The War in the Solomons: A Wartime Report

Father Kelly, Chaplain of the 2nd Marines, gives aid to a wounded Marine on Guadalcanal.

by Lieutenant General Oscar W. Griswold, U.S. Army

On that Sunday the Japanese struck from the air at Pearl Harbor the average American had probably never even heard of such places as Guadalcanal, Lunga Point, Rabaul, Munda and Bougainville. But they were destined to learn about them—and many of our men were destined to die there—for they marked the first miles on that long, hard, and bloody road back to the Philippines.

Immediately after Pearl Harbor the indefatigable Japanese busied themselves with continuous aggression. They took Wake and Guam, captured Rabaul on New Britain, advanced in New Guinea and the Solomons, and fortified numerous other islands and areas.

At the same time, we too—as far as meager preparation would per-mit—rushed our forces overseas to reinforce such garrisons as we and our Allies still held. We sent troops to the Fiji Islands, to Australia, New Caledonia, Samoa, the Society Islands and other points. Bases were established on Efate and Espiritu Santo.

While this was going on an organization of Allied forces in the Pacific was developed. It was divided into three major independent area commands: the Pacific Ocean Area under Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, the Southwest Pacific Area under General Douglas MacArthur, and the South Pacific area under Admiral William F. Halsey, who reported directly to Admiral Nimitz. A new Army headquarters—U.S. Army Forces in the South Pacific Area—was established under Major General Millard F. Harmon.

After the Japanese suffered naval defeats in the Coral Sea and Midway, the change in the balance of sea power, together with the threat posed by the Japanese infiltration down the Solomon Islands, prompted our Joint Chiefs of Staff to speed plans for assuming the initiative. Accordingly, on 2 July 1942, they ordered the Southwest and South Pacific Areas to mount an offensive through the Solomons and New Guinea and recapture Rabaul. The opening phase of the campaign was to be the capture of the islands of Guadalcanal and Tulagi in the Solomons.

This invasion was launched by the 1st Marine Division on 7 August, and there ensued for several months some of the bitterest and bloodiest fighting of the war. American forces were not able to prevent the Japanese from pouring new troops onto the island, and our men were confined to a small perimeter around Henderson Field. By October, the situation had become increasingly critical, and the 164th Infantry Regiment of the Americal Division was dispatched to the area, and played a major role in repelling enemy assaults.

By December the 1st Marine Division was exhausted and evacuated from the island. Command then passed to Major General Alexander M. Patch, commander of the Americal Division and later of the XIV Corps. General Patch’s command contained the Americal Division, the 25th Division, the 147th Infantry Combat Team, the 2nd Marine Division and several artillery battalions. With this force, about twenty-five thousand troops of the Japanese 17th Army were routed by 9 February 1943 and Guadalcanal was completely in our hands.

Meanwhile, we were busy with plans to take the next step on the long road to the Philippines—the capture of Munda in the Solomons, as a preliminary to the assault of Bougainville and Rabaul. All these operations were under the overall command of Admiral William F. Halsey.

On 21 February elements of the 43rd Division seized the Russell Islands, where construction of airfields and a naval base was begun immediately. In June this same division, reinforced, under the tactical command of Admiral Turner, landed on Rendova Island, and at Wickam’s Anchorage, Segi, and Viru of the New Georgia group. Later the 43rd effected a shore-to-shore assault from Rendova against the coast of New Georgia just south of Munda airfield. Swinging north and west on the heavily jungled terrain, the division met fierce resistance, and it was necessary to commit major elements of the 25th and 37th Infantry Divisions to the battle. I had replaced General Patch as commander of the XIV Corps, and on orders from General Harmon I assumed command of the land operation on 15 July. Munda fell on 6 August, and the mopping up of New Georgia proper was completed by the 14th. A detached force consisting of a Marine Raider regiment—less one battalion—reinforced by a battalion from the 37th Division had been landed by Admiral Turner at Rice’s Anchorage on the north coast of New Georgia, across the island from Munda. This force fought magnificently, but was unable to defeat decisively the enemy in its front. They were relieved by elements of the 25th Division, which cut through difficult terrain in its mopping up.

Remaining islands in the New Georgia group were seized in the next six weeks, Baanga and Arundel were captured by the 43rd Division after savage and sustained fighting, Vella Lavella was taken by units of the 25th Division and the 3rd New Zealand Division. By-passed Kolombangara was evacuated by the Japanese and was occupied in early October by our troops without opposition.

Next step on the road that led to the Philippines and Nippon was reduction and seizure of the enemy bases on Bougainville and its outlying islands. These bases were strongly held, but we had to have them to put fighter planes in range of Rabaul, which the Joint Chiefs of Staff had decided to neutralize rather than capture.

With General MacArthur’s concurrence, Admiral Halsey decided to bypass heavily defended southern Bougainville and the Shortlands, in favor of a landing at Cape Torokina at Empress Augusta Bay on the west coast of Bougainville. All the Bougainville airfields lay within sixty-five miles of the cape and Rabaul was but 215 miles distant.

As a preliminary to the main effort, veteran New Zealand troops captured the Treasuries on 27 October, while a Marine parachute battalion staged a diversionary raid on Choiseul Island. Elements of the 93rd Infantry Division soon replaced the Marines on the Treasuries.

On 1 November the reinforced 3rd Marine Division of the I Marine Amphibious Corps landed at Cape Torokina, quickly established a beachhead, and seized its major objectives. Construction of bomber and fighter fields was begun at once. The 37th Infantry Division, in corps reserve, began moving ashore on 9 November. Strong defenses were set up. The 37th Division expanded and held the left side of the line, the 3rd Marine Division the right. On 15 December the XIV Corps, under my command, relieved the I Marine Amphibious Corps on Bougainville and in December and January the Americal Division replaced the 3rd Marine Division.

In order to secure a fighter-plane base to support a projected invasion of the Japanese base at Kavieng, New Ireland, north of Rabaul, forces of the South Pacific, including New Zealand units, landed on Green (Nissan) Island on 15 February 1944. By March a fighter strip was in operation.

In March the plan to seize Kavieng was canceled by the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who had decided to neutralize both Kavieng and Rabaul with minimum forces. Admiral Halsey, who had prepared plans to take Kavieng, sent his forces instead against the St. Matthias group northwest of New Ireland. On 20 March, Marines landed unopposed on Emirau of the St. Matthias group. These troops were first relieved by the 147th Infantry and later by elements of the 93rd Infantry Division. The seizure of Torokina, Green, and Emirau, coupled with simultaneous operations by forces of the Southwest Pacific on New Britain and in the Admiralties, sealed off Rabaul and Kavieng.

The construction of airfields at Treasury, Cape Torokina, Green, Emirau and the Admiralties had made possible an increase in the tempo of the air offensive against Rabaul. Land-based planes of both the South and Southwest Pacific Areas, in conjunction with Admiral Halsey’s carrier task forces, pounded the objective relentlessly. By February 1944 Rabaul as an air and naval base was impotent. Its well-trained, well-equipped garrison of Japan’s sixty thousand troops of the 8th Area Army was isolated, unable to take any further effective part in the war.

The Japanese on Bougainville had been unable to offer any effective resistance to the Allied landing or airfield construction at Cape Torokina. Although isolated from Rabaul and from their homeland, they determined to challenge the American grip on the small beachhead. Laboriously hauling weapons, ammunition, and supplies through the mountainous, jungled interior, they assembled about fifteen thousand men for a counteroffensive. By 9 March 1944 they were ready to attack.

