|
|
1912 Cuban Pacification Campaign
US forces protected American interests on the Province of Oriente and
in Havana from June 5 to August 5, 1912. In the spring of 1912, revolt
again flared in Cuba, and Marines were once more called to the island. On
27 May, the 2d Provisional Regiment was formed at Philadelphia and Norfolk
to reinforce the 1st Provisional Regiment already in Cuba. Under the
command of Colonel James E. Mahoney, the regiment sailed in several
vessels of the Navy for Cuba, where Companies B, D, and E helped quell the
Negro Rebellion. Within two months, peace again prevailed in the island,
and on 1 August, the 2d Provisional Regiment was disbanded, and its
personnel were returned to the United
States or detached to the newly reorganized 1st Provisional Regiment
in Cuba.
The 2d Regiment, 2d Provisional Brigade was formed at Philadelphia on
19 February 1913. The regiment, under the command of Colonel Joseph H.
Pendleton, was intended for duty in Mexico as part of the brigade.
However, it was sent to Guantanamo Bay and held in readiness for emergency
duties, meanwhile undergoing intensive training. On 1 May, the 2d Regiment
was redesignated 2d Regiment, Expeditionary Force, USMC. It remained in Cuba
until the latter part of the month, when it boarded the PRAIRIE for the
United States, arriving at Philadelphia on 1 June, when it disbanded.
References
A Brief History of the 2d Marines Revised by Captain Robert J. Kane,
USMC MARINE CORPS HISTORICAL REFERENCE PAMPHLET 1970
------------------------
MARINE CORPS HISTORICAL REFERENCE PAMPHLET
A Brief History of the 2d Marines
Revised by
Captain Robert J. Kane, USMC
First Printing: 1961
Revised: 1962
Revised: 1969
Historical Division
Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps
Washington, D. C. 20380
1970
PREFACE
"A Brief History of the 2d Marines" is a concise narrative of regiments
bearing the designation "2d" prior to 1913, and of the 2d Marines since its
initial organization over a half-century ago. Official records and an update
of appropriate historical works were used in compiling this chronicle. It is
published for the information of those interested in events in which the 2d
Marines have participated.
W. J. VAN RYZIN
Lieutenant General, U. S. Marine Corps
Chief of Staff
Reviewed and approved: 8 October 1970
i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Original On-Line
Page Page
Preface.................................................... i 4
SECTION I
The Provisional Regiments................................ 1 6
SECTION II
The 2d Marine............................................ 5 10
SECTION III
The War Years............................................ 14 20
SECTION IV
Decade by Decade......................................... 29 34
Reading List............................................... 37 42
Appendixes:
A. Footnotes............................................ 41 46
B. Commanding Officers, 2d Marines...................... 47 52
C. Chronology, Provisional Regiments.................... 53 58
D. Chronology, 2d Marines............................... 54 59
E. Honors of the 2d Marines............................. 56 61
F. Medal of Honor Recipients............................ 58 63
ii
SECTION I
The Provisional Regiments
The first "2d Regiment" of Marines came into existence in 1901 when
unsettled conditions in the Far East required the presence of a Marine
expeditionary force to protect American lives and property. The regiment was
formed at Cavite, Philippine Islands on 1 January<1>, by utilizing personnel
for units recently returned to the Philippines from service during in the
Boxer Rebellion in China, namely, the 1st Regiment and the 4th and 5th
Independent Battalions. The 2d Regiment, under the command of Lieutenant
Colonel Allen C. Kelton, became part of the 1st Brigade of Marines stationed
in the Philippines as a ready force to be committed wherever needed in Far
Eastern Waters.<2> Following the collapse of the Philippine Insurrection, the
2d was given an additional mission of helping carry out United States Navy
responsibilities for the military government of Cavite Peninsula and the Subic
Bay area.
The Marines of the regiment established garrisons and outposts and
continually patrolled their assigned areas to round up the remaining
insurgents and to maintain law and order. In order to execute the regiment's
military government responsibilities, officers were appointed to varied
special duties such as captains of the ports, district commanders, inspectors
of customs, internal revenue collectors, and provost judges and marshals. As
the political situation in the Philippines returned to normalcy, drill,
practice marches, and general field training. were emphasized to a greater
degree.<3>
Company F of the 2d was part of a provisional battalion sent from Cavite,
on 20 October 1901, to the island of Samar (in the southern Philippines) to
reinforce and cooperate with United States Army troops in operations against
insurgents on the island.<4> The Samar episode was one of the last guerrilla
actions that occurred during the the Philippine Insurrection. By April 1902,
the 1st Brigade was primarily regarded as a force-in-readiness for employment
anywhere in the Asiatic area.<5> To increase the effectiveness of such
expeditionary forces, the Navy Department provided necessary logistical
materiel at Cavite to be used in seizing and defending a forward base.<6>
Early in 1903, the 2d Regiment provided personnel for an expeditionary
force of 200 Marines, accompanied by materiel (ammunition and equipment) from
the advance base depot, which participated in a Navy advance base exercise.
The Marines were to seize an undefended harbor of a hypothetical enemy coast
and then defend it against invading hostile forces. The Marine force occupied
Grande Island, at the entrance of Subic Bay, and
1
mounted guns for the protection of minefields in the channels on either side
of the island.
After the maneuvers had been completed, the regiment, on 5 February,
provided troops for an expeditionary force of 500 men established at Olongapo
to hold itself in readiness for any possible employment.<7> At this time, the
bulk of the regiment moved from Cavite to Olongapo, with only one company
remaining at Cavite.
The 2d continued its garrison and patrol duties during its later years in
the Philippines. Routine training life in the area was from time to time
interrupted by minor clashes with bandits. Marine details were frequently
provided for shipboard duty in Asiatic waters, with the ships' detachments
sometimes being employed ashore to protect American interests.<8> In December
1911, for instance, Companies B and C were aboard the USS RAINBOW cruising off
the China coast, while, at the same time, Company E was assigned ashore at
Peking. In August 1912, Company A rotated for its turn of duty in the
RAINBOW.<9>
In January of 1914, the regiment reassigned most of its units to ships
and other stations of the Far East. With the transfer of the Field and Staff
(Headquarters) to the Provisional Regiment, Guam, on the 20 January, the 2d
Regiment was formally disbanded. Although Company A was left at Peking,
Company B at Cavite, and Company D at Olongapo, these companies ceased to
carry "2d Regiment" as part of their designation.<10>
Prior to 1913, there were a number of temporary organizations in the
Marine Corps created for specific purposes or tasks and designated as
regiments. However, when a particular unit was no longer needed (its purpose
or task completed) it was generally disbanded and the attached companies
returned to their original stations. It was uncommon for the Marine Corps to
have two or more regiments bearing the same designation. Consequently, at the
same time a "2d Regiment" served in the Far East, the 2d Regiment, 1st
Provisional Brigade consisting of a Field and Staff, and Companies A, B, C, F
was organized at League Island, Pennsylvania on 26 December 1903.<11> The
regiment embarked and sailed this same date to Panama arriving there on 3
January 1904.
