Oft-forgotten battle at Guadalcanal was turning point in WWII

GUADALCANAL JOURNAL

GUADALCANAL ISLAND

BRITISH SOLOMONS

Captured August 7, 1942

by

United States Marines

Journal Entries by Pfc. James A. Donahue (1921-1998)

The jungle is thick as hell. The Fifth regiment landed first and marched to the airport. We went straight through and then cut over to block the escape of the Japs. It took 3 days to go 6 miles. Japs took off, left surplus first day which was done away with.

The second day was murder. All along the way were discarded packs, rifles, mess gear and everything imaginable. The second night it rained like hell and the bugs were terrible. The Second Battalion had reached the Lunga River. We had to cross four streams.

The third day we came back. The Japs had beat us in their retreat. We took up beach defense positions. We have been bombed every day by airplanes and a submarine shells us every now and then.

Our fox holes are 4ft. deep. We go out on night patrols and it is plenty rugged. We lay in the foxholes for 13 to 14 hrs. at a clip and keep firing at the Japs in the jungle. As yet there is no air support. The mosquitoes are very bad at night. The ants & fleas bother us continually. The planes strafed the beach today. A big naval battle ensued the second day we were here, which resulted in our ship, the Elliot, being sunk. All of our belongings were lost.

We raided the Jap village and now we are wearing Jap clothes. It is extremely hot. U.S.S. North Carolina sunk two cruisers and destroyers. Japs are still in the hills. We have no A.A. but use the half tracks against the Jap airplanes. Japs landed food and ammunition by parachute.

(TOP)

Our Lt. Colonel ambushed & bayoneted. We cleared brush from river for an expected Jap landing. The patrols are going deeper into the jungle each night. They tried to ambush us last night. We are not allowed to fire. I dreamt that C. had deserted me.

Tonight two Jap cruisers shelled us. Boy, what a noise they make! The next day three Flying Fortresses badly damaged them. The airplane scored a direct hit out of two bombs on one ship. An expected invasion kept us scurrying late last night; we got up at 4A.M. to meet the attack. But during the night the Jap convoy was blasted out of the sea. Another cruiser entered the harbor today but the bombers got it. Our beach positions have orders not to retreat.

While we were giving the one cruiser hell, the Japs landed a battalion of men on Red Beach, but we did not know about it. The next night 12 of us went on patrol & took up positions on our side of the Lunga River. About 3A.M. hell broke loose and the Japs started to cross the stream. I want to forget all about it. My buddies being shot and blown apart. I can thank God for getting out safe.

(TOP)

A convoy of Jap ships was sighted and tonight we prepared for a landing of 10,000. Just before dusk we got 35 more planes in and the word was passed that half our fleet was waiting for the convoy. Marine flyers knocked down 19 Japs to three losses.

Last night we were shelled with naval gunfire. The air bombings are continuing despite the fact we have planes. Guam and Wake gunners now with three defense say this is the hottest spot of the war. The final total on the Jap landing is 1,300 Japs killed to 38 Marines.

We have had no mail as yet. When it rains here, the mud is up to our ankles. Twenty-one Jap planes came over today. They are coming over regularly. I wonder where their base is. We loose three Marines a day when not fighting. The First Battalion Fifth had the Japs in the hills at his mercy and they wound up ambushing us. Eighteen Marines killed. One supply ship came plus two destroyers and while we were unloading the supply ship, the Jap bombers sunk the destroyer.

Dysentery has swept the battalion. It started right after the battle. The score on the dead Japs is now 1,500. I am very hard hit with dysentery having had it now for 15 days. My rectum is the most painful thing on me. I can't get to sleep to the wee hours of the morning. By the time I get to sleep I am a nervous wreck. The Islands abound with rats, lizards and at night they run all around you. At night the sound is multiplied hundreds of times so you don't know whether a Jap is around or not.

Our battalion is up for some kind of cross for our action in the annihilation of the Jap Landing Party. Johnny Rivers no doubt will receive Congressional Medal of Honor. I need not fear of forgetting him for he will live in my memories.

There is some talk of us being home for Christmas. I'll trust in God. Dogfights ensue in the air each day. What a thrill to see a Jap shot out of the air! Jap airplanes raided us and hit a destroyer. It took about four minutes for it to go down. Some say it was torpedoed at the same time.

We were bombed by air last night. I don't know how they get over us without the word getting passed. One Marine got his head blown off while messing with a Jap souvenir. In their desperation to remedy dysentery , they are giving opium. They say the Japs are all hopped up when they attack.

I saw a cat right in back of our camp. I wonder where in the hell he came from.

They bomb every day. Our fellows went out to the airport on working party. When air raid signal went, they went to a ravine. One of the personnel bombs landed and killed three, seriously wounded two. It was a horrible blow to us. Cameron was one of the best men in the Corps. I was going to visit him when we got home. The way men are getting killed I wonder if any of us will get back. B., one of the boys who went to hell and back with me, will be a cripple. If I get home you can be sure I will see those boys.

Bombs, bombs, one goes nuts here. I wonder when we are getting relieved. The same night we got word that the Japs were going to attack. We moved guns and ammunition to river and dug in. The burial party for our boys dug the holes. The men were lowered in wrapped in Jap blankets. Chaplain said a few words and they were gone. We are still waiting for the Japs to attack. Last night a plane flew over us and dropped flares on the airport. At first we thought it was gas. Fifteen minutes later we were shelled by two cruisers at Kuhum and Hell's Point.

Japs landed heavy artillery during the shelling and they opened fire. Mortars were pulled out because we did not have enough range. After guns came back we went up to the point to cart ammo back. Early dawn our planes took off. We had three air raids today so far. Japs are using a new system. They are sending in the zero and a little while later came the bombers. Japs are sure to attack tonight. We heard machine gun fire all today. They are probably moving into position.

