps Reserve to recognize good behavior and faithful service in the U.S. ... The Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members in the Regular Marine Corps or Marine Corps Reserve to recognize good behavior and faithful service in the U.S. Marine Corps while on active duty for a specified period of time. MoreHide
Criteria The American Campaign Medal was awarded for For thirty days service outside the Continental United States but within the American Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946; or,... The American Campaign Medal was awarded for For thirty days service outside the Continental United States but within the American Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946; or, an aggregate service of one year within the Continental United States during the same period under the following circumstances: On permanent assignment outside the continental limits of the United States; or, On permanent assignment as a member of a crew of a vessel sailing ocean waters for a period of 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service outside the continental limits of the United States in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non consecutive days; or, For service in active combat against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat; or, For service within the continental limits of the United States for an aggregate period of one year. MoreHide
Description American Campaign Medal was a military award of the U. S. Armed Forces issued as the "American Theater Ribbon" to recognize those service members who had performed duty in the American Theater of Ope... American Campaign Medal was a military award of the U. S. Armed Forces issued as the "American Theater Ribbon" to recognize those service members who had performed duty in the American Theater of Operation during WWII MoreHide
Criteria The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following condi... The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat. MoreHide
Criteria
The World War II Victory Medal commemorates military service during the Second World War.
Description Under the provisions of ALNAV #353-45, dated 22 October 1945, you are eligible for the World War II Victory Medal and are authorized to wear the World War II Victory Ribbon, by reason of having served... Under the provisions of ALNAV #353-45, dated 22 October 1945, you are eligible for the World War II Victory Medal and are authorized to wear the World War II Victory Ribbon, by reason of having served honorably in the U.S. Marine Corps, Navy or Coast Guard, at any time during the period beginning 7 December 1941 and ending with a future date. MoreHide
Criteria Occupation duty in the European-African-Middle Eastern area may be credited to organizations for duty performed on and subsequent to May 8, 1945. Terminal dates for eligibility periods and occupation ... Occupation duty in the European-African-Middle Eastern area may be credited to organizations for duty performed on and subsequent to May 8, 1945. Terminal dates for eligibility periods and occupation territories in this area are as follows: Italy: November 8, 1945 to December 15, 1947, Trieste: May 9, 1945 to October 25, 1954, Germany (exclusive of Berlin): May 9, 1945 to May 5, 1955, Berlin: May 9, 1945 to October 2, 1990, Austria: May 9, 1945 to October 25, 1955, Asiatic-Pacific Area: September 2, 1945 to April 27, 1952. Units performing service in the Korean area during the period of June 27, 1950 to April 27, 1952, inclusive, and which are eligible for the Korean Service Medal, will not be credited with eligibility for the Navy Occupation Service Medal for the same period. MoreHide
Description The Battle of Okinawa, codenamed Operation Iceberg. was fought on the Ryukyu Islands of Okinawa and was the largest amphibious assault in the Pacific War of World War II. The 82-day-long battle lastedThe Battle of Okinawa, codenamed Operation Iceberg. was fought on the Ryukyu Islands of Okinawa and was the largest amphibious assault in the Pacific War of World War II. The 82-day-long battle lasted from early April until mid-June 1945. After a long campaign of island hopping, the Allies were approaching Japan, and planned to use Okinawa, a large island only 340 mi (550 km) away from mainland Japan, as a base for air operations on the planned invasion of Japanese mainland (coded Operation Downfall). Four divisions of the U.S. 10th Army (the 7th, 27th, 77th, and 96th) and two Marine Divisions (the 1st and 6th) fought on the island. Their invasion was supported by naval, amphibious, and tactical air forces.