The primary mission of this force in Panama was the enforcement of
provisions of the Hay-Herran Treaty made with Panama on 18 November 1903 which
provided for the construction of a cross-isthmus canal. The treaty provided
that any and all operations by the United States would be designed to ensure a
stable government in that republic, to safeguard the construction of the
canal, and the operation of the railroad.<12>
The 2d Regiment, commanded by Colonel Littleton W. T. Waller, aided in
establishing and maintaining peace and
2
order in the republic. The Marines gained a considerable knowledge of the
country while on reconnaissance to make studies for the defense of the canal
and the city of Panama.<13> On 14 February 1904, with the regiment's mission
accomplished, the 2d was disbanded at Panama and personnel were utilized to
form separate battalions, one of which relocated to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba for
duty.<14>
A revolution broke out in Cuba in late 1906, and a Marine expeditionary
force was dispatched to the island to establish and maintain law and
order.<15> As part of this force, the 4th Expeditionary Battalion was formed
at League Island, Pennsylvania, on 27 September 1906.<16> With Lieutenant
Colonel Franklin J. Moses in command, the battalion sailed for Cuba, arriving
at Camp Columbia on 8 October. Here, it was reorganized and redesignated 2d
Regiment, 1st Expeditionary Brigade.<17> Order was soon restored, and upon
the arrival of United States Army troops as occupation forces on 31 October,
the 2d Regiment was disbanded. The major portion of its personnel were
assigned to the newly created 1st Provisional Regiment stationed in Cuba for
duty with the Army forces.
The 2d Expeditionary Regiment was formed at Philadelphia in mid-December
1909,<18> to assist in maintaining order in Panama during the republic's
elections that year. The regiment, with Colonel Eli K. Cole commanding,
departed from Philadelphia on 14 December arriving in the Canal Zone several
days later. The 2d remained in the Republic of Panama until 13 April 1910,
when 200 of its Marines boarded the USS BUFFALO for Mare Island, California.
The following day, the bulk of the regiment again embarked on the Prairie for
the trip back to Philadelphia, where it arrived on 25 April and disbanded.<19>
On 9 March 1911, yet another "2d" was formed at Philadelphia. This 2d
Regiment, 1st Provisional Brigade was designed in Cuba because of internal
disorder which threatened United States interests.<20> The men of the 2d
boarded the USS DIXIE on 9 and 11 March and sailed for Guantanamo arriving the
15th. Within three months, order was restored on the island, and in June, the
2d returned to the United States, were it was disbanded at Philadelphia on the
14th.<21>
In the spring of 1912, revolt again flared in Cuba, and Marines were once
more called to the island. On 27 May, the 2d Provisional Regiment was formed
at Philadelphia and Norfolk<22> to reinforce the 1st Provisional Regiment
already in Cuba. Under command of Colonel James E. Mahoney, the 2d regiment
sailed in several Navy vessels for Cuba, where Companies B, D, and E helped
quell the revolt. Within two months, peace again prevailed in the island, and
on 1 August, the 2d Provisional Regiment was deactivated, and its personnel
transferred to the newly reorganized 1st Provisional Regiment in Cuba or
returned to the United States.<23>
3
Revolution occurred in the Dominican Republic in 1911 and 1912, resulting
in the customs service being interrupted, particularly along the Haitian
border, where the rebels captured and held several forts. To avert further
trouble, the United States sent two commissioners to the republic to look into
violations of the 1907 treaty, which provided for the collection of customs by
United States agents.<24> These commissioners were backed up by the 2d
Provisional Regiment, commanded by Colonel Franklin J. Moses. Formed at
Philadelphia on 27 September 1912<25> and composed of Companies A through F,
the regiment arrived off Santo Domingo City on 2 October. For the next two
months, the Marines of the regiment remained aboard the PRAIRIE as she
patrolled the waters off the city while negotiations progressed. On 1
December, after a peaceful settlement had been reached between revolutionary
factions in the republic, the regiment set sail for the United States,
disbanding when it arrived at Philadelphia on the 7th.<26>
The final one of these temporary "2d Regiment" organizations to be formed
was designated as the 2d Regiment, 2d Provisional Brigade on 19 February 1913
at Philadelphia.<27> Headed by Colonel Joseph H. Pendleton, the regiment was
originally intended for duty in Mexico as part of an expeditionary brigade.
Instead, it was sent to Guantanamo Bay and held in readiness for emergency
duties, while undergoing intensive training. On 1 May, this unit was
redesignated 2d Regiment, Expeditionary Force, USMC.<28> As such, it remained
in Cuba until the latter part of the month, when it boarded the PRAIRIE for
the United States, arriving at Philadelphia on 1 June, when it was
dissolved.<29>
4
SECTION II
The 2d Marines
The lineage of the present day 2d Marines can be traced back to the
activation of the 1st Advance Base Regiment was organized at Philadelphia on
19 June 1913.<30> This regiment was composed of C Company, a mine company
trained to handle harbor defense mines; E Company, a signal company trained in
radio, telephone, telegraph, buzzers, and visual signalling; a field artillery
battery which manned 3-inch field pieces; F and I Companies with
responsibilities for fixed batteries to be mounted in harbor defense; and H
Company which was trained both as engineer company and as a machine gun
company. The regiment was to provide the force of technical troops and
equipment required for the seizure and defense of an advance base. In the
beginning, the 1st Advance Base Regiment was generally referred to as the
"Fixed Defense Regiment." However, each company was also thoroughly schooled
in infantry weapons and tactics to ensure that all Marines were thoroughly
familiar with their primary occupational specialty.
On 23 December 1913, this same regiment became part of the Advance Base
Brigade formed at Philadelphia.<31> On 3 January 1914, it sailed with the
brigade for maneuvers, with the Atlantic Fleet at Culebra, Puerto Rico. These
maneuvers, forerunners of many to come over the years, consisted of the
occupation and defense of the island of Culebra by the Advance Base Brigade,
with the landing force of the Atlantic Fleet acting as aggressor forces. The
mission of the 1st Regiment, in defense, included emplacement of batteries of
3-inch guns on each side of the entrance to Culebra's harbor and the laying of
control mines offshore. The signal company, in addition to laying mines,
provided communications (telegraph and telephone) for the brigade, established
radio stations, and operated day and night visual stations. The engineers
assisted the fixed gun companies in the preparation of gun emplacements, built
docks, and established machine gun positions on certain parts of the harbor
shore line. The 1st 3-inch battery emplaced 4.7-inch guns in permanent
positions, holding its 3-inch field pieces in reserve.
Upon the successful completion of these maneuvers, the regiment sailed to
Pensacola, Florida and then on to New Orleans, Louisiana. Here, on 18
February 1914, the 1st Advance Base Regiment was redesignated 1st Regiment,
Advance Base Brigade.<32> For the next two months, under command of Lieutenant
Colonel Charles G. Long, the regiment operated onboard ship off New Orleans
and Algiers, Louisiana.
The location at the time was no accident; its operation in waters just
north of Mexico was part of another
5
First Marine Landing Party leaves USS PRAIRIE at Vera Cruz, 21Apr14. (USMC
Photo #521570)
Marines at Vera Cruz, Mexico 1914. (USMC Photo #514627)
6
show of force by the United States in protest of the rule of the latest
revolutionary victor in that country.<33> The Mexican situation worsened, and
Marine forces were ordered to land at Vera Cruz in response to an insult to
the American Flag, in order to seize the customs house and prevent the landing
of arms and ammunition by belligerents. The 1st Regiment landed on 22 April
and joined other forces in clearing the city.<34> Sectors of Vera Cruz were
assigned to each regiment with orders to search every building for arms, to
arrest all suspicious persons, and to prevent snipers from operating. The
search, hampered by continuous sniping, was exhausting and difficult. On the
23d, opposition slackened with the Marines occupying a large area of the city.