Two Jap seaplanes off a cruiser came in very bold like and strafed the beach defenses. We had no planes up. The fireworks began about 10:30PM when 3 battalion mortars laid down a barrage. 75mm then took it up. We shelled the Jap village all night. Jap forces are probably up the river. We hope they try to pass Hells Point.

Those two seaplanes came back this morning and we were ready for. It took about two minutes to shoot them both down. We have aircraft carrier and three cans outside the harbor. I hope. (We don't lose many pilots but the planes.) About 1800, 10 seaplanes came in and bombed and strafed the airfield. Chuck opened up with BAR.

A map found on a dead Jap officer lead us to believe they were going to hit 3rd Battalion and then come behind us, the 2nd Battalion. We got this news a day late and if the 3rd had not held last night we would all be dead. If they hit the 3rd again tonight the 2nd will move from their beach defense into position for a flank movement on the Japs.

We have had three air raids a day for the last three days. Two days ago our fighters shot down 20 Japs and lost one. The Raiders had 50% casualties when they contacted the Japs. Paratroopers lost 200 out of 300.

We get 2 meals a day and coffee for dinner. I am always hungry. I don't care what and how Cassie will cook but it will be OK with me. We have been living on Jap rice and oats for a month and our only diversion is playing cards.

The fox holes are becoming like home to us. There is a rumor that the 7th is coming in today. We have no envelopes so we can't write letters.

The four cruisers which shelled us the other night were sunk. Today two waves of enemy bombers were intercepted by planes off Wasp and Enterprise. 28 planes in the first wave and 18 in the second.

I went down to the cemetery to see Bill's grave and saw MP's burying 48 marines from our latest battle. 2100 dead Japs in front of Division Headquarters. 1400 in front of 3rd Battalion. We have been fighting every day since we got here. The strain is great. There is so much arguing amongst us. The food is getting a little better.

We have equipped the natives and they are fighting the Japs. We lost three tanks in the last skirmish. Our squad stands two hour watches each night since three Jap officers got into Division HQ and stabbed a (TOP) Sergeant before they were killed. Our 75's fired over 4000 shells in the last big encounter. A huge naval battle ensued when our convoy carrying 7th Marines and part of the Army met a Jap convoy. We sank 20 out of 28 of their ships. We lost the Wasp. 7th Marines went back to New( Hebrides). Wish they would come.

(TOP)

We have mounted 11 search lights near Kuhum and have added 5" guns on the beach. Jap village was set on fire by our artillery. We made a plaque for Bill's grave today. Today the 7th pulled in to bolster defenses. USS MacCauly AA guns shot down Buck Atwood, our own pilot. Raiders and paratroopers boarded ships for the states. They had about 85% casualties. They sure rate it.

We were shelled last night as a Jap planes dropped flares. The dysentery epidemic has cooled down somewhat. Our shore batteries gave the cruiser hell which shelled us. Well, today we got the word that our battalion is going to leave the beach and protect the airport from the rear.

When I say jungle, I mean jungle. One thing though we don't have rats here. However, we can hear the alligators in the morning and night.

Harry M. was shot last..... by Jap snipers. We kill the women snipers as quick as the men. We are cutting trails through the jungle in order to widen the circle around the airport. This island was pounded for 43 days by land, sea and air. Now we hope the Japs have conceded this. Every night though you hear the bullets flying. The officers can't control the men when we are on patrol. Its everyman for himself. When a Japanese patrol signals surrender, the order "cease fire" is given. We hold our fire 'till they are plainly visible in our sights and then we open up. Few are the times that a Jap will surrender.

Second Battalion 7th Marines just pushed on in front of us. These 90mm AA guns of ours are really a beautiful gun. The best Marine gunners man them. The 3rd Defense, some of which have not seen the states for 30 months. Since we have been on the island we have lived on half rations. After 8 days of peace from the air, 11 Japs came over and bombed us. The Fifth bore the brunt of the attack.

I am suffering from infected eye. Still standing 2two hour watches. The Jap planes came down again today, but we shot down 12 bombers. The Japs try every trick in the bag. Trip machine gun fire, hiding grenades in rocks. I remember one calling "cease fire marines." It's no wonder to me the 3rd Battalion cracked up in this position. I think I will eventually.

I dreamed about C. last night. We were kissing a lot. Then she told me that a fellow was taking her out. His name was Bill. Well, if he is anything like the Bill I know she would be foolish to have me. Bill Cameron was the fairest, cleanest man I ever hope to know. He was willing to give his life for America. He told me this while under bombardment and we lay in the foxhole.

R. died yesterday in a US Army Hospital. Next time no one is going to talk me out of seeing my buddies who are injured. The patrol found three dead Japs, but no live ones. It's a funny thing, we will be talking at night as if it wasn't a war. Then suddenly some one hollers "Air Raid" and we dive for our holes. Once again we are in war. It happened last night three times.

We hear that the Army in the States is on a six-day maneuver without any luxuries or amusements. How perfectly horrible. We are afraid the boys might get lonesome during these long days. We Marines call MacArthur "Dug-Out Doug." He is laughed at by the Marines. Admiral Nimitz came around today. He awarded the Navy Cross to a few of the boys. I lost my chewing gum that I had for three days.

We all have the jitters in this position. I can understand why the 3rd Battalion needed relief. We will need it before long. We still hear we will be home for Christmas. I try not to think about it. The mail boat did not come in as expected. It just prolonged the agony. If the people back home could only realize what mail means to us. Things are getting better here. We were issued some clothing which we needed very, very much.

A few more days have gone by now as I enter a few more facts. We have not been getting bombed in the daytime. However, the Japs come at night. Three and four times we are out of our sacks and in the shelters. We are bleary eyed. Three Jap Zero's strafed our position and all were brought down. The pilots were heavily bandaged; therefore, they were probably suicide missions. One Fortress last night crashed due to a wounded Zero going headlong. Navy construction workers are doing a bang up job building runways and bridges and roads. Now they are building a pier which will hasten the unloading of ships. Everyone is a nice guy. We expect the Army in soon. That is if they can get them out of the USO. Our patrol captured four Jap 75's and also destroyed 2000 round of ammunition. In the larger shell was some sort of acid.

