APPENDICES

APPENDIX “A”

CopyUNITED STATES MARINE CORPSOffice of the Commanding GeneralSecond Marine Division, Fleet Marine Forcec/o Fleet Post OfficeSan Francisco, California26 September 1944From: The Commanding General.To: The Commanding General, 6th Marine Division.Subject: Services rendered by personnel of1stBattalion,29thMarines.

Copy

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPSOffice of the Commanding GeneralSecond Marine Division, Fleet Marine Forcec/o Fleet Post OfficeSan Francisco, California

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

Office of the Commanding General

Second Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force

c/o Fleet Post Office

San Francisco, California

26 September 1944

From: The Commanding General.To: The Commanding General, 6th Marine Division.Subject: Services rendered by personnel of1stBattalion,29thMarines.

From: The Commanding General.

To: The Commanding General, 6th Marine Division.

Subject: Services rendered by personnel of1stBattalion,29thMarines.

1. I wish to express my appreciation of the heroic part played by the officers and men of the1stBattalion,29thMarines (Reinf), while attached to the2dMarine Division, in the defeat of the Japanese forces on Saipan.

2. This battalion landed on the Japanese base of Saipan, Marianas Islands, onD-day, 15 June 1944, and immediately upon landing was attached toCT-8 and subsequently committed to front-line action on the original beachhead. For a period of twenty days until the zone of action of this division was completely secured, it occupied front-line positions, participating in attacks against most determined resistance over the most difficult terrain the island offered. During this entire period, due to tactical considerations and the nature of enemy resistance, it was at no time relieved from its front-line positions. In its advance over very difficult terrain, including the main ridge of Mount Tapotchau, the commanding terrain feature of the island, it successfully repulsed numerous counter-attacks and overcame many pockets of inordinately tenacious enemy resistance, including heavy machine gun and mortar fire.

3. In its advance it suffered very heavy casualties. Despite these losses, this battalion continued its attacks and advances with unabating vigor and persistence.

4. It has been a pleasure to have under my command these officers and men who were of inestimable value to the success of the operation as a part of the2dMarine Division, Reinforced. The parent organization of the1stBattalion,29thMarines can well be proud of the accomplishments of this battalion during the Saipan operation.

/s/ T. E. WatsonT. E. WATSON

/s/ T. E. Watson

T. E. WATSON

First Endorsement 8 October 1944HEADQUARTERS, SIXTH MARINE DIVISION, IN THE FIELDFrom: The Commanding General.To: The Commanding Officer, Twenty-ninth Marines, Reinforced.

First Endorsement 8 October 1944

HEADQUARTERS, SIXTH MARINE DIVISION, IN THE FIELD

From: The Commanding General.

To: The Commanding Officer, Twenty-ninth Marines, Reinforced.

Copy

Subject: Services rendered by personnel of1stBattalion, Twenty-ninth Marines, Reinforced.

1. Forwarded.

2. This is a fine tribute to the1stBattalion, Twenty-ninth Marines, Reinforced, and will be an inspiration to the remainder of your excellent regiment.

LEMUELC.SHEPHERD, JR.

2dEndorsement 11 October 1944HEADQUARTERS,29thMARINES, REINF., SIXTH MARINE DIVISION,IN THE FIELDFrom: The Commanding Officer.To: The Commanding Officer, First Battalion,29thMarines, Reinf.Subject: Services rendered by personnel of the First Battalion,29thMarines, Reinf.

2dEndorsement 11 October 1944

HEADQUARTERS,29thMARINES, REINF., SIXTH MARINE DIVISION,IN THE FIELD

HEADQUARTERS,29thMARINES, REINF., SIXTH MARINE DIVISION,

IN THE FIELD

From: The Commanding Officer.

To: The Commanding Officer, First Battalion,29thMarines, Reinf.

To: The Commanding Officer, First Battalion,29th

Marines, Reinf.

Subject: Services rendered by personnel of the First Battalion,29thMarines, Reinf.

Subject: Services rendered by personnel of the First Battalion,

29thMarines, Reinf.

1. Forwarded with congratulations.

2. The Commanding Officer takes pleasure in forwarding this letter from the Commanding General, Second Marine Division, In the Field, commending you and your men for heroic and valiant services at Saipan.