The Japanese 6th Division, reinforced, operating under the 17th Army, struck violently against the XIV Corps’ perimeter. The attack was carefully planned and savagely executed, but it was suicidal. The well-trained, disciplined troops of the Americal and 37th Divisions held firmly, though at times losing small portions of territory which were promptly regained by counter attacks. The enemy did some damage with his artillery, but failed to interrupt Allied air operations. The Japanese infantrymen, attacking repeatedly against prepared positions, were slain in great numbers. We counted more than nine thousand dead before they pulled back broken and cut to pieces at the end of March.

The March counteroffensive had marked the end of major ground operations by American troops in the South Pacific Area. Their mission—a share in the neutralization of Rabaul to preserve the lifeline to Australia—had been magnificently accomplished. Fighting in steaming, tropical jungles against a relentless, savage foe, they demonstrated a superiority over the enemy and a resistance to hardship that will always redound to the credit of American arms.

We had learned a great deal in these campaigns. We had come to grips with the enemy—if not on his own ground, at least on ground which he had greedily and capably entrenched himself. We drove him out. We conquered him on the first lap of the journey, and we knew then that we could conquer him or bypass him all the way on the long road back.

Lt. Gen. Oscar W. Griswold.

A machine gun captured from the Japanese at Guadalcanal is being used by two American Marines.

U.S. Marines hanging out machine gun ammo belts to dry on Guadalcanal. February 1943.

A corpsman dressing the wounds of an injured survivor from USS Calhoun, which sunk during an assault on Guadalcanal. October 7, 1942.

Group of U.S. Marines discover a booby trap on Guadalcanal.

Bodies of Japanese soldiers who tried to overrun the U.S. Marine positions on the island's coast, lying half-buried in the sandy banks. More than 200 Japanese soldiers alone were killed in a frenzied attack in the sandspit where the Tenaru River flows into Ironbottom Sound (Sealark Channel).

A U.S. soldier prepares to fire a rifle grenade from the shore of Guadalcanal. Most likely demonstrating the weapon for other soldiers.

A helmeted and bewhiskered Santa Claus hands out presents to wounded American soldiers in 90 degree heat on Christmas Day, 1942.

U.S. soldiers stationed on Guadalcanal hold an animal contest with American Red Cross volunteer and actress Patricia O'Neill.

American soldiers on Guadalcanal proudly showing captured Japanese Imperial flag.

Marine grave at Guadalcanal.

The gruesome severed head of a napalmed Japanese soldier propped up below gun turret of a disabled Japanese tank. This photo became an infamous token of the gruesome Guadalcanal Campaign.

An infantryman is on guard on Grassy Knoll in Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands during World War II. January 26, 1943.

A group of American soldiers — from left, Corp. Jesse C. Luper, Sgt. Leroy Kelley, Corp. Benjamin Cox, and Maj. Charles W. Davis — show off a crocodile they caught during a lull in fighting. Using dynamite, the soldiers stunned what they thought was a very large fish but was in fact this five-foot crocodile.

A Japanese flag captured in action. By the end of the battle, the Japanese would lose one half of their 36,000 troops.

A captured Japanese pom-pom anti-aircraft gun put to use by the American forces on Guadalcanal. January 1943.

American troops bring supplies ashore at Guadalcanal Island. The Pacific waters and the constant threat of gunfire served up a rough terrain, often leaving swaths of troops stranded without supplies for days.

U.S. troops with a M2 Sound Locator on Guadalcanal. The system made corrections in both altitude and azimuth. There was a three-man team; one man guided the system in altitude, one in azimuth, while the third man added the acoustic corrections. The corrections involved some complicated calculations, which were performed by a mechanical analogue computer, apparently housed in the small box, though it hardly looks large enough. The basis of this computer was a ball resolver, also known as a spherical resolver. The horns on the M2 are very different from most other locators. The front is rounded off to minimize wind noise, and the rounded outer body reduces the effect of extraneous sound on the inner horn. The locator and searchlight control station were connected by cables to the searchlight and a mobile electric generator. These locators continued to be deployed when radar sets were introduced, in the hope of convincing the Germans that the U.S. searchlight battalions were still dependent on acoustic location.

United States Marines advance along a jungle road toward Tassafaronga, where a nighttime battle with the Japanese Navy would occur.

American Marines come ashore from landing craft at Guadalcanal. At the beginning of the campaign, Japan's 2,000 soldiers were caught off-guard by the Allied invasion.

U.S. Marines operate communications equipment.

The bodies of Japanese soldiers on the beach at Guadalcanal, after a disastrous attempt to land reinforcements by their infamous 'Tokyo Express.'

U.S. Marines carry an injured comrade onto a landing craft for evacuation.

American soldiers line up for grub. The island's harsh heat often left food supplies spoiled, and troops would be forced to sustain on maggot-infested rations.

American troops of the 160th Infantry Regiment rush ashore from a landing boat at Guadalcanal.

American troops unload supplies on the shores of Guadalcanal Island.

U.S. Marines drag dead Japanese soldiers from their bunker near Point Cruz on Guadalcanal in November 1942.

Heavy tropical downpours at Guadalcanal all but flood out a U.S. Marine Corps camp near Henderson Field, and the field as well. U.S. Marines' damp clothing and bedding contributed to the heavy incidence of tormenting skin infections and fungal disorders. Early 1944.

Cross-legged and comfortable, a South Sea Islander hitches a ride on a U.S. Marine jeep. The inhabitants of this South Pacific Island had never seen a jeep until the Marines landed—but now the island roads are full of them. Guadalcanal, 1942.

Abandoning material and equipment as they fled to the hills on arrival of the Marines, the Japanese unknowingly presented the versatile devil dogs with a handy little tractor when they left behind this tractor, now being used to forge one more link in the chain that will shackle the Nipponese in their Island Empire. Near Henderson Field, Guadalcanal, 1942.

A Marine manned bulldozer grinds away on Guadalcanal as the Leathernecks get things into shape before the rainy season set in; 1942.

Marines crossing bridge, Guadalcanal, circa 1942.

Marines washing clothes in the Lunga River, Guadalcanal, circa 1942. American soldiers, sailors and Marines, and two native guides, bathe and wash from their clothes the grime of jungle operations on Guadalcanal.

Marines lining up for food, Guadalcanal, circa 1942.

Marines serving food, Guadalcanal, circa 1942. Marine cook pours another ladle of pancake batter on an open stove during a lull in the fighting.

Leathernecks at Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, use this “good safe” way to cook. They turned a safe on its side, and converted it into a stove. Note the safe’s rollers and those delicious pancakes in the making.

Camouflaged and compact, this is the improvised kitchen used by Technical Sergeant Raymond C. Morgan, USMC, to feed the division headquarters staff of the fighting marines on Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands. Note the sack of beans at the extreme left.

Field cooks prepare a meal of soup, meat and bread to be served to the Marines near the front lines during the Guadalcanal campaign.

’JO’ is the Marines’ word for coffee, and coffee is dispensed by the barrel full to our fighting men on Guadalcanal.

The U.S. Marine at the right shows a companion how he looks in a Japanese sniper’s jacket, made of long-haired animal’s skin. The skin blends in with the underbrush making such snipers extremely difficult to locate.

Marines leaving Guadalcanal take along the last of their prisoners.

Japanese prisoners are shown here in their improvised enclosure, before the permanent stockade on Guadalcanal was completed by the U.S. Marines.

These rifles deserve the best care in the world—they’ve just seen victorious action against the Japanese in the Solomons. Master Gunnery Sergeant Lonnie McLain USMC, regimental armorer, of Mauvoo, Alabama, give them a thorough going-over at a clearing in a Guadalcanal Marine jungle camp.”

Marines plan strategy; the quickest way to get there. Shown are (left) Corporal Dick Lyons, Illyria, Ohio, and Platoon Sergeant (now second Lt.) William B. Watts, Jr., of Williamston, N.C., planning routes through the steaming jungles of Guadalcanal.