Another patrol captured two 75's approximately 2000 yds from our position. Up to this time their artillery has not worried us much. But now the situation has taken a change for the worse. There have been no Jap bombings for two days. We are supposed to have a huge Army convoy at Pago Pago in the American Samoas. This is probably rumors. Rumors are the only thing we talk about. And it is mostly good news. It certainly keeps us thinking.

Bill Cameron's face keeps coming before me at night. He had everything in the world to go home to. Of all people. Death strikes oddly.

While I am writing this , parts of the 1st, 5th, 7th regiments are engaged in a major campaign. At 10 this morning we got the word to stand by to move out. Maybe the boys were having trouble. Anyway a few hours later we were secured. The artillery has been pounding night and day. The dive bombers and P-40 's are unleashing hell on the Japs. No mercy or quarter is given. If they are wounded a few rifle shots end it all.

A few days previous about 10 nuns were brought in. They had fled when Japan took over. Two were raped. The artillery fire continued through the night. 200 Jap prisoners so far. Well, we will need them to bury the dead Japs. Just like they did the last time.

It's noon now and we have just been given the word that an air raid is expected. Most of the boys are cleaning their rifles and bayonets for inspection. When I say hot I mean hot. We were bombed last night by a lone duck off a cruiser. This cruiser was sunk. the other three destroyers with it escaped.

The battle at Kuhum reached its climax late yesterday. The Japs were murdered by our artillery and strafe fire. There were a lot of Marine casualties but a few deaths. The General wants this island secured by the 12th of October. The First Battalion of the 7th came back to their old positions leaving only three to engage remainder of Japs. The 3rd Battalion 1st suffered severe losses. I wonder if Waterman's alright.

The food situation has changed considerably from the time our platoon had to butcher 2 cows. We get potatoes twice a day and desert each supper. Corned beef and tongue are the only things offered in the meat line. The subjects we talk on are varied from religion to banking. As soon as it's dark the discussions begin.

I am letting my hair grow thick on the top in order to keep the sun off it. We take 4 quinine tablets a week. It's a funny thing. When we go down Kuhum on a working party to unload ships we meet a lot of our old friends. When we do we steal a couple cans of peaches and go off to a spot to eat and talk over old times. It's not unlike meeting a friend in town and going to get a couple of beers and chew the rag.

We hear that Tokyo was bombed by 400 planes. That makes us feel wonderful. Now they are really getting a taste of their own medicine.

Our planes went up yesterday and they had a good time. They shot down nine Zeros and sank or left sinking four Jap cruisers. This squadron expects relief. They only have two of the original ships left. 224th (pursuit) has reinforced them recently.

The Jap bombers got over us today and dropped their eggs. No damage done. Rubal had 40,000 lbs. of bombs dropped on it. The Marines believe that the Army will be in by the end of the week.

Today is Sunday and I usually celebrate it by saying three rosaries. The three thieves, Mugno, Carr and Don went down to the Division Commissary and brought back plenty of food and envelopes. It has been raining a lot lately. I hope the rainy season has not set in. I laugh at the fellows trying to roll cigarettes.

The harbor is full of dead Japs from the recent naval battles. Our planes and surface craft did a good job. Three ships of ours damaged to eight of theirs. I hear we are moving to a new position tomorrow. The Army is still not coming in. We had a slight earthquake last night. It has been the fourth one we had.

My eye is bothering me again.

The Army came in today, 3000 of them. What a reception. Three air raids today. They killed one and wounded three. This was our 89th bombing raid. This doesn't count the times our planes intercepted theirs. They sure had their eye on the airport and boy did they hit it. Nine direct times on the steel runway. Toward dusk enemy artillery opened up on us. We retaliated. At 11:30, two cruisers and one battleship shelled us for two hours. So for today we were hit by land, sea and air. A Marine Sgt. asked an Army NCO for a working party. He replied indignantly that his men were combat men. The Marine ripped his shirt open to show him bayonet wounds and asked "What the hell do you think we are?"

The seaplanes off the cruisers bombed us four times and kept us awake till 5:30 this morning. This morning right after breakfast Condition Red was given. The Japs sure mean business.

(TOP)

This is the first chance I had to write. For three days and nights we have been bombarded by land, sea and air. 14 inch shells off a battleship kept punching our defenses. We have been hit by air three times in one hour. At night the Jap artillery gets started. Gas for the airplanes is very low. Situation is desperate. Our battalion pulled out of line to take up 5th's position. Army relieved us on other line.

Four transports of Jap troops unloaded. We sunk or damaged every one. We need reinforcements. The crisis is fast approaching.

All the men are in high spirits. The situation is still unchanged. We are being bombed and shelled. Our navy poured 2000 rounds into the Japs. Our planes have been dive-bombing and strafing them. We are living in the hills now. Reminds me of the cave dwellers for we live in caves that we have dug in the sides of the hills.

While 80 of our planes were landing 7seven Jap bombers and six Zeros blew up some gas drums on our beach. They were all knocked down. While test firing with our guns we spotted a Jap O.P. and we blew them to hell.

Colonel says we have a task force outside the harbor. We had an alert last night and were on the guns for two hours. We were finally secured.

My eye is clearing up.

The heat is worse in the hills than in the jungle. This position is our third and it envelopes the three types of fighting. Beach, Jungle and Hills. The fellows don't think of going home for Christmas anymore. There is no use writing letters as they can't be mailed.

We are expecting the attack any night. A few of us were down the river yesterday. First time I had a bath since three weeks ago. We have set up a Cossack Post for security of the guns. We are using three Lewis Guns. It burns me up to see the material we are using. And when America is the richest country in the world. We have the Lewis Guns but no mounts. We cut branches off trees and use them as bipods.