3. It is a source of gratification for me to receive this report, and to welcome your splendid unit to this regiment.

VICTORF.BLEASDALE

CopyHEADQUARTERS, TWENTY-NINTH MARINES REINFORCED,SIXTH MARINE DIVISION, IN THE FIELD.16 November 1944REGIMENTAL MEMORANDUMCombat Record of the First Battalion,29thMarines.NUMBER 129 1944

Copy

HEADQUARTERS, TWENTY-NINTH MARINES REINFORCED,SIXTH MARINE DIVISION, IN THE FIELD.

HEADQUARTERS, TWENTY-NINTH MARINES REINFORCED,

SIXTH MARINE DIVISION, IN THE FIELD.

16 November 1944

REGIMENTAL MEMORANDUM

Combat Record of the First Battalion,29thMarines.

Combat Record of the First Battalion,

29thMarines.

NUMBER 129 1944

1. The article, “BATTALION ON SAIPAN” by War Correspondent Robert Sherrod, appearing in the October 1944 issue of the MARINE CORPS GAZETTE describes the splendid part played in the conquest of Saipan during June and July 1944, by the battalions of the Sixth Marine Regiment. However, in addition to his description of the fighting done by the battalions of the Sixth Marine Regiment, Mr. Sherrod includes the following reference to the magnificent achievements of the First Battalion, Twenty-ninth Marines:

“And none of them (battalions of the Sixth Marine Regiment) approached the rather appalling losses incurred by an extra battalion formed of detachments from each of the nine regular battalions of the Second Division. This heroic battalion, the First Battalion, Twenty-ninth Marine Regiment, commanded first by Lieutenant Colonel GuyE.Tannyhill and later by Lieutenant Colonel RathvonMcC.Tompkins (until he was also wounded near the end of the battle), faced the fearsome task of taking the 1,554-foot peak of Mount Tapotchau, the highest point on Saipan. Like good Marines, Colonel Tompkins’ men never faltered in their assignment, but there were only about 200 left in the battalion when the battle ended. The United States can thank its lucky stars for such picked men who are not afraid to die; without them it is difficult to see how the Pacific war would even now be advanced as far as Tarawa, which is 2,000 miles to the rear.”

2. The officers and men of the29thMarines are very proud of the splendid reputation already established by our First Battalion.

VICTORF.BLEASDALE,Colonel,U. S.Marine CorpsCommanding

VICTORF.BLEASDALE,

Colonel,U. S.Marine Corps

Commanding

THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY

WASHINGTON

The Secretary of the Navy takes pleasure in commending the

FIRST PROVISIONAL MARINE BRIGADE

for service as follows:

“For outstanding 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 Marine 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 immeasurably in the restoration of Guam to our sovereignty.”

/S/ JAMES FORRESTALSecretary of the Navy.

/S/ JAMES FORRESTAL

Secretary of the Navy.

All personnel serving in the First Provisional Marine Brigade, comprised of: Headquarters Company; Brigade Signal Company; Brigade Military Police Company;4thMarines, Reinforced;22ndMarines, Reinforced; Naval Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit 515, and4thPlatoon,2ndMarine Ammunition Company, during the above mentioned period are hereby authorized to wear the NAVY UNIT COMMENDATION Ribbon.

COPY1990-10-10018/159HEADQUARTERSSIXTH MARINE DIVISIONIN THE FIELD22 April 1945.S.O.—78-45:

COPY

1990-10-10018/159

1990-10-10

018/159

HEADQUARTERSSIXTH MARINE DIVISIONIN THE FIELD

HEADQUARTERS

SIXTH MARINE DIVISION

IN THE FIELD

22 April 1945.

S.O.—78-45:

1. The Commanding General takes pleasure in announcing that all organized enemy resistance in the central and northern part of OKINAWA was overcome on April 20, 1945.

2. Within a period of twenty days, the Sixth Marine Division effected a landing on a hostile shore, captured an important airdrome, and fought its way over rugged terrain against enemy resistance a distance of 84 miles securing an area of 436 square miles of Japanese territory. Over 2200 enemy dead have been counted in addition to the capture of large numbers of assorted weapons and quantities of military stores.