Put to better use. A captured Japanese anti-aircraft gun is put to use against its former masters by the Leathernecks who captured it.

A direct hit on an air raid shelter by a Japanese artillery shell. Guadalcanal.

‘S’ stands for shelter in the form of S-shaped trenches like this one to provide protection from Japanese bombers for U.S. Marines on Guadalcanal. The peculiar shape also gives cover against strafing attacks from any direction.

Digging in there. Sand bag emplacement in a Banyan tree.

OFFICER’S HEAD ONLY. Shown here is the ‘head’, easily identified by any Leatherneck by that name. This one, for officers, is somewhat removed from modern ones at home, but it serves its purpose.

Marine in a tent working on his M1903 rifle.

Men drink from lister bag marked ‘Ye Town Pump’ at a Marine Aircraft Wing Headquarters on Guadalcanal.

It isn’t air conditioned, in fact it isn’t even cool, this office of the sergeant major on Guadalcanal. Notice the camouflage against aerial attack.

Officer’s tent at headquarters of a Marine Aircraft Wing on Guadalcanal.

The sign says 42nd Street, but it’s a long way from New York City’s Times Square. The sign was posted at a U.S. Marine Camp on Guadalcanal.

A U.S. Marine looks out of a two-man foxhole on Guadalcanal. Quick growing plants provide camouflage. They were planted by enterprising Marines.

‘Dear Mom’: A U.S. Marine on Guadalcanal takes time out in his dugout to answer a letter he has just received from home. Although letters may be weeks old when received, they still play an important role in the life and welfare of Americans fighting on foreign lands and seas.

Post Exchange on Guadalcanal. In this tented store, Marine fighters buy razor blades, soap shaving accessories, and toothpaste, all made in the USA. The exchange is well stocked the day after a supply ship arrives. Word gets around quickly, and soon shelves are depleted. Business is then at a standstill until the next supply ship arrives.

This scene shows the Marine Corps Post Office on Guadalcanal.

Marine Corps Post Office, Guadalcanal, circa 1942.

Marine Mailman is busy. Marines in the United States and abroad get their mail. Sorting incoming and outgoing mail keeps these U.S. Marines postal clerks on the go at Guadalcanal.

This building formerly was used by the Japanese for a warehouse on Guadalcanal. Now it is a divisional post office for U.S. Marines.

When mail did come to the Solomons, it came in thousand bag lots. Most of the men received enough letters to keep them busy reading for nearly a week at Guadalcanal.

The arrival of mail on Guadalcanal island is a momentous day for Marine and Army fighters. American forces are shown unloading sacks which are heavy with news from home thousands of miles away. Most of the men received enough letters to keep idle minutes busy with reading for almost a week. Landing boats hurry the precious cargo shoreward from transport such as the one which can be seen in the background. Mail cargoes are usually received on the island in thousand-bag lots.

Marine and Army fighters are shown unloading precious cargoes of high-explosive bombs from ship to shore on Guadalcanal Island. Landing boats carry the heavy loads to the men waiting on the shore from transports which can be seen in the background. Such tasks as these are welcomed by American forces on the island, for to them it means just so much more blasting for the Japanese. And for Marine fighter pilots, it means many more trips over enemy territory.

Army unloading supplies at Guadalcanal. Note the use of Marston matting slide for boxes.

Marines unload supplies at Guadalcanal, alongside the steel matting laid down on the beach to aid heavy vehicles across the sand. Unloading at the beach in the very early days. They put down a sort of matting, which may be Japanese.

This scene of apparent confusion was the beginning of an era of close cooperation between the Army and Marine Corps to finish the “housecleaning” job on Guadalcanal.

Leaving Guadalcanal. Waiting for boats to pick them up and carry them to the waiting transports lying off shore, U.S. Marines group on the shores of Guadalcanal as they prepare to leave the islands after months of bitter fighting.

The girl he left behind is NOT forgotten by this U.S. Marine as he looks longingly at her picture propped up on the edge of his foxhole on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands. Note the hand grenades in the foreground.

Under this improvised sunshade, two bayoneted rifles and a bit of canvas, two U.S. Marines discuss the continuing battle for the Solomon Islands near front lines on Guadalcanal.

A Marine machine gunner, Tommy gun on knee, leaves a newly-dug trench near the Guadalcanal front line for chow.

When not repulsing Japanese efforts, Marines are busy with pick and shovel to build fortifications and entrenchments against future attacks. This line was constructed on Raider's Ridge around a portion of Guadalcanal’s vital airfield.

Marines on Guadalcanal Island captured this Japanese purification unit during a battle. The small unit is carried by the individual soldier on the battlefield. It is especially useful in jungle fighting, where it is difficult to secure water that is not contaminated. It’s handy, too, for the soldier who becomes separated from his detachment and has no way to get regular water supplies.

These mementos of the Japanese defeat in the Solomons have just reached Marine Corps headquarters. The collection includes a silk flag, knee mortar, Japanese currency and coins, a propaganda booklet, cigarettes and matches, beer label, split-toed shoes, the band from a sailor’s hat, the cap worn by a Japanese marine, a post card received by a Japanese soldier from his girl, a piece a shrapnel, and a baseball.

Pictured is a Marine Corporal trying on the Japanese rubber soled shoes worn by Japanese units on Solomon Islands. Note big toe compartment.

Marine holds political cartoon for the Chinese captured from Japanese units in the Solomons.

These two Japanese bills, based on the English currency system, have been received at Marine Corps Headquarters from the Marine forces established in the Solomon Islands.

Sgt. Major William B. Richard of Fitchburg, Mass., is pictured with his hands full of Japanese money captured by U.S. Marines in the Solomon Islands. The photographer, 2nd Lt. Karl Thayer Soule, USMC, stated: "Japanese invasion currency. Printed bills and coins. There were two chests of this and I had them under my desk for about a week before we could ship them out. We estimated there's probably about the equivalent a quarter million dollars' worth of money."

A Japanese rubber boat that was captured by Captain Brush on his famous patrol on the 18th of August. Going east up the beach looking for the Japanese to see if there were any up there. Which of course he found. And in the picture is Lieutenant Shawn on the left, and a flight lieutenant, Lt.Col. Jurasi, Captain Meran the division language officer, and the photographer 2nd Lt. Karl Thayer Soule, USMC. Seating in the boat is PFC Mike Winters.

This radio equipment, left by the Japanese when the Marines invaded the Solomons, now is being put to use by the Marines.

U.S. Marines attacking the Solomon Islands captured this power control board, left intact by the fleeing Japanese. The equipment is now in use by Leatherneck radio experts on Guadalcanal.

US Marine Corps radio experts in the Solomon Islands converted this Japanese radio set to their own use. It was captured in good condition, when the Leathernecks surprised the Japanese on Guadalcanal.

This Japanese short-wave transmitter was found by U.S. Marines on Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands after it had been abandoned by the retreating enemy during the early stages of the fighting.

A little Japanese basket lost because of poor aim. It’s a parachute “drop”. Each were found to contain 810 rounds of 25 cal. ammunition, various types of concentrated foods, canned meat, and some candy. All the contents were in a rubber bag, within the basket case. Japanese airmen meant this “drop” and three others for their troops on Guadalcanal, but they fell within our lines.