The battle has been referred to as the "typhoon of steel" in English, and tetsu no ame ("rain of steel") or ("violent wind of steel") in Japanese. The nicknames refer to the ferocity of the fighting, the intensity of kamikaze attacks from the Japanese defenders, and to the sheer numbers of Allied ships and armored vehicles that assaulted the island. The battle resulted in the highest number of casualties in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Based on Okinawan government sources, mainland Japan lost 77,166 soldiers, who were either killed or committed suicide, and the Allies suffered 14,009 deaths (with an estimated total of more than 65,000 casualties of all kinds). Simultaneously, 42,000–150,000 local civilians were killed or committed suicide, a significant proportion of the local population. The atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki together with the Soviet invasion of Manchuria caused Japan to surrender less than two months after the end of the fighting on Okinawa.... More
People You Remember
Ray Strohmeyer, Bill Carroll, James Singley, Robert Linday
Memories We hit Okinawa on Easter Sunday at Yontan Airfield. We lived on rations for three months. My best We hit Okinawa on Easter Sunday at Yontan Airfield. We lived on rations for three months. My best friend Robert Lindsay was shot in the leg and arm and a toe was shot off in the battle for Mount Yaetake.
My brothers ship docked close to the Naha airport, he got permission to come ashore at his own risk to find me. He did find me and slept in my foxhole with me - he wanted to know why I didn't dig it deeper.... More
Description The Allied occupation of Japan at the end of World War II was led by General Douglas MacArthur, the Supreme Commander of the Allied Powers, with support from the British Commonwealth. Unlike in the ocThe Allied occupation of Japan at the end of World War II was led by General Douglas MacArthur, the Supreme Commander of the Allied Powers, with support from the British Commonwealth. Unlike in the occupation of Germany, the Soviet Union was allowed little to no influence over Japan. This foreign presence marked the only time in Japan's history that it had been occupied by a foreign power. It transformed the country into a parliamentary democracy that recalled "New Deal" priorities of the 1930s politics by Roosevelt. The occupation, codenamed Operation Blacklist, was ended by the San Francisco Peace Treaty, signed on September 8, 1951, and effective from April 28, 1952, after which Japan's sovereignty – with the exception, until 1972, of the Ryukyu Islands – was fully restored.... More
People You Remember Captain Codispoti Lt. J. W. Hubbard Oley Giles Ted Cheski Robert Goebel James Singley Raymond (Tex) StroymCaptain Codispoti Lt. J. W. Hubbard Oley Giles Ted Cheski Robert Goebel James Singley Raymond (Tex) Stroymeyer
... More
Memories
Mt. Fuji - Yokosuka Naval Base - Y. Masuda - Tokyo Bay - U.S.S Calvert Japan to San Francisco.
Best Friends
My 37MM Gun Crew (Picture is on the front of my book) Robert Flager Joe Harrison Bart Taylor James Garvey Oley Giles (gun Captain) Robert (Red) Lindsay - friend George Goebel - friend
Best Moment
Standing in line to get ice cream.
Worst Moment
Being on the ship 47 days, deciding to land on Saipan or Guam. Landing and getting in Higgins Boat for the invasion of Guam. Hiting coral rock and pulling 37MM under water to the beach.
Chain of Command
First Provisional Marine Brigade Commander - Brigadier General Lemuel. C. Shepherd Unit location - Eniwetok, Marianas Islands to Guam, Marianas Islands
MOSs are 504 Anti-Tank Gunner and 060 Field Cook
Other Memories
We were dumped off on a small atoll to air the ship and to get our land legs. We got to dive off the ship to swim, it was very HOT. We were in the Marshall Islands.
Best Friends
DISREGARD MOS 0602 ABOVE My 37MM Gun Crew Robert Flager Joe Harrison Bart Taylor James Garvey Oley Giles (Gun Captain)
Best Moment
Getting back to Guadalcanal
Worst Moment
Setting up tents in the rain the first night back, and a Coconut tree falling on a buddy and killing him.
Chain of Command
Col. Alan Shapley Lt. J.W. Hubbard Unit location - at sea enroute from Emira Island, Papau New Guinea to Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands.
Other Memories
Emirau To Gudalcanal - Sleeping top side and playing cards.