Three flights of Japs were intercepted today. Every man is brown as an Indian. There are still working parties. I think that even in battle we would have a working party.

Last night three Jap bombers played hell with our defenses. Dropped quite a few bombs. We had our search lights on him and had him in the light but the AA was way off. A Jap half-track was hit by mortar shells and demolished.

The Army played smart at Hell's Point and annihilated a 30 man Jap patrol. They are a National Guard outfit from South Dakota. Seven Jap planes bombed us today killing six and wounding 43. I was very very close. God was with me.

I finally got the story of how the Japs got through with a 10,000 man landing party. Ships carrying 250,000 Japs were heading this way. So the Navy had to let the point get through in order to get at the body.

I can't see how this division will be fit for another campaign. We certainly need to be reorganized. Every outfit has suffered heavy casualties. It is beginning to look like we will never get off this island.

One thing that can be said about this place. It is the most beautiful place that I have ever seen. I am glad to say that the rats do not run around you on this position as before. Albert and I were down to Regimental Commissary on a Working Party when it was bombed. We stole plenty of fruit. I would hate to be killed with all that sin on my soul.

The fever has touched me. I feel weak all over.

One might ask, "How does it feel to kill someone?" You don't stop to think. There is a man intent on killing you, so you kill or be killed. The Jap artillery has got our position and landed some close ones. We expect mail tomorrow.

We were bombed last night again. The bombers were repulsed today. Gunner Maples brought two Japs in. They were the most emaciated people I have ever seen. One kept his hands together and prayed for mercy. The other was an imbecile. The boys had a good time kidding him. Both prisoners were treated humanely.

(TOP)

Again we were bombed today. The artillery pounded us all day. Our guns replied. The purpose was seen later on when the Japs tried to crash through our lines at 5th, 2nd area. We demolished seven of their tanks. Our dive bombers raised hell with them. They hit an ammunition dump which burnt well into the night. Our torpedo boats now have torpedoes, so we do not expect any more shelling. Most of the men have cots now except those who are in the front lines, where it would be suicide to lay above the ground. Flying shrapnel would get you.

Jungle fever is predominant here. Again today the Jap artillery pounded our front lines. We believe them to be five inch guns which they salvaged off their sinking transports. The Japs are very good with artillery. They found our range and scored a direct hit on our 75mm. Our guns blazed their answer. In the last engagement 1,400 Japs dead, seven Marine casualties.

Tonight is Saturday night and our squad was on guard at the Cossack Post. It rained like hell and there was no protection from dusk till dawn in the pouring rain.

Always on the look-out for Jap infiltration. While on guard, 1st Battalion 7th shot up their respective area. I guess the Japs are feeling our line out.

I have finally procured a cot. We will probably take up a new area now. Before breakfast today Condition Red was given. Eleven Zeros and two bombers were overhead. The two bombers were shot down, one by the front lines who opened up with everything from a pistol to a 37. 20MM guns at the airport got the other one. For three hours the sky battle raged. the Zeroes came in strafing and the gunman on their tail. I saw one zero whose wing had been shot off. He bailed out and the parachute did not open. Quite a sight to see a Jap fall through space for 30,000 feet. I saw four Jap planes burst into flames and fall to the ground. We see much of this, and while this was going on, a naval battle ensued. I didn't get the news on that yet.

(TOP)

The jap bombers just came over but we had a ten plane patrol which gave them hell. They dropped their bombs. We saw two bombers go down in flames. If you want action join the Marine Corps. I didn't believe it 'till I hit this island.

I wish I could find some ripe papaya. Our food is getting terrible again. There is a terrible strain on our men. H., R., S. and B. should be under observation.

They just (Japs) got done dive bombing the airport. They were using Stupa dive bombers.

The story on the attack was Jap losses 20 zeros, five bombers, one cruiser, one destroyer, and a turned back task force. Japs are attacking every night. Our lines are bearing up good. This makes the 83-day mark we have been on the front lines. Guess what? We had no air raid today. However, at night two bombers came over and dropped their loads.

A squadron of Flying Fortresses from New Caldonia turned back a Jap invasion force with heavy casualties--Nine of our dive bombers went out and dropped their load on the Nipponese. They have five six-inch guns which they salvaged off sinking boats. We are knocking these guns off one by one. Airplanes are the only way to get them, because our guns can't reach them. The Japs on the island should be pretty well under control in another month--that is, if they don't land anymore troops.

A Jap is a vicious fighting machine. A Marine patrol the other day meet another patrol which ambushed them. They were Japs with Marine helmets and uniforms. Eight marines were killed, two Japs killed. They are sly. A friend of mine told me that I. was killed the first night ashore along with 18 others when they were ambushed. Japanese are experts on camouflage.

(Top)

A line of Marines withdrew off a hill they were defending. Shortly after, they were ordered to charge with fixed bayonets. They did and they recaptured the hill.

I gave a buddy a baldy. His head looked like a cue ball.

The Japs tried three bayonet charges against the Army who are in our old position. It is a very nice place for our lines. There is a huge field in front which is strung with three aprons of barbed wire. They were let come in each consecutive time and each was broken. Result: 600 dead Japs.

I am expecting a big air raid today because of not having one yesterday. Well, the Japs have not bombed us for two days. They have something up their sleeve. A bomber came over last night and dropped his load.

The Nips attacked again last night. Again they were repulsed. This continual fighting is driving a lot of men to a nervous breakdown. They don't attack 'till the moon goes down. Last night they threw smoke bombs and shouted "Gas Attack!" But it didn't work. More Japs speak American than American speak Jap. Regiment figures that there are 10,000 and 5,000 have been killed in this last landing of October 23, 1942. When they unloaded four transports, naval gunfire has silenced those big jap guns. However, Whistling Pete has fired a few rounds today.

(TOP)

I hear the 8th Marines are coming in. We sure hope so. Last night we expected three Jap destroyers and we would think that they tried to land supplies to the Japs. However we weren't shelled, so I am hoping they did not get in.