This is Wing Commander Bag of the Royal Australian Air Force. This is one of the parachute drops that the Japanese dropped. There were fifteen of them on the night of the 15th of August. Most of them fell into our hands, not the Japanese. Each contained (shown from left to right in this picture) canned meat, concentrated rations, ammunition, cigarettes, and candy. All were found to be quite good. The method of packing ammunition is most economical in space. Entire contents were in a rubber bag in the foreground. In the hole inserted in the basket container. In the top were messages to the troops telling them of our heavy losses and that help was on the way. The commander also holds the bag which contained the parachute. The drops were very well made and stood up well. They weighed about seventy-five pounds apiece. That was the night that they dropped them on the airfield.

Captured Japanese naval gun, side view, Guadalcanal, circa 1942.

Captured Japanese naval gun, front view, Guadalcanal, circa 1942.

Captured Japanese naval gun, front view, Guadalcanal, circa 1942.

This three-inch anti-aircraft gun was left intact by the Japanese in their hurried flight before American troops at the outset of the Guadalcanal campaign, was used by U.S. Marines against its former owners. Large quantities of ammunition were seized also.

Rear view of a Japanese 75mm field piece, captured in the Battle of the Tenaru River, Guadalcanal. It is designated as an infantry weapon, not artillery.

Japanese 70mm field piece, captured at the battle of the Tenaru River, Guadalcanal.

Captured Japanese 75mm shell, used in the captured field piece of the same caliber. Battle of the Tenaru River, Guadalcanal.

Side view of Japanese pom-pom gun on the beach of Guadalcanal.

Rear view of captured Japanese pom-pom anti-aircraft gun, Guadalcanal.

A captured Japanese 15mm dual purpose, anti-aircraft/anti-tank gun put to use by the U.S. Marines on the island of Tulagi.

A captured Japanese 15mm dual purpose, anti-aircraft/anti-tank gun put to use by the U.S. Marines.

A U.S. Marine officer displays an enemy flame-thrower captured at Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, after the American invasion.

Captured Japanese gun, rear view, Guadalcanal Campaign, circa 1942. The ammunition found with the gun was of the explosive and armor piercing type.

This U.S. Marine on Guadalcanal quickly climbs a coconut palm tree, clad in a Japanese sniper’s outfit. Leathernecks in the Solomons battle area soon learned that the Japanese dressed their snipers in fur suits which blended with the scenery. On their feet were shoes with spikes on the sides, which work very much like the shoes our telephone climbers use in the USA. Marines used the captured suits to good advantage.

Garbed in captured Japanese sniper’s outfit, a U.S. Marine on Guadalcanal Island proves that the Japs are not the only fighters who can “shinny” up a coconut tree, secret themselves in the lush foliage and hammer away at unsuspecting troops.

Japanese snipers on Guadalcanal used simple metal cleats, attached to their shoes, to race up palm trees and fire at Marine attackers. The Leathernecks, always open to suggestions, have issued the captured cleats to Marine snipers.

Japanese retreating from the fierce attack by US Marines on Guadalcanal Island left valuable equipment scattered along the beach front, including this 30 cal. machine gun, with clips, in firing condition.

Japanese Machine Gun, Guadalcanal, circa 1942. "This is me [the photographer, 2nd Lt. Karl Thayer Soule, USMC], actually, looking at a Japanese light machine gun captured at the battle of Tenaru. A .25 caliber, clip banded gun. Used extensively by the Japanese. That was taken the 22nd of August 1942. Taken right after the battle of Tenaru. And that was about the first Japanese equipment we were able to lay our hands on."

Tulagi Policemen, Guadalcanal Campaign, circa 1942. "These friendly natives of Tulagi, Solomon Islands, have been useful as guides to US Marines, now holding the vital islands in the few of repeated Japanese attempts to recapture them.”

US Marine officers and Tulagi policemen, circa 1942. "Brig. Gen. William H. Rupertus (left) and Colonel Robert C. Kilmartin of the US Marine Corps pose with friendly natives at Tulagi, Solomon Islands, after Leathernecks captured the important islands from the Japanese. And that's Florida Island in the background."

Makambo natives returning for fruit market, Florida Island, circa 1942. "Natives of Makambo, Solomon Islands group, pull into port with fruits for the market place. Note the US Navy sea planes and landing boat in the background and the wrecked Japanese landing barge at the dock at right.”

“U.S. Marines take it easy, in a cultured way. Taking a sign literally, these Marine defenders of Guadalcanal Island enjoy a brief moment of relaxation before the work of the day is resumed. The Leatherneck on the left is writing a letter, the man in the middle is smoking, and the Devil Dog is whittling away. Note the comfortable shoes the whittler is wearing.”

Marine Anti-Aircraft Gun, Tulagi, circa 1942. "The crew of a Marine Corps 90mm anti-aircraft gun man the gun in its dual purpose emplacement on the island of Tulagi.”

Captured Japanese naval gun, Tulagi, circa 1942. "This Japanese 3-inch naval gun in the Solomons prove that the approach of US Marines was enough to cause the Japanese gun crew to flee, leaving their weapon in perfect condition, and their protecting sand bags undamaged. Commanding an imposed background as it does, the gun could be turned on venturesome Japanese who may attempt to return to the Solomons.”

Marines in anti-aircraft gun director emplacement, Tulagi, circa 1942. "Marines use the director for 90mm anti-aircraft gun on the island of Tulagi in the Solomon Islands.”

Pack howitzers, circa 1942. "75mm pack howitzer ready for action should the occasion warrant it."

Japanese gun emplacement, Guadalcanal campaign, circa 1942. An elaborately camouflaged .30 cal. gun emplacement on the beach.

Marine manning anti-aircraft gun on Tulagi, Guadalcanal campaign, circa 1942. "This .50 caliber anti-aircraft machine gun doubles in brass as protection against enemy boats. Note that the leaves are shaken from the tree above. This indicates that the Marine Corps gun crew has fired the gun either in practice or at the enemy.”

Marine manning anti-aircraft machine gun on Tulagi, Guadalcanal campaign, circa 1942. Florida Island in the background.

Machine gun emplacement, Tulagi, circa 1942. "This machine gun was placed on a crest, overlooking the Tulagi harbor so that US Marines could give the Japanese a ‘warm welcome’. The Japanese have tried to visit their old haunts at the Solomon Islands and Leathernecks have treated them very appropriately.”

USS YP-346 being scoured for parts at Tulagi by sailors from USS Zeilin (AP 9) — the LCVP bears the mark P9-21, making it boat 21 from AP 90—probably in mid-October 1942. YP-346 was severely damaged on 8/9 September 1942 by the Japanese light cruiser Sendai during a night action off Guadalcanal and beached at Tulagi. She was eventually declared unsalvageable and written off as a constructive total loss. YP-346 was formerly the tuna boat Prospect, built in 1938 at San Diego. The YP has bottomed on an even keel, her hull forward showing severe damage just below the waterline. Her pilothouse is destroyed but she appears to retain a good amount of salvageable gear, including 20mm and .50 cal. guns and her boat. She remains in commission and continues to fly her ensign. YP-346 had been part of a group of four Navy ships landing rifle squadrons from the 1st Marine Raiders at Taivu Point, Guadalcanal to attack Japanese troops at Tasimboko. The YP was ordered to return to Tulagi when word was received of the approaching Japanese cruiser, but she was attacked by the Sendai only a short distance from gaining the safety of Tulagi. After her pilot house had been wrecked, Marine PFC Gerard Nevle took the wheel and guided the ship to shore. Nevle and two other men received the Navy Cross for their actions that night.

Religious services on Tulagi, circa 1942. “Our Lady of Victory Chapel. Father Fitzgerald, beloved chaplain with the US Marines, says mass on Tulagi.”

Father Fitzgerald administers religious services, Tulagi, circa 1942. “Kneeling on the sands of tiny Tulagi Island, these US Marines receive Holy Communion from a Catholic Priest. Tulagi, wrested by the Marines from the Japanese shortly before this picture was taken, is again the scene of battle as the Japanese fight to recapture the strategic harbor.”