Best Friends
Robert Lindsay James Singley Norm Korsmeyer Bill Carroll Joe Bibby Rusty Tratebus Thor Thostenson Ray Strohmeyer Stuart Campbell Kenneth Frantz Richie Spath
Best Moment
Mail Call.
Worst Moment
When Stuart Campbell was killed on Bougainville November 8th, 1943. Battle of the Piva Trail on the 8th and 9th of November, 1943.
Chain of Command
Col. Alan Shapley Capt. Burnett Lt. Skip Daly Squad Leader - Thor Thostenson Fire Team Leader - Norm Korsmeyer Actual unit assigned to is Co H, 1st Raider Battalion.
April 1944 1st Raider Battalion redesignated as 4th Marines (Battalions 1, 2, 3); 2nd Raider Battaion redesignated as Regtl Weapons Co and augmented Battalions 1, 2 and 3.
MOSs are 504 Anti-Tank Gunner and 060 Field Cook.
Other Memories
Invasion of Bougainville as a Raider Raiders were disbanded in Jan. l944. Then I went into Weapons Company of The Fourth Marines.
Criteria The Navy Unit Commendation may be awarded by the Secretary of the Navy to any unit of the Navy or Marine Corps that distinguishes itself by outstanding heroism in action against an enemy (but not suff... The Navy Unit Commendation may be awarded by the Secretary of the Navy to any unit of the Navy or Marine Corps that distinguishes itself by outstanding heroism in action against an enemy (but not sufficiently to justify the award of the Presidential Unit Citation). It may also be awarded to a unit that distinguishes itself by extremely meritorious service not involving combat (but in support of military operations), which renders that unit outstanding when compared to other units performing similar service. MoreHide
Description THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY
Washington
The Secretary of the Nvy takes leasure in commending the
FIRST PROVISIONAL MARINE BRIGADE
for servie as follows:
"For oustanding heroism in action against enemy Japane... THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY
Washington
The Secretary of the Nvy takes leasure in commending the
FIRST PROVISIONAL MARINE BRIGADE
for servie as follows:
"For oustanding heroism in action against enemy Japanese forces during the invasion of Guam, Marianas Islands, from July 21 to August 10, 1944. Functioning as a combat unit for the first time, the First Provisional Brigade forced a landing against strong hostile defenses and well camouflaged positions, steadily advancing inland under the relentless fury of the enemy's heavy artillery, mortar and small arms fire to secure a firm beachhead by nightfall. Executing a difficult turning movement to the north, this daring and courageous unit fought its way ahead yard by yard through mangrove swamps, dense jungles and over cliffs and,although terrifically reduced in strength under the enemy's fanatical counterattacks, hunted the Japanese in caves, pillboxes and foxholes and exterminated them. By their individual acts of gallantry and their indomitable fighting teamwork throughout this bitter and costly struggle, the men of the First Provisional Marine Brigade aided imeasurably in the restoration of Guam to our sovereignty."