We feel safer now that the Torpedo Boats have torpedoes. Japanese are still attacking in small numbers and are being repulsed with heavy casualties. Japs have not bombed us for four days. Fellows are getting touchy. Continual arguments. Lieutenant has punched F. on two different occasions. M. and L. had a go. S vs. M. H vs. A. A. vs. A.

I have not entered anything for eight days. Last Sunday we received orders to take up the(2nd battalion 5th who had, along with six other battalions, to take the offensive against the Japs. We went to this position, which is infested with snipers. One doesn't know when one is going to get shot. However, we are thankful that we weren't chosen for the difficult task. During this time we were bombed twice. During the day 37 Jap planes came over and dropped their loads. But only two went back. Five destroyers landed 1,500 Japs. While landing the 7th Marines 1 Bu was watching all this but they couldn't fire because the destroyers would have shelled them.

The very next day two cruisers and two cons of ours shelled the honorable Nips. They fired quite a few off port side, swung around and shelled them off the starboard side. We were watching the whole procedure from the O.P. We lost one transport in the channel. Three cruisers and three cons shelled us last night 'till our torpedo boats got hot.

The rumors have it we will be home by December 20. I am getting tired hearing these rumors. Malaria is more prevalent than ever. Huck is in the hospital. We are issued four quinine pills a week. However, I maneuver another one. If four can't stop malaria, why don't they give us more? They fly the quinine in. we were given envelopes and told to write because the mail ship was leaving. I imagine we are going to get mail soon. Out of the eight days we were here, it has rained six.

I have found a stretcher here in this position and am using it for a bed. In case I am knifed in my sleep, the stretcher will come in handy. I got hold of a Reesing Gun and fired it for a test. It certainly is a swell gun. I would like to bring it home. But, who knows? Today is going to be a big day. The 105 Howitzers will fire 460 rounds followed by the 155's and the 75's will be firing constantly. The 155's hit a Jap cruiser establishing it as a most accurate artillery piece on the island. The reason we only have seven instead of eight is due to the fact that while loading at New Hebrides, one fell into the brink. New Zealand is giving the First Division a River Bird for right shoulder. And England is giving us the (Four de Gerse) for taking back British Solomon Island(s). These, paired with the fact that we will be issued new uniforms, gives us something to look for. Col. Pollack and Col. McKelvy, 2nd. and 3rd. Battalion Commanders respectively, received Congressional Medal of Honor. Reason being that their outfits have been the longest on the front line without being relieved. It has been hell, but now it makes me feel good that our commander has received recognition of the fact. We had an air raid today which failed to materialize. Probably our planes met them far out.

Again I can thank God for letting me live. We were digging three alternate gun positions in case the Japs break through. We were not given any condition. Suddenly, Fisher spotted 30 Jap bombers just about over us. We grabbed our helmets and ran like hell. Where we were running I do not know, just trying to get out of reach of the bombers. It can't be done because no one knows where they are going to bomb. Mugno and I finally spotted a small foxhole and we dove in. Just then we heard them dropping. All the time I was repeating "Hail, Mary."

(TOP)

Everytime a small convoy comes here, the Japs send a mob of planes over. We now have a two day alert. There is a 40-ship Jap convoy heading are way. This morning our ships shelled the Japs again.

It looks like we are really in for it now. We have been issued three days iron ration. Japs came over with two flights of Focke-Wielf's, 25 in each wave. Also, torpedo bombers attacked our beach. We expect heavy shelling tonight. Huge Jap convoy coming our way. We unloaded six transports this morning. The bombers did not hit anything. Our battalion received 200 replacements. They are four months out of Boot Camp - haven't seen action either.

Today we are happy. We received mail and plenty of packages. Fellows who got them shared with the unfortunates. Me. The men worked all day consolidating our positions. Tonight is probably the night. We received 30 new dive bombers today. They help a lot. It is raining now and will be for a few days. I received two letters and it was too dark to read them. I was afraid I would get knocked off before morning and then not read the letters. I saw it happen before. I got a lot more mail. Gee, Cassie is swell.

A big Jap convoy was 300 miles out. 100,000 Japs. Boy, could they cause a lot of trouble. Our planes spotted them and then our ships got hot. Boy, the roar of the guns was terrific! Flashes illuminated the ship. We sank 11 Jap warships and we lost two. We damaged a battleship last night. It was spotted by a gunman and they sent back for dive bombers. But the dive bombers couldn't go into action due to clouds. They sent back for torpedo planes and they sank it. Are we glad that convoy did not get in! We are having enough trouble here already. After last night's battle, I did not think we would be molested tonight. We sank four more Jap transports. However, a heavy Jap cruiser shelled the air field somethig terrific. A duck dropped flares on the field. Everytime we think the island is secure, something has happened.

It is November 14 and I have received letters dated October 7. That is real good service. A naval battle is still going on. Thirty-one Jap ships sunk and seven of ours lost. That is what Division sent to Washington. Our planes have been flying around all day. Something big is sure happening.

Another battle raged last night. Today makes 100th day we have been on the island. Four Jap transports got through our Navy and are landing at Cooley Point. All the ships have been hit. Their AA keeps firing all the while our ships are strafing. We have received 28 interceptors and nine B-26's. These will probably stop these bombings we have. According to Naval Intelligence, this war was their plan of attack. They started with a 40-ship convoy carrying approximately 100,000 troops. We were supposed to have been bombed and shelled for three days before the convoy arrived. Bombers got in one day and shelled us one night. Our task force met the convoy and 28 Jap ships had a watery grave. Out of the running, 12 were transports and the rest cruisers. Three battleships of theirs had been sunk. Then the Navy and our planes got to the remainder. They sank four transports; four had to be beached at Santa Isabel. The other four, which were beached, are landing their troops now. Our artillery is blasting them.