Religious services, Tulagi, circa 1942. "Before a makeshift chapel inspiringly named ‘Our Lady of Victory’, US Marines bow their heads in prayer on Tulagi Island in the Solomons. Father Fitzgerald, beloved chaplain of the Leathernecks, is celebrating mass for the few Marines who can be spared from the front line positions.”

Marine officers, Tulagi, circa 1942. "In dress, they look like ordinary soldiers, posing for a picture at a grassy spot in the woods. Actually, it's a group of hard-fighting Marine Corps officers on the island of Tulagi in the Solomons.”

Captured Japanese flag, Guadalcanal, circa 1942.

Captain Frank Huston with Molotov cocktails, Tanambogo, circa 1942. "Captain Frank R. Huston, USMC, smiles pleasantly as he holds a Molotov cocktail, part of those captured in large quantities on Guadalcanal Island. He probably is thinking how nice it will seem to make the Japanese drink their own concoction. Note the compass hanging from the right side of Captain Huston’s belt. Marine officers receive thorough training in the use of the compass in the Marine Corps schools at Quantico, Virginia. It is a vital tool in the new and unknown country.”

Captured Japanese machine gun nest, Tulagi, circa 1942. "A Japanese machine gun nest on Tulagi, in the Solomon Islands, is shown after Marines had removed 30 dead Japanese following the fierce fighting for this island outpost.”

Sand bag emplacement, Tulagi, circa 1942. "Marines are ready for more Japanese in this sand bag emplacement on a hill in the tangled woods of Tulagi in the Solomon Islands.”

Marine supplies, Tulagi, Solomon Islands, circa 1942.

Japanese truck captured by Marines, Tulagi, circa 1942. This camouflaged enemy truck is seen amid the ruins caused by naval gunfire at Tulagi.

Wharf wrecked by US fire, Tulagi, circa 1942.

Direct hit on Japanese building, Tulagi, circa 1942. Naval gunfire scored a direct hit on a Japanese house on the island of Tulagi in the Solomons just before the Marines landed.

Tulagi Island, circa 1942. "The Chinese quarter on Tulagi in the Solomons. Scene of some of the most bitter fighting in the landing of August 7th. In mid-harbor at right is the small island of M’Kambo and the larger island in background is Florida, both of which were taken by US Marines.”

Marines landing on Florida Island, circa 1942. “Marines landing on Florida Island during the first stages of the Solomons campaign in which American forces blasted the Japanese out of their positions. Landing barges are drawn up along the shoreline and reinforcements are coming in from the sea. Note the density of the vegetation.”

Marines landing on Florida Island, circa 1942. “Looking from the air like a zig-zagging squadron of water bugs, troop carrying barges land Marines on the beach of Florida Island during the initial stages of the Solomon battle. The Leathernecks drove the Japanese out of their positions on both Florida and Guadalcanal and are now encountering heavy Japanese counterattacks.”

Marine mechanic, Guadalcanal, circa 1942. "Taking no chances on motor failure, a bearded Marine tank crewman makes a few last minute adjustments before his vehicle rolls forth to battle on Guadalcanal.”

Marine M3 light tank, Guadalcanal, circa 1942.

Scene of the Battle of the Tenaru, Guadalcanal, circa 1942. “Bloody Angle, scene of the battle of the Tenaru, as seen from the American lines. 700 Japanese were killed in a futile attempt to cross the beach on the left. Artillery fire, concentrated in the coconut palms, did tremendous damage. Seen on the extreme left is a tank barrier, erected by the Marines after the battle."

Stranded Japanese torpedo on beach near KuKum, Guadalcanal, circa 1942. "This Japanese torpedo beached itself harmlessly on Guadalcanal after being fired by a submarines. It apparently is the same torpedo referred to by PFC Richard McCallister, USMC, who reported that an enemy submarine launched a torpedo at a small cargo vessel off Lunga Beach, and it narrowly missed when it went wide of its mark."

Rear Admiral John McCain Sr. arriving on Guadalcanal, 11 August 1942. "A Navy PBY plane hands at the Guadalcanal airport shortly after the Marines had captured the base. The Japanese had just completed the airport and had planned to use it as a jumping off point for air attacks on American ships."

Native policemen and Commissioner Warren F.M. Clemens, Guadalcanal, circa 1942. "Natives, such as pictured above, inhabit the Solomon Islands where American and Japanese forces are now fighting for control. These native policemen aided Capt. Martin Clemens, of the Solomon Islands Defense Forces, an Australian, who stayed on Guadalcanal throughout the Japanese occupation.”

A bunker built by the Marines utilize bundles of captured rope as additional protection.

Marine on horse captured from Japanese, circa 1942. "When the Japanese took to the hills in the Solomons on August 7, 1942, they left herds of fine horses. During the calm between battles the Marine held roundups in the true Western style, putting the horses back to work.”

Captured Japanese buildings, Guadalcanal, circa 1942. "This is where the Fifth Marines made their first headquarters. The building on the extreme right was used for the regimental headquarters. The building next to it was a Japanese darkroom and we took that over for the division photographic darkroom. The next building was the Japanese telephone exchange and none of that equipment worked and we got that all out of there and the photographic section was in there. The man in the door way is PFC Sexton. This, by the way, again is very early. It must have been before the 15th of August." –2nd Lt. Karl Thayer Soule, USMC, photographer.

Ice house captured by Marines, near Fifth Marine Headquarters, Guadalcanal, circa 1942. "The Tojo Ice Company, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands group, is now under new management. Japanese soldiers, who were the mainstay of the old firm, were forced to leave the island. The new owners, the United States Marines, stated today that they intend to keep the old name."

Ice house captured by Marines, near Fifth Marine Headquarters, Guadalcanal, circa 1942.

Supplies captured by Marines, Guadalcanal, circa 1942. Part of the huge stores of Japanese supplies captured on Guadalcanal storehouses were filled with everything from heavy machinery to beer, wine, and candy. Marines have no compunctions about consuming Japanese food and using their equipment.”

Captured Japanese warehouse, Guadalcanal, circa 1942. "This enemy warehouse on Guadalcanal was seized by Marines and found to contain assortment of canned foods, as well as large quantities of beer and candy. Note how the Japanese utilized the trees, apparently sprouting from the side of the building for camouflage purposes.”

Warehouse captured by Marines, Guadalcanal, circa 1942. "A Japanese warehouse (one of the many installations) on Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands, is now being used by Marines who successfully attacked this vital island area.”

Warehouse captured by Marines, Guadalcanal, circa 1942.

Wrecked Japanese truck in truck park, Guadalcanal, circa 1942. Accurate naval gunnery from US ships lying off Guadalcanal shattered these Japanese trucks during the early stages of the Battle of the Solomon Islands. The truck in the foreground appears to have suffered a direct hit.”

Guadalcanal landscape, circa 1942. "This small piece of tropical paradise on Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands was dubbed ‘Garden of Eden’ by the fighting Marines. It was probably one of the few spots on this embattled jungle land where no bombs or shells fell, although some of the bitterest battling of the campaign took place less than a mile away. In the left background a couple of Marines are attempting to bathe in the clear shallow stream. This is the Lunga further down. This is near the Fifth Marine's Command Post.”

Lunga River, Guadalcanal, circa 1942.

Marines raise flag on Guadalcanal, August 1942. "Raising the flag at Henderson Field very early on."

Marine LVT, Guadalcanal, circa 1942.

Marine LVT stranded on beach, Guadalcanal, circa 1942. "A Marine looks over an amphibian tractor which was as lost while attempting a landing on Guadalcanal during the early stages of operations there.”