James Forrestal
Secretary of the Navy MoreHide
Criteria The Navy Unit Commendation may be awarded by the Secretary of the Navy to any unit of the Navy or Marine Corps that distinguishes itself by outstanding heroism in action against an enemy (but not suff... The Navy Unit Commendation may be awarded by the Secretary of the Navy to any unit of the Navy or Marine Corps that distinguishes itself by outstanding heroism in action against an enemy (but not sufficiently to justify the award of the Presidential Unit Citation). It may also be awarded to a unit that distinguishes itself by extremely meritorious service not involving combat (but in support of military operations), which renders that unit outstanding when compared to other units performing similar service. MoreHide
Criteria The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following condi... The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat. MoreHide
Description The Landing on Emirau (20-27 March 1944) was the last of the series of operations that made up Operation Cartwheel, General Douglas MacArthur's strategy for the encirclement of the major Japanese bas The Landing on Emirau (20-27 March 1944) was the last of the series of operations that made up Operation Cartwheel, General Douglas MacArthur's strategy for the encirclement of the major Japanese base at Rabaul. A force of nearly 4,000 United States Marines landed on the island of Emirau on 20 March 1944. The island was not occupied by the Japanese and there was no fighting. It was developed into an airbase which formed the final link in the chain of bases surrounding Rabaul. The isolation of Rabaul permitted MacArthur to turn his attention westward and commence his drive along the north coast of New Guinea toward the Philippines.... More
People You Remember We were sitting on coconut logs watching a movie one night when it was announced on the loudseaker tWe were sitting on coconut logs watching a movie one night when it was announced on the loudseaker to report back to camp and pack our sea bags. The next morning, March 17th, we boarded the USS Callaway. We didn't know where we were going! We thought we might be going back to Bougainville as the Japs had pulled some counter attacks and the army was having problems.It took three days to go to Emirau. We landed and there were no Japs. They had left a few days before. We set up guns on the beach, as we had to stand watch for a counter attack. We were bombed at night by a stray Jap plane. It was a pretty and nice sandy beach. Our guns were under big trees-camouflaged. Emirau was a small island where the US wanted to build an airstrip, so the Seabees built one. March 25th I wrote a V-Mail letter telling Helen it was the first day I could write, and told her in code that I was on Emirau. I practically lived in the ocean; it was the only way to keep cool, and the sand felt good to my feet.
April 4th, the moon was shining bright, and it was misting rain, so there ws a pretty rainbow at night.
We would swim out to the end of the coral reef, take a hand grenade, pull the pin and drop the hand grenade to the bottom of the ocean. It would stun the fish, and they would come to the top. Then we would have fish to eat. We now call the Emirau operation "Bloody Emirau".
We left Emirau on the USS DuPage April 12th and were back on Guadalcanal on the 15th.
Description Guam, ringed by reefs, cliffs, and heavy surf, presents a formidable challenge for an attacker. But despite the obstacles, on 21 July, the Americans landed on both sides of the Orote peninsula on the Guam, ringed by reefs, cliffs, and heavy surf, presents a formidable challenge for an attacker. But despite the obstacles, on 21 July, the Americans landed on both sides of the Orote peninsula on the western side of Guam, planning to cut off the airfield. The 3rd Marine Division landed near Agana to the north of Orote at 08:28, and the 1st Provisional Marine Brigade landed near Agat to the south. Japanese artillery sank 20 LVTs, and inflicted heavy casualties on the Americans, especially on the 1st Provisional Marine Brigade, but by 09:00 men and tanks were ashore at both beaches. The 77th Infantry Division had a more difficult landing. Lacking amphibious vehicles, they had to wade ashore from the edge of the reef where they were dropped by their landing craft. The men stationed in the two beachheads were pinned down by heavy Japanese fire, making initial progress inland quite slow.
US Marines move inland.
By nightfall, the Americans had established beachheads about 6,600 feet (2,000 m) deep.[1] Japanese counterattacks were made throughout the first few days of the battle, mostly at night, using infiltration tactics. Several times, they penetrated the American defenses and were driven back with heavy loss of men and equipment. Lieutenant General Takeshi Takashina was killed on 28 July, and Lieutenant General Hideyoshi Obata took over the command of the defenders.
Supply was very difficult[2] for the Americans in the first days of the battle. Landing ships could not come closer than the reef, several hundred yards from the beach, and amphibious vehicles were scarce. However, the two beachheads were joined up on 25 July, and the Orote airfield and Apra harbor were captured by 30 July.
The counterattacks against the American beachheads, as well as the fierce fighting, had exhausted the Japanese. At the start of August, they were running out of food and ammunition and had only a handful of tanks left. Obata withdrew his troops from the south of Guam, planning to make a stand in the mountainous central and northern part of the island. But with resupply and reinforcement impossible because of American control of the sea and air around Guam, he could hope to do no more than delay the inevitable defeat for a few days.