On 30 April, United States Army forces moved in with the Marine Advance Base
Brigade. The 1st Regiment took its turn at outpost duty and used the
opportunity for field training. On 23 November, its Mexican tasks completed,
the regiment returned to Philadelphia.<35>
On 3 December, the entire brigade was reorganized with one regiment given
the mission of fixed defense and the other, that of mobile defense. The 1st
Regiment, the fixed defense regiment, was assigned a fire control unit and
eight companies. These included four 5-inch gun companies, a searchlight
company, a mine company, an engineer company, and an anti-aircraft
company.<36> The increase of firepower inherent in this reorganization
strengthened the regiment's capabilities in keeping with Navy interests for
the further development of the Marine Advance Base Force.
By the summer of 1915, however, it became necessary to put aside advance
base work for immediate problems. This tine, the 1st Regiment, headed by
Colonel Theodore P. Kane was called to reinforce Marine forces in Haiti. The
policy which dictated United States intervention resulted from requests by
American business interests and the chaotic conditions which then existed in
Haiti. Also, the United States felt obligated by the Monroe doctrine to
protect the interests and property of foreign (European) nations.<37>
On 15 August, the 1st Regiment, minus the 2d Company which remained at
Philadelphia for instruction in submarine mining, landed the 4th, 6th, and 22d
Companies at Port au Prince and the 5th, 11th, 19th, and 23d Companies at Cape
Haitien.<38>
In addition to rendering assistance in maintaining the economic stability
of the country, the regiment carried out extensive patrolling into the
interior of the country. An estimated 25,000 to 50,00 Cacos lived in the
rugged mountains contiguous with the Dominican Republic. These people were
soldiers of fortune who lived on the country as bandits in normal times and
supported one or the other of the candidates for the presidency during
revolutionary periods. The mission of the 1st Regiment in the next few months
was to seek out and
7
Map of Haiti/Dominican Republic
8
appease, or "tame" the Cacos. The Marines had many skirmishes with these
rebels, with the attack and capture of Fort Riviere on 17 November being an
engagement of particular note.
The fort was situated on the summit of Montagne Noir, 4,000 feet above
the sea, which commanded the surrounding country for miles in every direction.
The fort itself was an old French bastion of approximately 200 square feet
with thick walls of brick and stone. The walls had been loopholed to command
the plain at the foot of the height.
All avenues of approach had been previously closed so that no Cacos could
escape. The only real difficulty encountered by the Marines, was in crossing
an open plain 800 yards wide under heavy fire. Fortunately for the Marines,
the fire of the Cacos was inaccurate. One company of Marines advanced while
covering fire was provided by two other companies. The main entrance to the
fort on the north had been sealed by the Cacos and a breach in the south wall
had been made for passage. It was through this hole that the Marines forced
their way, overwhelming the enemy within the fort in a vicious 10-minute,
hand-to-hand fray which resulted in a total of 51 Cacos being killed,
including their leader General Joseph Dorzeme Michels. The Marines suffered no
casualties. The forces involved in the attack on Fort Riviere were the 5th
Company (Captain W. W. Low), the 13th Company (Captain C. Campbell), Marine
Detachment, CONNECTICUT (Captain Barker), Seaman Company, CONNECTICUT (Lt (jg)
S. D. Mc Caughey) and Automatic Gun Detachment, 3d Company. The actual
assault on the fort was made by the 5th Company which accounted for 29 of the
51 Cacos. The remaining 22 jumped from the fort during the hand-to-hand
combat and were killed by the covering forces.
With the capture of Fort Capois shortly thereafter, Haiti became
relatively stable and its inhabitants resumed more peaceful pursuits. The
regiment continued to patrol and garrison a number of towns until called to
the neighboring Dominican Republic where internal disorder in the early months
of 1916 threatened American lives and property.
By the end of April, the 1st Regiment had joined the 1st, 9th, 13th
(artillery), 14th, and 24th Companies from the 2d Regiment in Haiti, and in
the early part of May, these companies, together with the 4th, 5th, 6th, and
19th Companies of the regiment were moved to Santo Domingo City to protect the
American Legation and later to occupy the city during a period of
insurrection. On 1 July, the companies remaining in Haiti were detached from
the 1st Regiment. On this same date, the 1st Regiment was redesignated the 2d
Regiment and vice versa. Consequently, the 1st Regiment, which was in Haiti,
was then, through redesignation, the 2d Regiment. All lineage and honors of
the old 1st Regiment than belonged to the 2d Regiment. On 1 July the 2d
Regiment was comprised of Field and Staff, Naval
9
Capture of Fort Riviere. (USMC Photo #522218)
10
Detachment, 1st and 2d Sections of the 7th and 17th Companies, and the 15th,
16th, 20th, and 23d Companies. The 11th, 19th, and 22d Companies joined the
2d during July and the 18th Company joined on 8 September.<39> The 11th
Company went on an expedition to the Dominican Republic late in July to seek
arms of the revolutionists while the remaining companies remained with the 2d
in Haiti. By the end of the summer, bandit activity had quieted down and the
regiment settled into a more normal routine. Although some patrolling
continued, the main activity centered around training the Marines of the 2d
and the men of the newly organized Haitian Constabulary.<40>
The 15th Company of the regiment formed part of a mounted expedition sent
to Azua, Dominican Republic, in September to quell a rebellion. On 12
November, its range firing completed, the 10th Company rejoined the regiment
and was stationed at Fortaleza de San Luis, Santiago, Dominican Republic.<41>
When the decrease in bandit activity and the active participation of the
United States during 1917 and 1918 in World War 1, the frustrated 2d Regiment
spent the war years in routine barracks duty. Occasional patrol activity and
frequent changes in organization and personnel did little to alleviate the
disappointment of those Marines stuck in the tropics and who were not able to
take part in the great war. In the early months of 1917, the 53d, 54th, and
57th Companies joined the regiment and the 7th, 11th, 17th, 20th, and 22d
Companies were detached. Later that spring, the 2d began to benefit from the
war mobilization efforts of the United States. When the 16th and 23d
Companies were detached on 25 May, sufficient personnel were available to
organize the 64th and 65th Companies. The only notable events of the next
year and a half were the frequent changes of command.
The spring of 1919, however, witnessed a considerable increase in bandit
activity in Haiti. On 26 March, the 36th, 100th, 148th, and 153d Companies
joined the regiment, and a month later, the 2d took to the field as the native
gendarmerie was unable to contain the increasing banditry. Four of the
regiment's companies operated in southern Haiti, while two companies moved
into the rural areas in the central part of the island. During the month of
May, all companies of the 2d Regiment, except the 148th, participated in a
concerted drive to clear the republic of thieves and bandits. The 196th and
197th Companies joined the 2d in June, and both companies assisted in mopping
up the bandit strongholds during the following several months.
On 17 December, the 36th, 57th, 63d, 100th, 148th, and 196th Companies
were transferred to the 8th Regiment.<42> With the organization of the Supply
Company on 24 January 1920, the 2d Regiment was composed of Field and Staff,
Supply, 53d, 54th, 62d, 64th, 153d, and 197th Companies.<43> The Field and
Staff
11
Marines in search of bandits in Haiti, 1919.
2d Regiment in formation at MD, Port-au-Prince, Haiti, 22 Feb 1932.
12
was redesignated Headquarters Company on 1 February.