Bay at Guadalcanal, circa 1942. “Looking through the jungle foliage of Guadalcanal out towards the sea, can be seen American ships of war in the process of landing reinforcements on the island.”

Marines land on beach at Guadalcanal, August 1942. "A true Marine Corps landing operation takes place on the farther end of the island of Guadalcanal. These Marines were part of a Raider battalion.” Believed to be Red Beach during the initial landings on D-Day.

Japanese torpedo plane goes down, Guadalcanal, around noon, 8 August 1942. "American anti-aircraft gunners bag a Japanese bomber during an enemy attack on ships off Guadalcanal. A cloud of black smoke just over the water hides the plane as it crashes into the sea.”

Battle drills in the South Pacific, August 1942. D-Day at Guadalcanal.

Marine fire direction team, aboard ship, circa 1942. "Pictured here is part of the fire direction team that put the blitz on the Japanese in the Solomon Islands area. These Marines are getting their final instructions, before the battle starts. The picture was taken aboard a transport as it neared the Solomons in August 1942.”

Marine fire direction team meets, aboard ship near Guadalcanal, 7 August 1942. "Major Noah P. Wood in this picture gives last minute instructions to his fire direction team just before landing at Guadalcanal on August. 7, 1942.”

Marines belting ammunition aboard ship, circa 1942. "Shown are Marines loading .50 caliber ammunition into belts for use in machine guns.”

Colonel Carlson and Raider unit, circa 1942. "Colonel Carlson poses with members of the raider battalion he commands, and they show weapons and equipment captured after meeting and defeating the Japanese.”

Marines landing on beach at Guadalcanal, circa 1942.

Scene showing typical jungle mud and thick tropical growth near a U.S. Marine camp on Guadalcanal.

Marines on Guadalcanal roads, circa 1942.

Marines in a jeep on a jungle road after a rain, Guadalcanal, circa 1942.

Marines and Guadalcanal policemen, circa 1942.

Marines, Guadalcanal policemen, and Guadalcanal women, circa 1942. "PFC Ralph Wendling, a Marine on Guadalcanal, poses with a group of friendly natives. Shy when the Marines first landed in the Solomons, the natives have become quite friendly with the Leathernecks.”

PFC Wendling and two Guadalcanal policemen, circa 1942.

US Marine Corps photographer Private Robert Howard and native, Guadalcanal, circa 1942. Marine photographers reported that the natives enjoyed having their pictures taken.

Marine and Guadalcanal water boy, circa 1942. "This youngster acted as water boy for the troops when the Marines were on a patrol at Guadalcanal.”

Guadalcanal boat house, circa 1942. A typical native boat house on Guadalcanal was photographed by a U.S. Marine combat photographer. Under the palm-thatched roof rest two pearl inland water canoes.”

Rear Admiral John S. McCain and Major General Alexander Vandegrift, Guadalcanal, August 1942. "Rear Admiral John S. McCain, USN, former commander of the Naval air forces in the South Pacific, and Major General Alexander A. Vandegrift, USMC, Commander of the Marines battling at Guadalcanal, exchange greetings at an American base in the Solomons."

Navy weatherman releasing weather balloon, Guadalcanal, circa 1942. "A Navy weatherman on Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands, sets off his aerial balloon to determine weather conditions for aircraft and incoming ships.”

Marines stringing up telephone lines on coconut palm trees, Guadalcanal, circa 1942.

"A Marine uses radio signals in his captured Japanese dugout on Guadalcanal. Marine communications are kept up by means of these stations which are scattered over the islands.”

"A bomb-proof shelter shields this Marine switchboard operator from the constant bombings of US positions on Guadalcanal. The switchboard, with connecting lines running out to all field forces is portable and can be moved on a few moments notice.”

"A US Army 155mm cannon in an ear-splitting blast discharges its missile toward the Japanese lines on Guadalcanal. Taking over in January 1943 from where the Marines left off, the Army recently cleared out the remaining Japanese resistance to the island.”

"A US Army 155mm cannon in an ear-splitting blast discharges its missile toward the Japanese lines on Guadalcanal. Taking over in January 1943 from where the Marines left off, the Army recently cleared out the remaining Japanese resistance to the island.”

"This camouflaged Japanese dugout was captured by Marines near Point Cruz on Guadalcanal. There were approximately 100 such dugouts in this bivouac area.”

"A Raider battalion, a specially-trained group of Marines, hikes over rugged terrain during recent operations on Guadalcanal. Note the native guides.”

"Native boys carry Marine supplies across a plain approaching the jungle on Guadalcanal."

"Among the silvery palm trees on Guadalcanal stands one of the many Marine Corps’ observation posts. From such observation posts Marines keep a constant vigil against enemy attack." This was built by the division intelligence section.

"A beach observation post on Guadalcanal where Marines kept watch for planes and ships during the campaign against the Japanese. Note tree ladder. In case of attack, watchers ducked into well-constructed dugout."

"Taken from one of the high hills on Guadalcanal this scene gives a general idea of the terrain. Despite the apparent peace and quiet, beneath these stately palms a literal hell the Marines landed to combat the Japanese."

Admiral Chester Nimitz discussing strategy with a naval officer on Guadalcanal.

"When the Japanese were driven back on Guadalcanal they left this tent intact and the Marines lost little time in occupying it."

"This Japanese building on Guadalcanal was seized by Marines and converted to a regimental sick bay. Note the cases of supplies in the background."

"The victim of numerous Japanese bombs, this division field hospital on Guadalcanal is functioning full strength.”

"In an improvised laboratory on Guadalcanal, a pharmacist’s mate looks through a microscope, searching for evidence of malaria. US Navy and Marine doctors and technicians are waging constant war against the disease which is prevalent in the tropical zone."

"Not far behind the lines at Guadalcanal Marines had their tooth ailments cared for by Dr. Louis N. Heller, USNR, Regimental Dentist. Dr. Heler is shown here as he worked on the teeth of Capt Homer E. Hire, USMC, Regimental Adjutant. Note that the drill is foot operated."

"Coconut palm leaves cover these crude graves on Guadalcanal, last resting place for the gallant Marines killed in action."

"The final resting place on the beach of Guadalcanal of an unknown Marine killed in action on the west bank on the Matanikau River."

“‘Skeeter Beater’ coat of arms is a welcome sign to Marines on the fighting front in the Solomons. For these malaria control units wage a day and night war against insects so that the Marines can use all their slapping time against the Japanese.”

"Nestled beneath the slope of a protecting ridge, this 105mm howitzer and its crew are typical for others that have inflicted heavy casualties among the Japanese. Note the foxholes dug in on the hillside to prevent shell fragments from injuring the men."

"These 105mm howitzers, muzzles pointing skyward were employed effectively by the U.S. Army in blasting remaining Japanese out of Guadalcanal."

Camouflaged 155mm Army gun, Guadalcanal, circa 1942.

"This formation of planes was photographed as it left Guadalcanal for an attack against the Japanese."

"A dug-in Marine height finder which keeps the anti-aircraft guns on the target and aids Marine gunners to knock Japanese airmen out of the skies over Guadalcanal."

"Marines at the Guadalcanal battlefront not only make news but manage to keep up with the news at home. Here some Leathernecks are checking their position on the map."

Anti-aircraft barrage over Guadalcanal during Japanese air attack.

"A stick of heavy Japanese bombs bursts on Henderson Field, which has been a focal point in the fierce action on Guadalcanal." September 1942.

"Japanese bombers scored a direct hit on the American hanger on Henderson Field during a raid in early September. White smoke is pouring from the damaged building. The two planes at the right and a group of aircraft barely discernible at the extreme left escaped the attack.”