3. The Sixth Marine Division may well be proud of its achievements. Its units have operated in combat with distinction. The attack and seizure of precipitousMt.YAETAKE on MOTOBU Peninsula will stand out in our history as an example of courage and determination of the individual Marine to surmount impassable terrain defended by a well organized and fanatical foe. Your accomplishments have demonstrated a standard of proficiency in battle equal to any unit in the Fleet Marine Force.

4. In addition to the fighting ability of the assault troops, the Commanding General commends the supporting units for their untiring and efficient operation which enabled the attack to maintain its momentum throughout the operation. Artillery, Tanks, Engineers, Shore Party, Medical and Service elements of the division all contributed their share to bring the campaign to a successful and rapid conclusion.

5. The Sixth Marine Division has lived up to the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and can proudly take its place among the other famous Marine organizations which have brought glory and honor to our illustrious Corps.

6. In rejoicing over our recently achieved victory, we should not forget to honor our fallen comrades and those who have suffered wounds in battle. The loss of those who made the supreme sacrifice is deeply mourned by all who survived. The memory of their sacrifice will remain with us always.

/S/ LEMUEL C. SHEPHERD, JR.Major General,U. S.Marine Corps,Commanding, Sixth Marine Division.COPY

/S/ LEMUEL C. SHEPHERD, JR.Major General,U. S.Marine Corps,Commanding, Sixth Marine Division.

/S/ LEMUEL C. SHEPHERD, JR.

Major General,U. S.Marine Corps,

Commanding, Sixth Marine Division.

COPY

COPY1990-10-10018/125 17 May 1945.HEADQUARTERSSIXTH MARINE DIVISIONIN THE FIELDSO: 120-45

COPY

1990-10-10018/125 17 May 1945.

1990-10-10

018/125 17 May 1945.

HEADQUARTERSSIXTH MARINE DIVISIONIN THE FIELD

HEADQUARTERS

SIXTH MARINE DIVISION

IN THE FIELD

SO: 120-45

1. The Commanding General wishes to commend the Twenty-second Marines for their outstanding performance of duty during the period from 8 May 1945 to the present date.

2. On 8 May 1945, the Twenty-second Marines was assigned the extreme right flank of the Third Amphibious Corps zone of action. At that time the forward line in this sector ran from the west coast inland just south of Machinato airfield. The enemy positions facing them were recognized to be of an extremely formidable nature and had withstood attack for many days.

Undeterred by the grim prospects confronting them the Twenty-second Marines upon receiving the order to attack, immediately began a determined skillful advance to the south.

The regiment rapidly forced its way to the Asa-Kwan estuary and upon reaching that formidable natural barrier, unhesitatingly forded the fire swept water course and established a firm bridgehead on the southern side.

The following day, the attack was resumed, this time against the enemy main line of resistance lodged on commanding ground honeycombed with tunnels, caves, and pillboxes. In the face of devastating artillery, mortar and machine gun fire, the regiment unhesitatingly hammered its way up the fanatically defended slopes and by its persistent, dogged determination breached the enemy defenses and seized the tactically important high ground overlooking Naha.

Since the seizure of this important area, the regiment has demonstrated its tenacity in holding ground gained against repeated enemy counter-attacks and counter-landings.

3. The Sixth Marine Division looks with pride on the accomplishments of the Twenty-second Marines. The esprit de corps, courageous determination, and outstanding fighting ability of this regiment is worthy of the greatest praise.

4. Let us not forget that these achievements have not been without cost. The glory gained belongs equally to those who so unsparingly gave their lives in the performance of their duty. The battle is not yet won, and hard fighting lies ahead, but it behooves those who remain to resolve to maintain the inspired standards established by the recent accomplishments of this regiment.

/S/ LEMUEL C. SHEPHERD, JR.Major General, U. S. Marine Corps,Commanding, Sixth Marine Division.COPY

/S/ LEMUEL C. SHEPHERD, JR.Major General, U. S. Marine Corps,Commanding, Sixth Marine Division.

/S/ LEMUEL C. SHEPHERD, JR.

Major General, U. S. Marine Corps,

Commanding, Sixth Marine Division.

COPY

COPY1990-10-10018/125HEADQUARTERSSIXTH MARINE DIVISIONIN THE FIELD19 May 1945SO: 125-45Reference: (a) ComTransronTwelve ltr to CG, 6th Mar Div.serial #318, dated 15 April 1945.