During 1920-21, with banditry finally suppressed and peace restored, the
regiment continued its garrison duties with reduced personnel, assisting in
the training of the native constabulary and performing other duties incident
to the occupation.<44>
The years 1922-1929 were peaceful ones for the Marines of the 2d Regiment
as Haiti remained quiet, with considerable progress being made in sociological
and technological areas in the country. Patrolling and mapping continued as
the regiment increased its knowledge of Haiti and its ways. At this same
time, Marines of the 2d Regiment were thoroughly indoctrinated on how to deal
with the natives. Military training occupied most of the 2d's time with
frequent exercises being held.<45>
Changes in the command and organization of the regiment continued
throughout the next two years. On 1 July 1924, Headquarters Company, Service
Company (formerly Supply Company), and the 62d Company (recently rejoined)
were reorganized.<46> Headquarters and the 62d Companies were combined into a
new Headquarters Company on 3 June 1925.<47> When the 8th Regiment was
disbanded in Haiti on 1 July, its Headquarters, 100th, 63d, and 64th Companies
joined the 2d Regiment.<48> Headquarters Company of the 2d Regiment was
redesignated Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 2d Regiment.
Headquarters and the 100th Companies from the 8th Regiment were combined and
designated Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Regiment, 1st Brigade.
On this same date, the 26th, 54th, and 53d (Machine Gun) Companies joined the
2d Regiment. As a result of these changes, the regiment, as of 1 July, was
composed of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 36th, 53d (Machine Gun),
63d, and 64th Companies stationed at Port-au-Prince. The 2d Battalion,
composed of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, and the 54th Company, was
stationed at Camp Haitien. On 1 March 1926, the 63d Company was transferred
to the 2d Battalion, relieving the 54th Company, which joined the 2d Regiment
at Port-au-Prince.<49>
In the fall of 1926, Marines of the regiment assisted in quelling
political disturbances in Haiti, but most of the 2d's occupational activity
was turned to improving the lot of the natives and developing natural
resources on the island. During these latter years of its Haitian tour, the
regiment assisted in building roads and schools, improving sanitary
conditions, and training and supervising the native constabulary.
On 1 January 1933, as part of a Marine Corps-wide redesignation of units,
the 2d Regiment was redesignated 2d Marines, its present and permanent
designation.<50> On the same date, the 36th and 54th Companies were
disbanded, and the 53d, 63d, and 64th Companies were redesignated Companies D,
B, and C respectively.
13
Companies C and D were transferred to the United States on 26 July 1934,
and on 8 August, Company B was disbanded. With evacuation of the 1st Brigade
from Haiti, Headquarters Company of the 2d was dissolved on 15 August 1934,
and the 2d Marines disappeared from the official records for nearly seven
years.<51>
14
SECTION III
The War Years
The 2d Marines, commanded by Joseph C. Fegan was officially reactivated
as part of the 2d Marine Division at Marine Corps Base, San Diego, on 1
February 1941.<52> In April, the regiment moved to Camp Elliott, San Diego
and began intensive training in the mechanics of amphibious warfare.
The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1942 caused some
apprehension that the enemy might attack our West Coast. The 2d Marines was
alerted to assist in protecting the area from Oceanside to the Mexican
border.<53> When the danger of immediate invasion abated, the 2d returned to
Camp Elliott to assist in training recruits. The 2d Marines was redesignated
2d Marines (Reinforced)<54> during May 1942 while its units were training in
the San Diego area.
As part of a larger force, the 2d Marines (Reinforced), embarked and
sailed from San Diego on 1 July 1942, arriving in the Transport Area off Koro
Island on the 25th in sufficient time to take part in the final rehearsal
prior to the Guadalcanal operations.<55> The 2d was in reserve for this
operation, and yet provided the first Marines to land.
On 7 August, prior to the main assault on Guadalcanal by the 1st Marine
Division, Company B (Reinforced), 2d Marines landed on Florida Island to
protect the left flank of the Marines executing the Tulagi landing.<56> While
Company B and its reinforcing elements deployed inland, the remainder of the
1st Battalion landed on Florida, near Gavutu and Tanambogo. By early
afternoon, it had cleared its objective and reembarked to await further
orders. Company B meanwhile, was ordered to assist the 1st Parachute
Battalion in clearing Tanambogo, but because of the intensity of enemy fire,
it was forced to withdraw to the transport area.
On the following morning, the 3d Battalion, 2d Marines landed on Gavutu
Island and assisted the 1st Parachute Battalion in clearing Tanambogo on 9
August. The other two infantry battalions of the regiment landed on Tulagi on
the 9th, and by that evening, had secured the small islands of the Tulagi
area. Subsequent operations in that area consisted of mopping up and
consolidating positions.
The 3d Battalion, 2d Marines, was moved from Tulagi to Guadalcanal on 14
September and inserted in the east side of the perimeter between elements of
the 5th and 7th Marines.<57> It continued to man that position until early in
October, when it
15
Map of the First Offensive
GUADALCANAL
16
participated in the Matanikau Offensive from the 7th to the 9th. The
battalion then became part of the 1st Marine Division reserve once more and
remained in that capacity until the 30th, when it returned to Tulagi for
garrison duty and a well earned rest.
Meanwhile, elements of the 2d Battalion, 2d Marines, raided the area near
the village of Koilotumaria and Garabusu, Guadalcanal, on 10 October, and
returned to Tulagi two days later.<58> The 1st and 2d Battalions patrolled
the Tulagi area until the 28th, consolidating positions off the coast of
Florida.
The 2d Marines (-) moved to Guadalcanal on the 29th to participate, as
part of a larger force, in the push towards Kokumbona. When the Japanese
again threatened in the Koli Point area, the Kokumbona drive was terminated,
and the two battalions of the 2d were assigned defensive positions in the
Point Cruz area. The regiment, as part of a larger force, again moved forward
on 10 November, to regain most of the ground given up earlier in the month,
when the division had been forced to shift its attention eastward.
During the next six weeks, the 2d Marines was shifted about within the
Guadalcanal perimeter, reinforcing danger spots and consolidating defensive
positions along the front lines. On 12 January 1943, the regiment relieved
the 1st Battalion, 8th Marines to participate, as part of XIV Corps, in
offensive operations to the west of Point Cruz. Two days later, the 2d
Marines was relieved and returned to a reserve area preparatory to leaving the
island.
After rejoining its 3d Battalion from Tulagi, it left Guadalcanal on 31
January and sailed for New Zealand, arriving at Wellington on 6 February.<59>
Here, as part of the 2d Marine Division, the regiment rested, reorganized, and
trained for nearly a year. Liberty and leave were granted liberally, so that
all Marines had an opportunity to see New Zealand and to become acquainted
with its hospitable people. A well planned recreation program was implemented.
But training went on, too, with the transition from play to work being brought
about gradually.
The 2d Marine Division, including the 2d Marines, was attached to V
Amphibious Corps on 15 September.<60> The Marines of the regiment attended
the various specialist schools, such as tank, intelligence, etc., and then
made good use of their added instruction in the execution of amphibious
training exercises.