“A thin plume of smoke marked the death plunge of this Japanese bomber, shot out of the sky by Marine fighter planes over Guadalcanal in the early stages of fighting for the Solomon Islands. Shortly after this picture was snapped the plane crashed and exploded.”

Set afire by a Japanese bomb hit on the hanger in the background, this Marine fighter plane was pulled into the open by Leathernecks who used dirt and chemicals to extinguish the flames. The plane, a Grumman F4F-4 Wildcat from Marine Air Group 23, was not damaged seriously and was able to return to the air. Note bullet-pierced propeller blades. The aircraft was damaged during Japanese attack on Henderson Field, Guadalcanal, in October 1942."

Marines in field of aircraft wreckage, Guadalcanal, circa 1942.

"Twisted wreckage of a Japanese bomber which was shot down during one of the many raids on Guadalcanal."

"This wing section was the largest single piece remaining of a Japanese bomber after its bomb load was touched off by a Marine anti-aircraft shell at 20,000 feet. The plane disintegrated in the sky, bits raining down over a wide area. Then the fellows cut it up and used it to make bracelets and so forth. Somebody asked them where they got the material from and they said the Japanese government makes it and it was delivered by air."

"Typical of the ground crews' unsung heroes is this Marine mechanic, shown checking over the power plant of a plane which has seen valiant service in the daily air battle over Guadalcanal. He plays a vital role in the air superiority held by our forces in the Southeastern Solomons."

"This photo shows a building which once was a Marine Post Exchange. It was hit by a Japanese bomb during the fighting on Guadalcanal.”

"A direct hit by a Japanese aerial bomb turned what was once a US radio receiving station line into this mass of debris. The station was destroyed during one of the many air raids which the Japanese have launched against American forces on Guadalcanal. There were some people inside at the time, but they ducked into fox holes underneath and not one of them was seriously hurt, though the building was completely destroyed."

Army soldier arrives on Guadalcanal with all his gear.

"This is the highly strategic Guadalcanal Airfield which Marines wrested from the Japanese during the forepart of operations in the Solomon Islands. The picture shows Marines filling in shell holes made during earlier fighting.”

Old Glory floats proudly in the breeze over historic Henderson Field, Guadalcanal.

"The main bomber taxi way at Henderson Field, Guadalcanal is pictured here as seen from a dispersal area. Getting ready to lay Marston matting."

Dispersal area at Henderson Field, Guadalcanal. The first plane on the right is an F4F and the aircraft behind it is a TBF. The rest are F4Fs.

"Pagoda, operations field near Henderson Field, Guadalcanal, circa 1942. Both the weather and the Japs were placid when this picture was taken of a newly-erected wind sock to guide American fliers at Henderson Field. Two F4F fighters, ready for instant takeoffs, are spotted on the field."

"This is the 'Pagoda' captured intact from the Japanese when the Marines took over the Guadalcanal airfield. It is now used as an operations office for the field."

"This pagoda on Guadalcanal’s Henderson Field was rendered useless as a shelter when a bomb dropped too close soon after the photo was taken. When the Marines landed on Guadalcanal the pagoda was a skeleton of a building, but the Leathernecks rapidly converted it into a useful dwelling. It is in this small shack that famous Marine aviators, about whose deeds you have read in the nation’s headlines, rested before taking off to do battle with the enemy."

"Shark-nosed Army P-400 fighters, such as these, have combined with Navy and Marine planes to take a heavy toll of Japanese aircraft in the continuing Battle of the Solomon Islands."

"These planes are shown on Henderson Field, Guadalcanal Island. The plane in the foreground is a Grumman J2F-6 observation craft, used by the Navy. In the background can be seen a Grumman F4F fighter, used by the Marine Corps."

 

Marine B-17s on Henderson Field, and a passing Marine patrol, Guadalcanal, circa 1942. B-17 41-9060 in foreground.

Numerous F4Fs on the fighter strip on Guadalcanal.

A Marine pilot takes his Grumman F4F fighter aloft for patrol and observation from Henderson Field on Guadalcanal Island.

A trio of Grumman F4F Wildcat fighters roar over Guadalcanal’s Henderson Field to greet a squadron of Japanese bombers reported heading for the strategic airfield.

Marine Corps officer's tent, Marine aircraft wing, Guadalcanal, circa 1942.

Office of Guadalcanal Sergeant Major, circa 1942.

"Leathernecks, manning a jeep on an island in the South Pacific, read a sign on the road leading to the front lines. It tells them to stay on the road and beware of mine fields.”

"These 'cliff dwellers' of Guadalcanal, members of a Marine 81mm mortar outfit, are squaring away their gear on the side of a Guadalcanal gulch. They pitch shelter halves (tents used by Marines for sleeping) and emplace their weapons."

"A Marine 81mm mortar squad lobs shells into Japanese positions from a gulley taken from the enemy during an offensive west of the Matanikau River, Guadalcanal, in early November."

Captured Japanese Battle Flag, Guadalcanal Airfield, circa 1942.

"This road was built by Marines immediately west of Henderson Field on Guadalcanal. It is guarded by gun emplacements on the ridges. An area behind the airfield and west of it."

"Pictured here is the road to the western front on Guadalcanal. This is a typical scene near Henderson Field. Grassy Knoll may be seen in the background."

"Admiral Chester A. Nimitz, USN, Commander-in-Chief of Pacific Fleet, pins the Navy Cross on Brigadier General William H. Rupertus, USMC, in a ceremony at Marine Headquarters, on Guadalcanal. October 1942."

“Col. Merritt B. Edson being presented with the Navy Cross for exceptional bravery and meritorious service by Admiral Nimitz.”

"Admiral Nimitz presenting the Navy Cross to Lt.Col. Evans Carlson on Guadalcanal."

Nimitz presents medal to a Marine sergeant for action on Guadalcanal.

"These three U.S. Marine fliers between them have blasted 46 Japanese planes out of Guadalcanal skies. All were decorated recently with Navy Crosses by Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, Commander-in-Chief of Naval Forces in the Pacific. Left to right: Major John Smith, 19 planes, Major Robert D. Galer, 11, and Capt. Marion E. Carl, 16.”

"Lt. Colonel Evans Carlson and his son, Lt. Evans Carlson both together after series of raids in the Guadalcanal jungle."

Lieutenant Colonel Evan Carlson, Guadalcanal, circa 1942.

"Captain Robert Hall, USMC, commanding officer of a unit on Guadalcanal."

"Captain Clement, of the Royal British Army, speaks to a young native of the group befriended by the Marines on Guadalcanal Island. Native tribes have proven very friendly to Marines and their allies. Many of the natives have been educated by visiting missionaries, and have a limited command of English."

Division Historian Lieutenant H.L. Merrillat, Guadalcanal, circa 1942.

"Japanese implements of war, captured on Guadalcanal, are proudly exhibited by bearded Marine Private Frank Massaro. The grotesque looking faces behind Massero are Japanese gas masks, and the flag in his hands is a Japanese marine emblem."

Sgt. John Link, Marine filmographer, with 35mm camera, Guadalcanal, circa 1942.

"Lieutenant General Thomas Holcomb is shown here when he recently inspected Marine forces in Guadalcanal. Left to right are Major General A. A. Vandegrift, Lieutenant Colonel Brown, and General Holcomb.”

Marine Officers Surveying Guadalcanal, circa 1942. "Colonel Clifton B. Cates shows the Commandant Lt. General Thomas Holcomb, and Major A. A. Vandegrift the battlefront on Guadalcanal during the visit of the Commandant and his chief of staff."

Marines reading aerial map, Guadalcanal, circa 1942.