COPY

1990-10-10018/125

1990-10-10

018/125

HEADQUARTERSSIXTH MARINE DIVISIONIN THE FIELD

HEADQUARTERS

SIXTH MARINE DIVISION

IN THE FIELD

19 May 1945

SO: 125-45

Reference: (a) ComTransronTwelve ltr to CG, 6th Mar Div.serial #318, dated 15 April 1945.

Reference: (a) ComTransronTwelve ltr to CG, 6th Mar Div.

serial #318, dated 15 April 1945.

1. Reference (a) is quoted below for the information of all members of this command:

“1. During the period from 1 to 10 April 1945 inclusive the Shore Party of the SIXTH Marine Division worked in closest cooperation and harmony with Transport Squadron TWELVE (Transport Group ABLE), ships under its operational control, and with all elements of the Navy beach and control parties of the squadron. During this period some 51,920 tons of cargo were landed on and handled over the reef and sent to dumps and dispersal areas in the rear. At no time were the beaches allowed to become congested with cargo to the detriment of progress in general cargo unloading. At the end of the unloading period all cargo was clear of the beach areas, beaches were clean and free of wreckage, cargo nets and life preservers had been salvaged and returned to ships, and Garrison Shore and Beach Parties were completely stationed, well instructed in their duties and fully functioning.

“2. At no time, night or day, did unloading operations completely cease on RED and GREEN Beaches. Upon ‘all clear’ after RED alert, work was resumed promptly. At all times men were made available over and beyond the normal demands whenever an emergency of one type or another arose. At no time was there any complaint that the men were too tired to work:—that they were tired goes without question, but that they carried on is a tribute to their physical stamina, the morale of the individual marine, and to the quality of their leadership.

“3. Commander Transport Squadron TWELVE (Commander Transport Group ABLE) strongly urges that the Commanding General, SIXTH Marine Division publish this appreciation of the superb work done by his Shore Party to all hands in his division so that all may know that their Shore Party contributed very materially to their recent success. It can be said in all truth that the SIXTH Marine Division Shore Party is the best in every respect so far seen in this war, and its organization, equipment and functioning deserve close study as a model for future operations.

“4. ——

“5. ——

“6. In conclusion may we in Transport Squadron TWELVE express the hope that at some future date we may be so fortunate as to serve with the SIXTH Marine Division again. Everywhere we found splendid cooperation, a thorough knowledge of what you wanted to do and a keen appreciation of our own problems which enabled us to solve often vexing details in a highly satisfactory manner. We know that we have seen the best examples of the ship-to-shore movement to date, and we leave you with highest regards and best wishes for your continued success.

H. B.KNOWLES”

COPY

OFFICERS AND MEN

OF THE SIXTH MARINE DIVISION

(Message read to all troops the day before landing on Okinawa)

“Within the next few hours our division will land on Japanese soil—the doorway to the enemy’s country. It is an honor to be among the first to bring the war to the Japanese homeland.

“The Sixth Marine Division is ready for the task to which it is assigned. During the past months of training, we have perfected our technique and forged our battle-seasoned regiments and battalions into a hard-hitting offensive team, inbued with the will to win.

“When the day of battle comes, I have every confidence that you will strike with the force of a crusader, symbolized by the sword emblazoned on our shield, and bring victory and glory to our Corps and Country.

“I extend to each of you my sincere good wishes. May God in His infinite mercy bless our cause and protect us all.”

(Signed) LEMUELC.SHEPHERD, JR.Major General,U. S.Marine CorpsCommanding Sixth Marine Division

(Signed) LEMUELC.SHEPHERD, JR.

Major General,U. S.Marine Corps

Commanding Sixth Marine Division

COPY1990-10-10015/210HEADQUARTERSSIXTH MARINE DIVISIONIN THE FIELD13 June 1945.SO: 146-45

COPY

1990-10-10015/210

1990-10-10

015/210

HEADQUARTERSSIXTH MARINE DIVISIONIN THE FIELD

HEADQUARTERS

SIXTH MARINE DIVISION

IN THE FIELD

13 June 1945.

SO: 146-45

1. The Commanding General takes pleasure in transmitting to all units of the Sixth Marine Division the following dispatch from the Commanding General,IIIAmphibious Corps:

“THE CORPS COMMANDER COMMENDS THE 6TH MARDIV ON THE CAPTURE OF OROKU PENINSULA X CONTINUING OPERATIONS AFTER THE HARD FOUGHT BATTLES IN WHICH THE DIVISION PENETRATED THE WESTERN DEFENSES OF SHURI AND CAPTURED THE CITY OF NAHA IT QUICKLY EXECUTED AN AMPHIBIOUS OPERATION ORGANIZED AND MOUNTED UNDER THE HANDICAP OF ADVERSE WEATHER AND DIFFICULT LOGISTIC CONDITIONS X FIGHTING ITS WAY INLAND OVER VERY UNFAVORABLE AND RUGGED TERRAIN IT WRESTED STRONGLY FORTIFIED HILL AND CAVE POSITIONS FROM AN ENEMY DETERMINED TO FIGHT TO THE BITTER END AND WELL EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC AND SUPPORTING WEAPONS X THE INDOMITABLE SPIRIT AND PROFESSIONAL SKILL DISPLAYED BY THE 6TH MARDIV WILL BE A SOURCE OF PRIDE AND GRATIFICATION TO ALL MARINES”

2. Every officer and man in the Sixth Marine Division may be justly proud of the accomplishments attained during the past ten days fighting on the OROKU PENINSULA. Through your indomitable courage and determination to overcome all obstacles, you have again demonstrated the superior fighting qualities for which this division has become famous.

/S/ LEMUELC.SHEPHERD, JR.Major General,U. S.Marine Corps,Commanding, Sixth Marine Division.

/S/ LEMUELC.SHEPHERD, JR.

Major General,U. S.Marine Corps,

Commanding, Sixth Marine Division.

COPY1990-10-15015/210HEADQUARTERSSIXTH MARINE DIVISIONIN THE FIELD14 June 1945.MEMO: 126-45

COPY

1990-10-15015/210

1990-10-15

015/210

HEADQUARTERSSIXTH MARINE DIVISIONIN THE FIELD

HEADQUARTERS

SIXTH MARINE DIVISION

IN THE FIELD

14 June 1945.

MEMO: 126-45

1. The Commanding General takes pleasure in transmitting to all units of the Sixth Marine Division the following dispatch from Lieutenant General Simon Bolivar Buckner, Jr.,U. S.Army, Commanding General,10thArmy:

“MY COMPLIMENTS TO YOU AND ALL MEMBERS OF YOUR COMMAND FOR A WELL CONDUCTED AND SUCCESSFUL OPERATION IN SECURING THE OROKU PENINSULA AND DESTROYING A LARGE ENEMY GARRISON THEN IN STRONG AND WELL FORTIFIED POSITIONS, THUS CONTRIBUTING MATERIALLY TO THE SUCCESS OF THE OKINAWA CAMPAIGN”

2. The above message is truly indicative of the wide recognition and admiration gained by every officer and man of the Sixth Marine Division. The esprit de corps, persistent, dogged determination, and outstanding fighting ability demonstrated during the seizure of Oroku Peninsula are worthy of the greatest praise. The Commanding General congratulates each individual for his accomplishments.

/S/ LEMUELC.SHEPHERD, JR.,Major General,U. S.Marine Corps,Commanding, Sixth Marine Division.

/S/ LEMUELC.SHEPHERD, JR.,

Major General,U. S.Marine Corps,

Commanding, Sixth Marine Division.

COPY

1990-10-10046/171HEADQUARTERSSIXTH MARINE DIVISIONIN THE FIELD21 June 1945.SO: 155-45

1990-10-10046/171

1990-10-10

046/171

HEADQUARTERSSIXTH MARINE DIVISIONIN THE FIELD

HEADQUARTERS

SIXTH MARINE DIVISION

IN THE FIELD

21 June 1945.

SO: 155-45

1. Organized resistance within the Sixth Marine Division zone of action ended today. In the 82 days which have passed since the division landed on the YONTAN beaches much ground has been gained, many Japs killed and numerous localities of great importance to our nation have been captured. These continuing successes have only been realized through the superb performance of duty on the part of every unit throughout the division. The aggressive conduct of units in contact with the enemy coupled with the tireless support rendered by units behind the lines, both tactical and logistical, are in keeping with the indomitable fighting spirit of which this division is so justly proud. Every officer and man may look upon the activities of the past three months as a hard job superbly accomplished.