The regiment sailed on 28 October, as part of the 2d Marine Division, for
Efate, south of Espiritu Santo, to take part in final rehearsals for the
landing at Tarawa.<61> At Efate, on 7 November, Colonel Marshall, who had
rebuilt the 2d Marines in New Zealand, became ill and had to be returned to
the United States. The following day, Lieutenant Colonel David M. Shoup
17
Patrol on Guadalcanal, August 1942. (USMC Photo #50831)
Assault on Tarawa, November 1943. (USMC Photo #63909)
18
(22d Commandant of the Marine Corps, 1960-1963), the division's operations
officer, received a spot-promotion to colonel and was assigned the command of
the regiment.<62>
The 2d Marines (Reinforced), with the 2d Battalion, 8th Marines attached,
assaulted Betio Island, the main defensive bastion of the Japanese positions
on Tarawa Atoll, on the morning of 20 November. Just prior to the main
landing, the Scout-Sniper Platoon, H&S Company, 2d Marines, arrived at the end
of the long pier jutting into the sea and proceeded to clear it of enemy
forces. This helped the main assault forces move in towards their assigned
beaches, but the Japanese fire was still murderous. Only the first three
waves of Marines were mounted in amphibian tractors, which enabled them to
cross the fringe coral reef and move steadily to the shore. The later waves
were composed of landing craft, none of which could traverse the barrier reef.
The Marines in these craft got out as best they could, stumbled across the
reef, and waded towards shore. The toll in Marine blood was a costly price
exacted by the devastating fire from well integrated gun positions on the
island. These later waves kept the attack moving and helped defend the
beachhead won by the assault waves.
In the latter part of the morning, Colonel Shoup and his staff landed and
set up a command post on the pier, and, later, on the beach. With the
situation in critical balance, Colonel Shoup committed his reserve in the
afternoon. By nightfall, Combat Team 2 (the name given the assault force) was
clinging precariously to a slim perimeter and subject to continuous heavy
enemy fire.
Early the following morning, reinforced by the remainder of the 8th
Marines, Combat Team 2 pushed inland. Progress was slow and casualties
sustained were high. But elements of the 1st and 2d Battalions, 2d Marines,
supported by the 1st Battalion, 10th Marines, naval gunfire, and two tanks,
managed to struggle southward to secure Green Beach, from which the anti-boat
guns had been pouring death and destruction on the Marines still attempting to
land.<63> In the afternoon, the situation turned to Marine advantage, as more
room became available to land and maneuver. By nightfall, the 6th Marines
began to land, and on arrival, the entire 2d Marine Division was committed.
The attack was continued on the 22d with the Marines of the regiment holding
their hard-won gains against vicious counter-attacks. That night, the 1st
Battalion, 2d Marines, helped repulse a fanatical Banzai attack from the
southeastern end of the island. This was to be the last organized enemy
action, for on the 23d, a final push met only scattered resistance. At
approximately midday, Betio was secured.<64>
On the following day, the 2d Marines left the island bound for Hawaii,
where a new camp awaited them at Kamuela. However, Camp Tarawa still required
three weeks of tedious labor on the part of the Marines of the regiment before
they could begin to
19
Map of Betio Island with inset of Tara Atoll
20
Marine Reinforcements wading ashore at Tarawa. (USMC Photo #63516)
Assault on Saipan, 15 Jun 1944. (USMC Photo #89471)
21
rest and reorganize. Replacements were integrated into the elements of the
regiment, and an intensive training program was launched. In the early phases
of this program, training emphasis was placed on the lower units, with the
newly adopted Marine Corps "fire-team" system being employed by the rifle
battalions. The proper functioning of the infantry-tank-artillery-engineer
team was stressed in exercises conducted night and day in terrain varying from
jungle and cane fields to that more typical of larger volcanic land
masses.<65>
The 2d Marines, as part of the 2d Marine Division, culminated its general
training by taking part in V Corps amphibious maneuvers held during the latter
part of March off the beaches of Maalaea Bay, Maui. The 1st Battalion, 2d
Marines, scheduled for a special mission with Company A, Corps Amphibious
Reconnaissance Battalion, conducted a special final rehearsal during the
period 20-24 May, at Hanalei Bay, Kauai. On 30 May, the 2d Marines, in 2d
Marine Division reserve, left Hawaii for further action against the Japanese.
On board ship, Saipan was announced as the target with D-Day set for 15
June. The Marines of the regiment were given detailed information concerning
their objective and mission. The 2d Marines was to feint a landing on Tanapag
Harbor and then land in support of the actual landing forces near Charan
Kanoa.
On 15 June, while elements of the 2d and 4th Marine Divisions made the
assault landing in the vicinity of Charan Kanoa, the 2d Marines (less its 1st
Battalion) successfully carried out the Tanapag feint in conjunction with the
1st Battalion, 29th Marines, and the 24th Marines. Later in the day, the 3d
Battalion and a portion of the 2d Battalion, 2d Marines, landed on the Charan
Kanoa beaches in the rear of the assaulting forces. The remainder of the
regiment landed on the following day. That night, the 2d Battalion, on line
as part of the 6th Marines on the division left, assisted in repelling a
violent Japanese tank-infantry counterattack.
On the morning of the 17th, the regiment, as part of the 2d Marine
Division, attacked towards Garapan, regulating its advance with that of the
6th Marines to its right.<66> The 2d Marines, the pivot of a corps wheeling
movement to the north, marked time for several days just south of Garapan,
sending out patrols and waiting for the word to continue the drive northward.
In the afternoon of 23 June, the 2d Battalion (less company F), was
detached from the 6th Marines and returned to the 2d Marines as regimental
reserve. On the same date, the 2d Battalion, 6th Marines, which had been
operating as a part of the 2d Marines, was returned to its parent unit. To
replace it, the 1st Battalion, 2d Marines was released by division to the 2d
Marines.
22
By the 24th, the inland drive of the forces had progressed sufficiently
to enable the 2d Marines to advance. However, on the outskirts of Garapan the
regiment was again held up for several days, patrolling and consolidating its
lines, while other elements of the 2d Marine Division slowly pushed through
the high ground inland against continuous formidable resistance.
Regimental patrols during this period not only kept the enemy off
balance, but also provided an opportunity for the Marines to use various
subterfuges to outwit the enemy and gain valuable information. On the 29th,
for example, the regiment made a mock attack on a hill occupied by about a
platoon of Japanese. After the preparatory fires had been lifted, the 2d
Marines opened up with small-arms fire simulating an assault. But, as soon as
the Japanese raised up in their positions to repel the assault, artillery,
mortars, and heavy machine guns raked the exposed enemy. Several days later,
when the regiment actually moved across the position, the litter of Japanese
corpses attested to the success of the ruse.
The regiment's 2d Battalion exchanged positions with the 3d Battalion,
8th Marines on 1 July, with the latter unit assuming a reserve role for the 2d
Marines. The regiment drove into Garapan on the following day. The 3d
Battalion moved directly into the heart of the city, the largest on Saipan,
while the 1st Battalion occupied Sugar Loaf Hill, to the east of Garapan, and
tied in with the 6th Marines by nightfall. The 3d Battalion pushed through
the rest of the city and onto Mutcho Point on 3 July, with the 1st Battalion
reaching the sea north of Garapan that night. The two battalions cleared
their sectors on the following day, and then, pinched out by the advance of
the 6th Marines, they reverted to Northern Troops and Landing Force reserve.
The regiment (less its 2d Battalion) was attached to the 4th Marine
Division on the morning of 6 July, and advanced with the 23d Marines on its
left and the 24th Marines on its right. For the next five days, the 2d
Marines, as part of the 4th Marine Division, drove forward against sporadic
resistance, finally compressing the enemy into a small area on the northern
tip of the island. The 2d now participated in the mop up, and, on the 9th,
the island was declared to be secured. Isolated pockets of resistance in the
cliffs and wooded areas of the northern part of Saipan kept the Marines of the
regiment employed until 23 July.