"Lt.Gen. Thomas A. Holcomb, Col. M. A. Edson and Major General A. A. Vandegrift caught in a candid shot during the Lt. General’s inspection on Guadalcanal.”

Marine Division Staff and Regimental Commanders, Guadalcanal, circa 1942.

"Lieutenant General Thomas Holcomb, Commandant of the Marine Corps, who traveled “almost twenty thousand” miles to pay a courtesy call on the “finest outfit I have ever seen” poses with Maj.Gen. A. A. Vandegrift and Maj.Gen. Roy C. Geiger. General Vandegrift is commanding officer of the Marines who recaptured Guadalcanal and General Geiger is commanding officer of the air forces there. General Holcomb is fifth from the right with General Vandegrift on his left and General Geiger on his right. They are surrounded by members of their staffs and unit commanders."

"A Marine, pack on back, gets a farewell handclasp from a soldier as he prepares to shove off the Japanese-held island."

"By truck and afoot, Marines leave Guadalcanal after months of bitter fighting for that South Pacific island. These men participated in the first landings and were among the last to leave after the Army took over and completed the American occupation of the island."

Marines leaving Guadalcanal, circa 1942. "Dripping with perspiration, Marines carry mail bags and bedding rolls into landing boats to be loaded aboard a transport. Hearts were lighter and all men were eager to lend a hand to hasten their departure from Guadalcanal."

Marines leaving Guadalcanal, circa 1942. ‘Leaping Lena’, a Higgins boat, takes aboard a load of Marines to take them to a waiting transport for transfer to another South Pacific base from Guadalcanal. The Leathernecks leaped at the chance to leave the island after their long fight with the Japanese."

Marines debarking at Brisbane, after leaving Guadalcanal, circa 1942. "Tired and battered but happy, battle-toughened Marines, relieved from the Solomons, are shown disembarking under full pack from a U.S. Navy transport at an allied base in the South Pacific area. After a short rest, this outfit is now in training for another offensive aimed at the heart of Tokyo."

Colonel Edson presented Medal of Honor by Brigadier General Rupertus, Southwest Pacific, circa 1942. "Col. Merrit Austin Edson, USMC, Commanding Officer of the first Marine Raider Battalion, is decorated with the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary heroism in combat. Making the award is Brigadier General William H. Rupertus, Assistant Division Commander of the First Marine Division. To the left is the General’s aide, First Lt. Guy Tarrant. This award was made in the Southwest Pacific."

Marine Commandant visiting Guadalcanal, circa 1942. "Touring Guadalcanal battlefields is Lt. General Thomas Holcomb (second from left, front row), Marine Corps Commandant, who recently made a flying trip to the Solomons. Major General Alexander A. Vandegrift walks beside him. Also in foreground wearing police cartridge belt is Col. Merrit A. Edson, commanding officer of a Marine Raider battalion."

Marine commanding officers at General Vandegrift Headquarters, Guadalcanal, circa 1942. "Shown left to right; General Woods, General Alexander A. Vandegrift, and Col. Thomas on Guadalcanal."

Lieutenant General A. A. Vandegrift personal tent, Guadalcanal, circa 1942. "This tent, bare of all but the necessary things is where Lt. Gen. A. A. Vandegrift, who was then Maj.Gen. and Commander of all U.S. Marine forces in the Solomon Islands, lived when on Guadalcanal."

General Rupertus and Staff, Guadalcanal, circa 1942.

"Brigadier General Rupertus, Assistant Division Commander and Colonel Amor LeRoy Sims sitting on the beach bats. The General (left) stirs a cup of coffee as Colonel Sims watches the operations.”

Brigadier General William Rupertus in front of tent, Guadalcanal, circa 1942. "Brigadier General William H. Rupertus, USMC, who was presented with the Navy Cross on Guadalcanal by Admiral Chester A. Nimitz, commander in chief of the Pacific Fleet, rests in a wicker chair in front of this tented office on Guadalcanal."

Colonel Gerald C. Thomas, Guadalcanal, circa 1942.

Marine in Intelligence Division, Guadalcanal, circa 1942. Lt. Col. Buckley, division intelligence director.

Lt. Col. Buckley, division intelligence director, with another Marine officer.

Commanding and Communications Officers at Headquarters, Guadalcanal, circa 1942. "Col. Walter Weedon Barrc Commanding officer of a unit, and Col. Edward W. Snedeker, communications officer, at their headquarters on Guadalcanal."

Conference with Staff, Guadalcanal, circa 1942. " With Colonel Thomas presiding, a council of war is held on Guadalcanal just before the Marines start on an offensive. The Colonel’s staff gathers around him for the last-minute instructions.”

Conference with Staff, Guadalcanal, circa 1942. "Colonel Thomas is pictured in the center in a reflective mood, just after giving final instructions for the first battle of the Matanikau in the Solomon Islands."

Marine interpreter teaching Japanese to troops, Guadalcanal, circa 1942. "Captain Sherman F. Moran, Marine Corps interpreter on Guadalcanal, holds school in Japanese for Leatherneck students who will eventually put this training to good use."

Col. Edson, commanding office of the Fifth Marines, in the Fifth Marines command post on Guadalcanal, circa 1942.

"Portside view of the Japanese troop ship Yamazuki Maru beached in a cove during the great naval battle of November 13-14, 1942. After being forced to the beach by the American forces, the ship was entirely destroyed by fire resulting from the shelling she had received."

"The riddled and beached hulk of Kinugawa Maru, a Japanese troop ship on the beach was set afire and forced on the beach by US Naval and Air action during the sea battle off Savo Island November 13-14. Note the section of steel plating embedded in the palm in the foreground. The palm is located approximately 350 yards from the ship."

"A Japanese troop ship lies sunk by the stern on the beach near a cove. The ship was sunk by American forces during the great naval battle of November 13-14 off Savo Island."

"A once proud Japanese troop transport lies a ground in Kokomo beach with her landing boats along the beach. The ship was forced on the beach during the naval battle off Savo Island, November 13-14. The ship was completely gutted by fire started from American bombing and shell fire."

"View of what was formerly the officers’ mess on the Japanese troop ship Kinugawa Maru showing the devastating effect of the American naval gunfire. The ship was destroyed during the naval engagement between task forces of the American and Japanese navies off Savo Island on November 13-14."

"Here is a Japanese landing craft beached high and dry after an attempted landing by the Japanese on Guadalcanal."

"This Higgins-built boat, far from its birthplace in New Orleans, Louisiana, is one of the reasons why Marine troops have Japanese forces on the run in the Solomon Islands. The Higgins craft, pictured between two native boats, is used not only for transportation of men and weapons in the attack but also for the removal of the wounded. The smooth, sandy beaches of the Solomon Islands offer ideal fields of operation for these sturdy boats."

Stake defenses, Guadalcanal, circa 1942. "Longer stakes, used in place of barbed wire because there was not enough on the island. They were securely mounted, presenting a real problem to climb."

"Lieutenant General Thomas Holcomb (right), Marine Corps Commandant, and Major General A.A. Vandegrift rest for a few minutes after lunch during Gen. Holcomb's recent inspection of Guadalcanal."

"A temporary bridge, built with amphibian tractors as floats. Guadalcanal."

Cemetery on  Guadalcanal, circa 1943.

"Members of a Marine unit on Guadalcanal move out of their positions in the beginning of the drive which drove all Japanese opposition from the island." 10 January 1943.

Cemetery on Guadalcanal, circa 1943.

"Col. F.B. Goettge, with captured Japanese currency. Probably the last photograph taken prior to his becoming missing in action while leading a combat patrol near Pt. Cruz, Guadalcanal."

A Marine at Guadalcanal with Jungle rot having the Corpsman putting Permanganate on it.