/S/ LEMUELC.SHEPHERD, JR.,Major General,U. S.Marine Corps,Commanding, Sixth Marine Division.

/S/ LEMUELC.SHEPHERD, JR.,

Major General,U. S.Marine Corps,

Commanding, Sixth Marine Division.

COPY

1355015-214HEADQUARTERSSIXTH MARINE DIVISIONIN THE FIELD23 June 1945.SO: 158-45.

1355015-214

1355

015-214

HEADQUARTERSSIXTH MARINE DIVISIONIN THE FIELD

HEADQUARTERS

SIXTH MARINE DIVISION

IN THE FIELD

23 June 1945.

SO: 158-45.

1. The Commanding General takes pleasure in quoting to all officers and men of the Sixth Marine Division the following message from the Commanding General,IIIAmphibious Corps:

“UPON THE COMPLETION OF ORGANIZED RESISTANCE IN OKINAWA I COMMEND ALL UNITS OF THEIIIPHIB CORPS FOR THEIR INDOMITABLE SPIRIT IN OVERCOMING ENEMY RESISTANCE AND FURNISHING SERVICES AND SUPPORT TO THE FIGHTING MEN X AS A TEAM YOU ALL WERE SUPERB AND DISPLAYED THE SPIRIT AND PROFESSIONAL SKILL WHICH WILL CARRY US TO TOKYO X”

2. The outstanding fighting ability demonstrated by combat troops of this division, together with the excellent performance of duty by supporting units during the past three months, will stand out as an example of courage and determination of the individual Marine to surmount all obstacles and defeat a well-organized and fanatical foe. The Sixth Marine Division has lived up to the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and may well be proud of its outstanding achievements.

/S/ LEMUELC.SHEPHERD, JR.,Major General,U. S.Marine Corps,Commanding, Sixth Marine Division.

/S/ LEMUELC.SHEPHERD, JR.,

Major General,U. S.Marine Corps,

Commanding, Sixth Marine Division.

COPY

1990-10-50048-214HEADQUARTERSSIXTH MARINE DIVISIONIN THE FIELD27 June 1945.SO: 164-45.

1990-10-50048-214

1990-10-50

048-214

HEADQUARTERSSIXTH MARINE DIVISIONIN THE FIELD

HEADQUARTERS

SIXTH MARINE DIVISION

IN THE FIELD

27 June 1945.

SO: 164-45.

1. The Commanding General proudly quotes to all units of the Sixth Marine Division the following message from the Commanding General, Tenth Army:

“THE COMMANDING GENERAL,10THARMY, TAKES GREAT PLEASURE IN FORWARDING THE FOLLOWING DISPATCH DTG 221645 JUNE 45 QUOTE FROM: COMMANDANT MARINE CORPS TO: COMGENTEN X OFFICERS AND MEN OF THE MARINE CORPS PROUDLY SEND CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU AND THE FORCES UNDER YOUR COMMAND FOR YOUR SPLENDID VICTORY AT OKINAWA X THE10THARMY IN COMPLETING THE INITIAL CHAPTER OF ITS HISTORY CARRIED THE WAR TO THE THRESHOLD OF THE EMPIRE X WE EXTEND OUR BEST WISHES FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUCCESS AND THE GALLANT TROOPS AT OKINAWA WE SAY WELL DONE”

2. In addition to the above official dispatch, the Commanding General takes pleasure in quoting the following excerpt from a personal letter recently received from the Commandant of the Marine Corps:

“I wish to write you personally to say what marvelous work your division has done.——

“I want you, your officers and men, to know how deeply grateful we at home here are that we belong to the same outfit that has been doing the fighting out there.

A. A.VANDEGRIFT”

3. Every officer and man of the Sixth Marine Division may justly be proud of these words of praise from our Commandant. To have been a member of the Sixth Marine Division on Okinawa is an honor which cannot be excelled. You have all lived up to the highest traditions of the Marine Corps.

/S/ LEMUELC.SHEPHERD, JR.,Major General,U. S.Marine Corps,Commanding, Sixth Marine Division.

/S/ LEMUELC.SHEPHERD, JR.,

Major General,U. S.Marine Corps,

Commanding, Sixth Marine Division.

COPY

Back to Index Next