Rain and thick jungle made conditions difficult for the Americans, but after an engagement at Mount Barrigada from 2-4 August, the Japanese line collapsed; the rest of the battle was a pursuit to the north. As in other battles of the Pacific War, the Japanese refused to surrender, and almost all were killed. On 10 August, after three weeks of combat, organized Japanese resistance ended, and Guam was declared secure. The next day, Obata committed ritual suicide.... More
People You Remember Brigadier General Lemuel C. Sepherd Lt. J. W. Hubbard Oley Giles Robert Flagor Bart Taylor Joe Harrison JaBrigadier General Lemuel C. Sepherd Lt. J. W. Hubbard Oley Giles Robert Flagor Bart Taylor Joe Harrison James Garvey ... More
Memories Pulling 37 MM guns through waist high water to the beach, being shelled and shot at, sand fleas,beinPulling 37 MM guns through waist high water to the beach, being shelled and shot at, sand fleas,being sick and the hospital flooding. Wearing clothing a month without washing.
Description After New Georgia, the next major operation was an invasion of the island of Bougainville, which was approached by landings at Mono and Stirling in the Treasury Islands on October 25-27, 1943. A MarinAfter New Georgia, the next major operation was an invasion of the island of Bougainville, which was approached by landings at Mono and Stirling in the Treasury Islands on October 25-27, 1943. A Marine division landed on the west coast of Bougainville at Empress Augusta Bay on November 1, 1943. The Marines were followed within the month by an Army division and replaced in the next month by another Army division.
It was late November before the beachhead at Empress Augusta Bay was secure. This beachhead was all that was needed, and no attempt was made to capture the entire island. Allied planes neutralized enemy airfields in the northern part of the island, and the Allied command made use of its naval and air superiority to contain the Japanese garrison on Bougainville and cut its supply line to Rabaul by occupying the Green Islands (February 14, 1944).
Despite these measures, the Japanese maintained pressure against the beachhead, mounting an especially heavy but unsuccessful counterattack as late as March 1944. Success at Bougainville isolated all Japanese forces left in the Solomons. The Japanese sustained comparatively heavy air and naval losses during the campaign, which further crippled the Japanese Combined Fleet and had a vital effect on the balance of naval power in the Central Pacific.... More
People You Remember Rusty Tratebas, Thor Thostenson, Norm Korsmeyer, R.D. McDowell, Ray Strohmeyer, Bill Carroll, StuartRusty Tratebas, Thor Thostenson, Norm Korsmeyer, R.D. McDowell, Ray Strohmeyer, Bill Carroll, Stuart Campbell, Kenneth Frantz, Richie Spath. Our ten man squad, four of us still living and we get together two or three times a year. Capt. Burnett, Lt. Daly... More
Memories November 1st, 1943 we made the beachhead at Empress Augusta Bay Bougainville. We hit the beach at 7 November 1st, 1943 we made the beachhead at Empress Augusta Bay Bougainville. We hit the beach at 7 a.m. Col. Joe McCaffery and several others were killed on the beach. We pulled in 300 yards. Rev. William McCorkle was hit on the helmet, but wasn't injured. The bullet went through the helmet and lining and grazed his head just a little. He wanted to keep the helmet, so the Seabees welded the holes shut. The next day we pushed in 500 more yards. November 4th a friend (Work) was shot in the leg. It was a worrisome night . We held the beachhead the next four days, then went to the Piva Trail road block. We went up the trail early in the day. About 3p.m. The corporals and lieutenants wanted us to dig new foxholes, but some of the old Raiders said "We better get our ass in gear before the Japs hit" The Japs hit us about 4:p.m. We had a hot fire fight. I was carrying a BAR. It started to rain and rained all night. It filled our foxholes. We were in the water filled foxholes 16 hours. When the Japs fired their knee mortars, we would duck under the water.
"LCol Joseph P. McCaffery, Commanding Officer of the 2nd Raider Bn. moved under fire from mortars and automatic weapons, from unit to unit in order to dispose them for maximum effectiveness. McCaffery was felled by enemy fire and died aboard USS Clymer as a result of his wounds. His valiant and inspiring leadership was an inspiration given to his men. Over 200 enemy troops were destroyed".