Jap artillery has been pounding us for two days. The situation has darkened.

Six days have gone by, and we proudly announce that the situation is well in hand, thanks to the gallant Navy. No one can appreciate it like us. We will forever show our gratitude. Had not they intercepted the Jap convoy containing 30,000 soldiers, plus the naval fire power, I daresay Guadalcanal would be another Wake Island.

We read with joy the newsclippings of the Solomon Action. it is sad that a lot of the boys cannot see it, those gallant fighting men, 67-man patrol which held off 1,500 of Jap shock troops, veterans of Wake, Guam, Batan, Java. I have a flag with each of these campaigns. Yes, 67 men held them; 28 were killed, 23 wounded. Eighteen men came out alive and unhurt. By the grace of God, I was one.

I was too sick before to write the story on Hell's Point or Green Hill, as some call it. It all started about 3 A.M. in the morning. However we were warned about 11 o'clock to "Stand by your guns." Each man passed on to the other all the way down the line. Was this going to be the real test? All of a sudden our listening posts reported troops moving toward us. But somehow the word of the enemies approach got fouled up somewhere. The Japs crossed the river using coconuts as decoys. They did not expect any Marines there and their point was to assume a flanking position on the point. The point was heavily fortified. I don't mean with big guns but we had a platoon of machine gunners there and 37mm gun crew. We didn't expect 1,500 men to rush us. But we underestimated the savage Jap. A lot of the men were sleeping in their foxholes as a result of working parties during the day and patrols at night. Some of these men were caught unaware by the Japs who crossed the Lunga River. Cpl. K. was stabbed by a Jap officer with his saber right thru his face. He then raised his sword and came down on the sleeping Cpl. The blow almost severed his leg. It hit him right on the knee bone. K. was very powerful and built like a barrel. By this time E.D.J., a frenchman, had awakened and attempted to shoot him, but his safety was on and all he could do was parlay the Jap's next blow at him. E.D.J's hand was cut badly. The Jap officer figured it was too hot for him and started to back away. C., who was about 20 feet away, shot him. the next day C. got his sword.

The Japs still came across and we kept knocking them off. Their machine guns would throw up a barrage for them but their field of fire was limited. They finally succeeded in getting a machine gun across, which was set up right below us. L.B. threw a hand grenade which silenced it. At the point the river was terrific. The Japs could not get through. They sent a bunch of men into the ocean on rubber mats which were to land on the left flank of the point. But the barbed wire caught them napping and they were mowed down like rats. The 37 MM gun did plenty of damage with it's canister shot. The Japs brought up their field pieces and started laying them into the line and point. Following soon our 105's silenced them. Japs were using rifle grenades and mortars. After about two hours reinforcements came up. They sent two light machine guns, which were mounted between B.'s and my position and R.'s and D.'s. Within ten minutes the whole two crews were shot up. This due to the fact that they were not below the deck. At this point Sgt. M. picked up the gun and started running down the line. He would stop, fire a few good bursts and then take off to a new position. J. moved up behind M., and I and he had a BAR. He shouted if there was room for him in the foxhole. There wasn't so we had to make room. He would be killed if he stayed on the deck. A machine gun had been mounted in an abandoned alligator and they were throwing plenty of lead our way. J. crept as close as possible and made a dive for our hole. He landed okay and M. and I continued our fire. About 5 minutes later I said to B. "Why in hell doesn't he fire?" M. said slowly, "He's dead." I said, "Are you sure?" and he said, "Here is his blood. Feel for his pulse." But we couldn't determine whether he was alive. We couldn't move an inch either, for the Japs were really spraying our lines. So I reached over and felt his pulse. His face was sunken and there was no pulse. Blood began to fill the hole. Later we fixed a poncho so that the blood would stay on the other side. The next morning I saw that he had been hit in the head and chest. While our artillery was finding the Japs range they landed three in our lines so close to us that we were covered with dirt. A. and B., who had positions between B. and us, were blown apart. We thought that the next one would land square on top of us. Another Jap machine gun was set up on our side of the river. B. said, "Let's go down and get them." I said he was crazy. It was suicide to go down that bank. We had no grenades, so we called to D. to heave a pineapple. He did and another crew was wiped out. Toward morning the First Battalion started pushing them out to sea. Our mortars started to go to town. I saw the results of mortor fire. Men blown right out of clothes and shoes. A patrol closed in behind the Japs and it was tough luck for the Japs. The result was complete annihilation of the 1,500, the whole landing party. Our light tanks finished the job. They tried to use their flame throwers on them, but machine gun fire from tanks stopped that. A few of the injured Japs took shots at our men and were they butchered! Six wounded Japs were taken prisoner and we got some information from them.

They had landed from destroyers and were crack troops. (Marines). I can tell you many tales of Jap cruelty. Sticking prisoners with bayonets. Cutting off ears. We found J.S. with his head bashed in and both ears severed. That is enough for the battle.

(TOP)

We haven't had an air raid for two days. We have got nine Liberators and nine B-26's. Another two days have passed. No air raids. Eight of our Fortresses bombed Rougainville. Hit all the ships in the harbor. They bombed at 12,000 which is very low in any man's language. For Thanksgiving Dinner we had four hamburgers apiece. While Major K. and I went for water in the jeep, Jap artillery let ten rounds go just as we were passing the airport. Their object was the airport. Lucky for us the shells were armor piercing as only two of the ten burst. We sure got out of there fast.

The Division had sent four Jap Officers, who have just got out of the hospital, back to the estimated 4,000 Japs. They must either surrender or die. One hundred twenty-five artillery pieces are lined up on this area and will blast them to hell if no word of surrender comes.

We finally were relieved at the advance position. We spent three weeks there. The 2nd Marines came up. We only had one section there. We were sent up because they expected trouble there. When we got back, you should have seen the tent they gave our squad. It was full of shrapnel holes.