On the following day, the scene shifted for the 2d Marines as it
participated in a feint landing off Tinian town, while the 4th Marine Division
landed on the northern tip of the island of Tinian. The 2d Marines also
landed over the northern beaches on the 25th, taking positions in the rear of
the 8th Marines.<67> The regiment moved up on the right of the 8th Marines on
the morning of the 26th, and joined that regiment in a drive toward
23
Company CP I/3/2 on Saipan. (USMC Photo #84188)
Assault on Tinian, 21 Jul 1944. (USMC Photo #87236)
24
Map of Saipan/Tinian Island.
25
the east coast. Late in the day, the 2d and 8th wheeled to the south, moving
rapidly against light resistance.
The 2d Marines reached the cliffs in the Marpo Point area by 31 July and
took up blocking positions to prevent the escape of any Japanese to the north.
The island of Tinian was declared to be secured on 1 August, and the Marines
of the regiment started on the task of mopping up enemy remnants. The 2d's
mission was over a week later, when the regiment was returned to Saipan to
rest and reorganize.
The 2d Marines remained on Saipan for the next seven months, training
under battle conditions as Japanese stragglers continued to harass the
occupation forces. On 20 October, the regiment, as part of the 2d Marine
Division, passed to the control of III Amphibious Corps for training,
planning, and operations. Intensive training continued while high level plans
were developed for the next operation.
The 2d Marines sailed for Okinawa on 25 March 1945, as part of the
largest amphibious force yet participated in by Marine ground elements. The
regiment, with other units of the 2d Marine Division in III Amphibious Corps
reserve, was positioned to execute a feint on the Minatoga beaches, on the
southeastern tip of the island.<68> The 2d headed for shore, along with other
units of the diversionary force; at that moment, the actual landing was being
made on the east central shore of Okinawa by other elements of III Amphibious
Corps and XXIV Army Corps, comprising the Tenth Army. Not until the landing
craft turned about and headed back to the transports and LSTs did the Japanese
discover the feint. The 2d did suffer casualties, however, for, as its
Marines boarded landing craft for the move to the beaches, a Japanese Kamikaze
smashed through the hull of LST 884 killing or wounding a number of the men of
Company I, 3d Battalion, 2d Marines.<69> The ships bearing the 2d Marines
withdrew to deeper water but remained circling in the East China Sea. The
threat of further Kamikaze action forced withdrawal of the amphibious force,
and the 2d Marine Division (less its 130th Naval Construction Battalion) was
returned to Saipan. Here, the Marines of the 2d again commenced an intensive
training program. The atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and the entry
of Russia into the war against Japan caused a revision of the regiment's
plans.
Instead of making an assault on the Japanese homeland, the 2d Marines
landed at Nagasaki on 23 September to participate in the occupation of
Japan.<70> The regiment was assigned an area consisting of Miyazaki
Prefecture and the half of Kagoshima east of Kagoshima Wan, with the mission
of checking locations of Japanese military installations and verifying the
inventories of Japanese materiel in the assigned area. In addition, the 2d
Marines assisted in processing civilian and military personnel, including
Formosans, Chinese, and Koreans in addition to the Japanese.
26
In November 1945, those men of the regiment who had accrued the highest
number of points<71> were sent home. In February 1946, the 3d Battalion was
returned to the United States and deactivated. Remaining battalions of the 2d
Marines were billeted in camps throughout its assigned area and began training
in basic subjects, including weapons, and combat tactics. The regiment
departed Japan for the United States on 13 June, docked at Norfolk on 12 July,
and moved overland to Camp Lejeune.<72>
27
Marine Occupation Area Kyushu 1945-46
28
SECTION IV
Decade By Decade
Back "home," the 2d Marines embarked on another intensive training
program to prepare for future assignments. As part of the 2d Marine Division,
which became the backbone of the newly formed Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic,
the 2d Marines was to be employed in vital, varied, and demanding missions
over the coming months.
By late 1946, the regiment had an advanced amphibious training program
underway. After preparatory work with elements of the Atlantic Fleet at
Little Creek in January and February 1947, the 2d Marines participated in 2d
Marine Division landing exercises in the Caribbean in March.<73>
Training continued during the spring and summer months, and on 10
September, the 2d Marines (Rein), or RCT-2, embarked at Morehead City, the
port of Camp Lejeune, for six weeks of amphibious exercises at Little Creek.
Upon its return from Little Creek on 18 November, the regiment was reduced to
battalion strength.<74> Headquarters and Service Company was disbanded; the
1st Battalion was redesignated 2d Marines and reorganized into Companies
Headquarters, A, B, and C; and the 2d Battalion was deactivated.
On 5 January 1948, the 2d Marines (Rein) embarked in USS BEXAR at
Morehead City and sailed for the Mediterranean Sea. It arrived at the island
of Malta on 18 January, where its units were transferred to ships of the Sixth
Fleet.<75> The Marines of the regiment participated in exercises and
maneuvers of the fleet until relieved in March, when the 2d again returned to
Camp Lejeune.
The regiment became part of the 1st Provisional Marine Regiment on 1
November, and during the month, it made a two day stopover at Argentia,
Newfoundland.<76> The regiment was redesignated 2d Marines (Reinforced), 2d
Marine Division on 14 December, and subsequently, took part in fleet maneuvers
in the Atlantic and Mediterranean areas.<77> The 2d returned to the United
States in April 1949 and on 24 May, again became part of the 1st Provisional
Marine Regiment.<78> The 2d Marines returned to a two-battalion strength
level on 17 October.
The year 1950 passed in routine fashion for the 2d Marines with the
highlight of the year coming in April, when the regiment took part in a
division/wing exercise. Training continued for the next year as the regiment
made a concerted effort to improve its readiness. War in Korea necessitated
the transfer of many of the 2d's personnel to the 1st Marine Division, but
29
the 2d Marines remained oriented towards the Caribbean and the Mediterranean.
The regiment engaged in a major training exercise, LANTFLEX 52 at Vieques
from 5 through 13 November 1951. It then returned to Camp Lejeune, where the
winter months were spent in preparing for further amphibious training
exercises to be held at Little Creek during the latter part of March and early
April 1952. On the conclusion of these, the 2d Marines took part in TRAEX I
at Vieques. En route back to Lejeune, the regiment was feted by the city of
Miami with 9 June being designated "2d Marine Regiment Day." On the 13th, the
regiment returned home, "storming" the beaches at Onslow.
BLT 3/2 carried out amphibious exercises at Little Creek in late July
prior to serving as the landing force of the Sixth Fleet. During its European
tour, the BLT joined NATO forces in exercises at Jutland and cooperated with
Greek and Turkish troops in a practice assault landing at Lebedos Bay, Turkey.
On 7 February 1953, BLT 3/2 rejoined its parent unit at Camp Lejeune.
The regiment trained in helicopter maneuvers and other assault techniques
during the spring in preparation for landings as part of the 2d Marine
Division on Vieques from 5 through 28 March. The summer and fall months
passed uneventfully for the 2d, with BLT 1/2 heading for duty with the Sixth
Fleet on 10 September.
In January 1954, the remainder of the regiment engaged in amphibious
exercises at Vieques. BLT 1/2/ returned from Europe on 4 February, and, for
the summer, the regiment was able to train as a unit. BLT 2/2 embarked for
Mediterranean duty on 8 September, and in November, the rest of the regiment
took part in LANTFLEX 1-55.