Best Friends
My Ten Man Rifle Squad (the other nine) Stuart Campbell Kenneth Frantz Richie Spath Rusty Tratebas Thor Thostenson Norm Korsmeyer Bill Carroll R.D. McDowell Raymond (Tex) Strohmeyer Robert Lindsay James Singley
Best Moment
Standing in line for ice cream and coke and getting to the head of the line before they sell out, and chow time.
Worst Moment
The Navy Crew spraying the deck down with salt water. Trying to take a shower in salt water, and washing clothes in salt water.
Chain of Command
Col. Alan Shapley Capt. Robert Burnett Lt. Skip Daly
Unit location - at sea enroute from New Caledonia to Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands
Other Memories
Standing Guard Duty aboard ship, 11PM to 12PM and getting a little sea sick, after having Hot Dogs to eat in the evening.
Best Friends
My Ten Man Rifle Squad (the other nine)
Stuart Campbell Kenneth Frantz Rusty Tratebas Thor Thostenson Norm Korsmeyer Bill Carroll R.D. McDowell Tex Strohmeyer Richie Spath
Best Moment
Getting ice cream and a coke on the George Clymer before they ran out.
Worst Moment
When the Navy guys came around to wash down the deck with salt water before we could get our bed roll rolled up. Always started a fight with the navy crew. The Marines won but the Navy still had their salt water hose.
Chain of Command
Col. Alan Shapley Lt. Skip Daly
Other Memories
Going down the rope ladder into the Higgins landing craft.
Guadalcanal to Efate - Oct. 13-15, 1943 Efate to Espirtu Santo - Oct.15-23, 1943 Espiritu Santo to Guadalcanal - Oct. 25-27, 1943
Criteria The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following condi... The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat. MoreHide
Description
Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal is a military award of the 2nd World War. It was awarded to any member of the military who served in the South Pacific Theater 1941-1945
Criteria The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following condi... The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat. MoreHide
Worst Moment
On one rifle inspection, the strap on my rifle wasn't tight enough (couldn't play a tune on it), so I had to do 100 push-ups with my rifle, lifting it over my head. The rifle got so heavy it brought me on my toes.I thought my punishment would never end!
Other Memories
Being selected for Honor Dance. Green's Farm Rifle Range at Camp Matthews Camp Elliot U.S.S. Mount Vernon, California to New Caledonia 3-11-43 to 3-25-43
See Ships- U.S.S. Warren U.S.S. Callaway U.S.S. DuPage U.S.S Ormsby U.S. ATS Pennat U.S.S. McIntyre LST 1110 U.S.S Grimes
Best moment in Regimental Weapons was getting off of the front line. Riding to front line instead of walking.
Pulling the 37MM under water on the invasion of Guam. Digging a foxhole for the gun.
Major General A.A. Vandegrift Major General Lemuel Shepherd Col. Alan Shapley Commanding Officer Gildo Codispoti
April 1944 1st Raider Battalion redesignated as 4th Marines (Battalions 1, 2, 3); 2nd Raider Battaion redesignated Regtl Weapons Co and augmented Battalions 1, 2 and 3.
Unit location - Emira Island, Papau New Guiena; Guadalcanal; Okinawa; Tokyo Bay and Hijms Nagato, Japan
After the Raiders disbanded in Feb. 1944 I transferred into Regimental Weapons Company of the 4th Marines and was assigned to a 37MM Gun. I was then an anti-tank man on a 37MM as assistant gunner. March 8th and 10th we were on maneuvers on the U.S.S. Warren.We were training for the invasion of wherever they were going to send us. It was Emirau. After Emirau we went back to Guadalcanal and began training for the attack on Guam. After Guam we went back to Guadalcanal and began training to go to Okinawa. The invasion of Okinawa was April 1,1945, Easter Sunday. After Okinawa I was sure wishing to go home but we were then training and making preparation for the invasion of Japan.