We heard a radio report from Japan to the effect that the Marines were professional killers hired by the U.S. Government. They are merciless, cut throats. Can you imagine me a cut throat?

We have 14 new replacements, Navy Yard Marines. The Army had a lot of casualties. They pushed on past Point Cruz. They met the Japs. The 8th Marines were sent in to soften the Japs up. The Army said that the Marines did a good job. The Marines pulled out. And by the time the Army came through, Japanese had circled behind "O" Company 182nd Mass. National Guard, and shattered the outfit. They left their machine guns and all in order to get out of the onslaught. They got word back to the rest of the boys and they charged the Japs. Japs taken off guard by this reaction set up for the (Bu rush?) In the meantime "C" turned their machine guns on the Japs. They were surrounded on all but the left flank, which led into the hills. Boy, did they take off! Our casualties were high, but theirs were worse.

For a few days everything had been running smoothly--up until last night. We were sleeping soundly when we were awakened by "F" who was shouting "Jap bomber!" About the time we got up(nothing flat), we heard the whistling of the coming bombs. I hit the deck as nine personnel bombs exploded. Five minutes later, "Condition Red" was given. There were 25 casualties in G Battery. Had the condition been given when it should, these men would have been under cover. Somebody was responsible for this and we blame the men on the radar. We expected two Jap transports, two cruisers, three destroyers. So they should have been on the alert.

Japanese troops on the island who are harassing our lines are not many in number. However, they are using mortars against us which is the most deadly infantry weapon. We now have three English bombers with us. They came in after the Grumman Wildcat gained superiority in the air.

Today I received my warrant making me a First Class Pvt. It is now November 26, Thanksgiving. I thank the Lord for many things, especially my safety.

Last night we were bombed again, we received the Condition Red long before it happened, so we were ready. I don't think there were any casualties. The 8th Marines and 2nd Bu 182nd Army have pulled back to their old defense lines. The Fifth Regiment pulled out, the first echelon, no doubt It looks like they will send the amphibious tractors back to the Florida swamps. We have not heard "Whistling Willie" for awhile. We hope he is through. Gunner M. was drunk last night and he gave us the dope.

He had a 25-man combat patrol and Capt. H. had another one. The object was a Jap bivouac area. Half had Sub Tommies and half had BAR's. The ones who had BAR's carried automatic pistols. The patrols separated and were to met at 11 hour on the two sides of the Bivouac area. However Capt. H. was late, so M. looked over the situation. The Japs were in a chow line. Just at that time a Jap sentry gave the alarm. So M. gave the word to charge. Well, it was a bloody mess. M heard Jap officer getting communications with the main body, so they pulled out. At that time Capt. H. appeared on Grassy Knoule. M. signaled H. about the situation. H wanted to go in and mop up, but M. said no. His men were out of ammo. So they withdrew. Score: two Marines dead, about 75 Jap casualties.

Jap bombers kept hitting us all night. But not last night. The El Shebra cargo vessel was hit by torpedo from a two man Jap sub. We have lost quite a few ships out here. Lt. P. said that Gen. Marshall is on the island and he is getting the dope on bush warfare from the 5th Marines. They are standing by to board ship, talking about the battle, which is going on. They say it does not affect us. Our battalion is about four miles on the left flank...And it does not affect us! We are suffering heavy casualties. The casualties can't be brought in due to the fact that snipers are on the watch for this. I walked down to Division Army Field Hospital and I saw two big tents full of dead soldiers. They say there are plenty of dead Marines there, too. Also, Gen. Marshall said that he was trying to put a Division order refraining Marines from making slanderous remarks about MacArthur. It seems that these remarks have got to official channels.

We went on the hill with binoculars and looked at Sealark Channel. There were 15 ships, including warships. No bombing raid last night. Our planes were in the air all night.

Our three-day patrol met opposition directly in front of our lines. Nov. 30 is the date. I made a bet ($5) with C. that we wouldn't be out by Dec. 1. I will collect tonight.

C. has paid me. Lt. B. called us all together. We have tried four assaults on Japs at Kuhumbona and all have failed. They are dug in and planes have to get a direct hit to kill any. Artillery is the same way. The only way to get them is with mortars, so we are doubling up. We will take eight mortars. Everyman will have a hand grenade. 2nd Bu is the spearhead and it must push and drive. The Japs have to be killed and we gotta do it. It will be a tough job. The reason given for failure of the last attempts was due to men stopping to bring their wounded buddies in. God be with us.

Japs tried to bomb us today and last night to no avail. Jap convoy of eight transports, six destroyers, two cruisers were heading this way and our planes sunk all but four transports. God is with us. We have struck tents and are awaiting word to move out. A dive bomber crashed at 7:15 last night right near the Bu C.P.

Today I received a beautiful card from Cassie. It rained and rained like hell. Our shack collapsed. Rifles, packs and all were soaked. It poured for an hour. Our artillery opened up and we sent a destroyer down to shell them.

The orders have been changed and temporarily we are in a bivouac area. It is the first time we have been off the front line from Aug. 7 till Dec. 2. We have been working like hell digging bomb shelters.

We had a Condition Red last night, which failed to materialize. I was scared to death, because we had no holes to jump in. Right now no one knows what is going to happen. There is a rumor that Vandergrift said that the First Marine Division is through fighting in the Solomons. We will probably go back on the lines soon. Good scuttle butt never comes true, but the bad always comes true. I have never seen it fail.

The Chaplain has told us that L.B., who was wounded at the Tenaru Battle, died aboard a hospital ship and was buried at sea. A Jap bullet entered at the base of his spine and came out his neck. J.A. and I went down to the commissary to steal some food. The whole First Marine Regiment is now in bivouac. Report on a Jap warship was "Sighted nine enemy ships and sunk same."

We had a first lieutenant by the name of L., who made Captain. He was transferred to #rd Battalion 1st. Well, he is being sent back to the states and has been relieved of his command. He holds the record for leading men into ambush. He lost 18 men the first time. If you can't produce in this outfit, out you go. Major F. and Major C. both got the skids. Also Lt. W. The enlisted men who don't produce get put in galley and all other shit details.