BLT 2/2 returned from its Mediterranean tour on 29 January, so for
another summer, the 2d Marines could train as a unit in preparation, this
time, for LANTPHIBEX 1-55 to be held at Onslow in October and early November.
The 2d Marines climaxed its 1955 training by participating in TRAEX 1-56
held at Vieques during the first three months of 1956. BLT 3/2 embarked for
duty with the Sixth Fleet on 22 August and soon put the previous year's
intensive training to good use. During the period 31 October through 3
November, the BLT assisted in the evacuation of United States observors and
other nationals from Alexandria, Egypt, and the Gaza Strip, as war threatened
between Egypt and Israel.
BLT 3/2 returned to the United States on 1 February 1957, and with all
units of the 2d Marine rejoined, it was possible to train as a regimental
organization. Training during the early months of the year culminated in a
regimental field exer-
30
Marine infantrymen conducting amphibious training at Onslow Beach. (USMC
Photo #A-140402)
Marines assault Onslow Beach during amphibious training exercises, February
1964. (USMC Photo #A19478)
31
cise held at Lejeune from 1 through 5 April. BLT 1/2 again headed for duty
with the Sixth Fleet on 30 April. The 3d Battalion of the regiment took part
in TRAMID exercises in June, aiding in the familiarization of Midshipmen in
amphibious operations. During the latter part of August and continuing
through most of September, the 2d Battalion, 2d Marines furnished the infantry
force for BATREX 2-57 held at Vieques.
With the return of BLT 1/2 from southern Europe on 2 October, the 2d
Marines increased the intensity of its training as preparations were made for
TRAEX 1-58 to be held at Vieques in February 1958. BLT 2/2 was the next unit
of the regiment to head for Mediterranean duty, embarking on 1 May.
This Mediterranean tour was a particularly important one, for the BLT was
ashore at Beirut, Lebanon, from 15 July to 15 August, assisting in maintaining
order and assuring the preservation of peace. With the tense situation in
Lebanon easing, the BLT withdrew in the middle of August, and on 23 October,
it was again back at Camp Lejeune, joining the rest of the regiment in further
training in the various aspects of amphibious warfare.
From 10 January until 4 June 1959, the 1st Battalion of the regiment
provided the infantry force for the 12th Provisional Brigade in BRIGADELEX 59
held in the Caribbean area. Meanwhile, BLT 3/2 departed for the Mediterranean
on 26 February, returning on 24 August. In September, the 2d Marines
participated in 2d Marine Division exercise TRAEX 3-60 in the Onslow Beach
area.
The 60's became a period of intense training for the 2d Marines. It
engaged in virtually every type of conditioning related to the accomplishment
of the Corps' mission. The primary objective was, of course, to maintain a
state of preparedness consistent with Marine Corps doctrine. The 60's
witnessed the continued deployment of BLTs to the Mediterranean and the
Caribbean, while local exercises from small unit level through that of
division/wing size kept the Marines of the 2d ready for any eventuality. With
this period came not only training, but events that were to realistically test
the results of that preparation. On several occasions the 2d Marines was
called upon to respond to world crisis involving American interests.
In the spring months of 1960, the Marines of the 2d, with engineer
assistance, improved their instructional facilities at Camp Lejeune by
building four classrooms in the regiment's area. As a service to Marine
personnel and as an added moral factor, the regiment established the first
amateur radio station, W4PKW, at Camp Lejeune. This provided a cross-country
radio-telephone system that enabled Marine personnel to call home at no cost.
In the summer months, the 3d Battalion took part in BRIGADELEX 3-60 in
the Caribbean area. BLT 2/2 participated in JAMLEX in the Onslow Beach area
in the fall as part of continued joint
32
training activities. LANTPHIBEX 1-60, a combination surface and heli-borne
assault, was the big exercise of the year, with the 2d Marines (Reinforced)
landing over Onslow Beach in a heavy fog. BLT 1/2 made the Mediterranean trip
later in the summer, while the Caribbean was the scene of training for others.
On 4 January, 1962 BLT 2/2 conducted a demonstration at Onslow beach for
the Secretary of the Navy. This demonstration involved an amphibious landing
with support from the 2d Marine Aircraft Wing at Cherry Point. In February,
BLT 3/2 took part in an amphibious landing exercise, MEDLANDEX 1-62, in
Sardinia. BLT 3/2 had been conducting training exercises in the Mediterranean
since September of 1961.<79>
Foreign dignitaries were often invited to witness the marines in action
during training exercises. Such was the case in April, when the 2d Battalion
took part in an impressive display of Marine tactics. This operation involved
8,000 Marines from Lejeune and was viewed by representatives from 45
countries. Among the spectators were President John F. Kennedy and the Shah
of Iran.<80>
In October and November 1962, the preparedness of the 2d Marines was
tested. President Kennedy ordered a complete naval quarantine against
shipment of offensive arms by Russia to Cuba. This action involved more than
40 ships and 20,000 men. The 2d Battalion and other elements of the 2d
Marines embarked aboard the USS CHILTON and sailed from Morehead City, North
Carolina on 16 October from the Cuban area. This crisis eventually subsided
but only after bringing the two major world powers to a confrontation that was
alarmingly close to the brink of war. The 2d Battalion returned to Camp
Lejeune after disembarking at Sunny Point, North Carolina on 3 December.<81>
During the next two years, the 2d Marines engaged in a variety of
training exercises. The need for a constant national state of readiness had
been clearly shown by the Cuban Missile Crisis.
On 10 July, 1963, BLT 2/2 embarked for a three month training exercise in
the Caribbean. While it was engaged in two amphibious landing exercises and
conducting counter-insurgency operations over a period of four weeks, the
landing team received air support from Provisional Marine Aircraft Group 60.
During these operations, the 2d Battalion demonstrated its flexibility. It
was forced to reembark twice when hurricanes threatened. In July 1963 when
trouble developed in Haiti, the BLT was deployed off the coast of that country
for 5 days.
In September of 1963, BLT 3/2 departed for the Mediterranean while BLT
1/2 conducted training exercises in the Caribbean.<82>
33
The legendary excellence of Marine infantry has been frequently
attributed to intensive training at the small unit level. In 1963 a rifle
squad from the 3d Battalion won the 2d Marine Division's "Tarawa Award", as
the top division squad.<83>
The 2d Marines conducted normal training exercises during 1964. These
exercises were punctuated by two large-scale operations. The first such
operation, QUICK KICK V, was a mammoth 15-day combined service exercise. On
12 April, elements of the 2d Marines stormed ashore at Onslow Beach with more
than 12,000 Marines from the 2d Division. Units from the Army, Navy, and Air
Force took part in this exercise which was viewed by the Commandant, General
Wallace M. Greene, Jr., and other ranking service leaders, as well as 34
Central and South American journalists.
Late in October, elements of the 2d Marines arrived and disembarked at
Huelva, Spain prior to the largest exercise of the year. Taking place at the
and of October, STEEL PIKE I involved a joint amphibious landing and assault
on the beaches of southern Spain. This landing was made by 28,000 Marines
together with Navy and Marine forces of Spain. This operation was of special
significance in that it was the largest amphibious assault ever conducted by
the Marine Corps in peacetime, as of that date.<84>
The year 1965, as in 1962, witnessed an interruption in the normal
training routine for the 2d. Again it was called upon to exhibit its
readiness to move out quickly in response to a crisis abroad. During the
spring of 1965, the Dominican Republic was beset by internal problems. By
late April, the situation had developed into a state of open rebellion
endangering U. S. citizens and other foreign nationals. With the mission to
protect the people, Marines were called upon to land at Santo Domingo. On 1
May, BLT 1/2, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel J. E. Harrell, was heli-lifted
from the Onslow Beach area to the amphibious assault ship, USS OKINAWA.