Today is Dec. 6. We have dug our foxholes deeper in anticipation of Jap bombing raids today. All the men are hoping we bomb Japan. As we expected, we were subjected to Condition Red. Five enemy bombers came over but they were driven away. We haven't had a night raid for some time. our artillery fired 4,000 shells into the Japs yesterday. Guess what we had today? We had noon chow. Coffee and pie.

Ships have been coming in regularly and we have been working day and night unloading them. When we have a working party at Division Commissary, we have plenty to eat and we bring lots of fruit back to our area. A two-man Jap submarine fired six torpedoes at the El Shebra. Two hit. She still has not sunk. For the last four days we have been unloading ships. the sun was quite hot. yesterday the gallant 5th Marines left aboard three transports. It is a great outfit. Second Btu is probably the greatest fighters in the world. A Jap bomber came over last night but he left without dropping his bombs.

Flying Fortresses have been flying all around here today. The El Shebra has finally sunk. We are salvaging everything possible. I believe I got the story on the big push. It seems that Japs had dug in in slit trenches and that it was impossible to dislodge them except by repeated charges. So the Army General who took over the Island after Vandergrift got wind of it and he had it stopped. He said the "First Marine Division was through fighting in the Solomons. Stand by to move out." Let's hope so. I got a few letters from home today. Letters are good morale builders.

The Jap bombers are still trying to get over but our planes are doing a wonderful job. We pray for them. With badly out-moded planes, they are doing a bang-up job.

We are going to leave Guadalcanal with 100 rounds of ammo. We landed with 220 rounds. The natives get paid six dollars a month. Two goes to the Red Cross, Two to Britain, one to their chief and they keep one. Most of them are tattooed. I heard them humming the Star Spangled Banner while they worked.

Eleven Jap Destroyers with troops were heading for this island last night and our planes were flying all night. We had a Condition Red the other day. Nothing happened. All in all, I would say we have been bombed 120 time.

last night we were bombed again. L. and P. of our company were hurt from concussion. Three transports came in today. They unloaded 2nd Division Marines and 3rd Btu 182 Inf. Reg. The 3rd Btu. of our regiment, boarded these ships also all other Marines in the second echelon.

We arose at 3:45a.m. to unload the ships. We had chow at Div. Commissary. Bot, what chow! It is a shame the boys on the front lines don't eat this food. Fighting has halted momentarily. The artillery has not fired for several days.

We were talking to a few P-38 pilots and they said that the Jap Zero could run rings around the P-38. However, the P-38 is much faster. They have knocked down eight Zeros. Our planes have sunk all but four of those eleven destroyers. They also chased another task force away from Guadalcanal. Well, we leave for the beach tomorrow.

We are now set up on the beach and what a layout! We moved into a good tent. the cots were there for us. We found a lot of food and equipments. We also found two bottles of beer, which we drank on the spot. Boy, did they taste good. We are supposed to get an issue of two bottles per man. but as yet, it did not come.

Four Japs got through our front lines and reached the airport and blew up a P-38 and an oil truck. Two were caught. Well, we don't have to worry about them slipping through. Our worry is in a Jap landing party. The Japs are certainly sending the convoys against us. We are losing a bunch of ships, too. There is a nice place to bathe here. We are afraid to go in the ocean as we see many sharks. The boys steal alcohol from the hospital, then add it to pineapple juice and vanilla extract.

Today, S. was drinking Listerine. He is the same fellow who cried and carried on when told we are going into action. While unloading ships yesterday, a destroyer got a two-man sub. The El Shebra is being patched up. After the working party the boys ate supper late, and later on they all got ptomaine poisoning. It burns me up to see a 10-wheel Army truck carrying about six water cans, where as a Marine has to carry it. What is the reason for this? Well, everything the marine Corps brings ashore is combat gear. But the Army brings everything in. The Hollywood Marines, 8th Reg., are on the front lines. Japs are still trying to reinforce their garrison. But our planes are keeping them away. At Georgia Island the Japs have a small airfield which harasses our planes. They shot down a Fortress the other day.

We are moving again today. We are scheduled to board ship in a few days. I hope we do before anything comes up.

Today is Dec. 18. We are bivouaced at the mouth of the Lunga River. For the first time since we hit the island, our machine gunners have not stood gun watch. We have found that the ship we are to board will not come closer than two miles to the shore. The captain claims there are too many subs around. As is, it will take five days to unload ship. There are a bunch of Merchant Marines aboard and they do not work fast enough for us. So the First Battalion was ordered to board ship in order to unload faster. We are still standing by.

We are near the commissary and we are raiding it. The anti-tank went aboard ship, so it won't be long.

There are a few things I would like to put down. Solomon Islands are the worst place in the world for malaria. TB and Elephantitus flourish here. When it rains, the mud is up to your ankles. After it stops, a plague of flying ants eat you. Rats and lizards.

What do you think happened last night? We saw a movie, and not six miles away men were fighting for their lives. This war is pretty messed up. The 3rd Battalion 132 Inf. is really having a hot time. Three officers are dead already. Last night the Army and the Seventh captured Grassy Knowle. He who controls Grassy Knowle controls Guadalcanal. It took them 12 minutes to get to the top.

We boarded ship today--Norham and then we changed to Pres. Johnson. I now write finis to Guadalcanal.

Christmas found us at New Hebrides. We ate Christmas dinner aboard ship and we did not have any turkey. A big portion of the fleet was here. About 25 destroyers, 18 cruisers, one aircraft carrier, two tankers, 40 cargo ships, 12 tankers. Reminded me of Frisco. We are now bivouaced on Hebrides(San Esperito). It is beautiful. Colorful as hell.

THE END.

Copyright (C) 1999 Catherine T. Donahue. All Rights Reserved.

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