Helicopters of Marine Aircraft Group 26 from New River, North Carolina were
used to lift the battalion and its equipment. From there, the OKINAWA sailed
for the Dominican Republic. The BLT remained afloat off the shores of the
island republic for one month. The situation cooled off and it returned to
Camp Lejeune on 29 May.<85>
With this crisis over, 2d Marines units resumed their normal deployment
and training exercises. BLT 2/2 acted as the Marine ready force with the
Sixth Fleet in the Mediterranean, while BLT 1/2 departed Camp Lejeune for a
three month assignment to the Caribbean. In October BLT 3/2 boarded ships for
a five month deployment in the Mediterranean. While deployed, 2d Marines
units executed a variety of demanding exercises. During the first two weeks
in December, BLT 1/2 took part in PHIBMEMLEX-65. This combined Navy/Marine
tactical operation at Vieques,
34
Puerto Rico involved 3,500 Marines from Camp Lejeune and Cherry Point.<86>
Also in December, BLT 3/2 teamed with French Commandos in a vertical assault
exercise at Santa Monza, Corsica. Marines utilized helicopters from the French
helicopter assault ship ARROMANCHES during the assault. In April of 1966, BLT
2/2 was involved in Special Purpose Exercise-66 (SPECEX-66). More than 1,500
visitors viewed Marine air/ground team tactical readiness. In addition to
maintaining training programs throughout the regiment, the 2d acted as host to
a variety of reserve units during the month of June.<87>
While the 1st and 3d Marine Divisions were engaged in combat in the
Republic of Vietnam, the 2d Marines and other elements of the 2d Marine
Division instituted more rigorous and aggressive training programs aimed
towards producing a much more combat-oriented Marine. Programs were directed
toward guerrilla type tactics. At the same time this changed training
technique was being carried on, the 2d Marines were supplying personnel as
replacements to the combat-committed units and in time began to receive
combat-trained Marines upon completion of their overseas tours. These
veterans' knowledge of Vietnam terrain and topography and the experience they
had gained helped immeasureably towards enhancing the training of "boot"
Marines.
The 1st Battalion departed Camp Lejeune on 2 September for Guantanamo
Bay. It relieved 2/2 as part of the ground defense force for the base. Also
during September, BLT 3/2 left for the Caribbean where it replaced BLT 3/6 as
the Marine Ready force. In December BLT 3/2 was involved in the largest
Atlantic Naval and Marine exercises of the year. LANTFLEX-66 took place at
Vieques, where more than 42,000 men, 94 ships, and 19 air squadrons
participated. Anti-guerrilla tactics were stressed during this exercise and
an attempt was made to recreate the type of diverse military problems American
forces were currently facing in Southeast Asia.<88>
A new program initiated by the 2d Marines became a significant highlight
of its training during 1967. The regiment had the distinction of organizing
and training the first scout-sniper platoon in the division. April marked the
start of the initial training period which ended with graduation ceremonies on
14 July. This program differed from the usual Marine sniper program in that
the students were rigorously trained in intelligence gathering techniques. In
addition they received instruction in adjustment of close air and artillery
support.<89>
During 1967, the regiment's major training exercise was conducted in
March. SHAMROCK, lasting two weeks, featured a regimental-size field exercise
held at Camp Pickett, Virginia.<90> In August, BLT 1/2 departed for the
Mediterranean where it conducted six major training exercises.
35
The years 1967 and 1968 found the United States plagued by a variety of
domestic problems. Racial strife and civil disturbances were occurring with
alarming frequency in the country. Foreseeing the possibility that Marines
would be needed to help suppress disturbances, a training program was
instituted in June of 1968 to teach the sensitive techniques of riot control.
After this new program was fully established, the 2d continued its regular
training.
In August of that year (1968) Operation RIVERINE was conducted in the
Conhabee and South Edisto river areas of South Carolina. RIVERINE served a
dual purpose in that it was designed to develop assault skills of amphibious
forces operating in hostile river country, and secondly, to provide an
intensive testing period for a new jet-powered armored troop carrier.<91>
Also during 1968, BLT 1/2 and 3/2 alternately departed Camp Lejeune for
service as the Caribbean ready force of the Sixth Fleet. The 2d Battalion
performed training during the latter part of the year at Little Creek,
Virginia.
In April 1969, BLT 1/2 participated in a 2d Division amphibious assault
exercise SPEX-69 at Onslow Beach. The operation was staged to demonstrate the
striking power of the Navy/Marine Air/Ground team.<92> May of 1969 found BLT
2/2 participating in EXOTIC DANCER II, a joint Navy/Marine exercise in the
Caribbean area.<93>
The 2d Marines has continually strived to perfect its state of readiness
for any eventuality. During its existence of more than half a century, the 2d
Marines has performed a variety of military duties throughout much of the
world. Whether called upon to fight a battle as bloody as Tarawa, to assist
with government rule as in Haiti, or to maintain peace as in Lebanon or the
Dominican Republic, the 2d Marines has consistently and effectively executed
the mission assigned. The officers and men who are, or who have been, members
of the 2d Marines are justly inspired by the record of their regiment--a
record that has kept tradition with the past, maintains vigiliant strength for
the present, and promises to keep pace with American's needs for the future.
36
READING LIST
John Miller, Jr., GUADALCANAL: THE FIRST OFFENSIVE---UNITED-STATES ARMY IN
WORLD WAR II---THE WAR IN THE PACIFIC. Washington: Historical Division,
Department of the Army, 1949. XVIII, 413 pp. illus., maps, notes,
bibliog.
A detailed account of the entire Guadalcanal campaign with emphasis on
Army participation. Includes Army staff lists. Contains references to
the 2d Marines.
Philip A. Crowl and Edmund G. Love. SEIZURE OF THE GILBERTS AND MARSHALLS---
UNITED STATES ARMY IN WORLD WAR II---THE WAR IN THE PACIFIC. Washington:
Office of the Chief of Military History, Department of the Army, 1955.
XVI, 414 pp., illus., maps, bibliog.
Includes a detailed account of Marine operations on Tarawa and
Roi-Namur. Contains references to the 2d Marines.
Philip A. Crowl. CAMPAIGN IN THE MARIANAS---UNITED STATES ARMY IN WORLD WAR
II---THE WAR IN THE PACIFIC. Washington: Office of the Chief of Military
History, Department of the Army, 1960. XIX, 505 pp. illus., maps,
bibliog.
An account of the Army's role in the campaigns on Saipan, Tinian, and
Guam. Includes many references to Marines throughout and a succinct
analysis of the command relationships between the Army and Marine forces.
Contains staff and order of battle lists.
Jane Blakeney. HEROES, U. S. MARINE CORPS, 1861-1955... Washington: Blakeney,
1957, xviii, 621 pp. illus.
A general compilation of individual decorations and unit honors,
including the texts and citations accompanying the Medal of Honor and
unit decorations, and lists of Marines awarded the Navy Cross,
Distinguished Service Cross, Distinguished Service Medal, Silver Star,
Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Navy and Marine Corps Medal,
Soldiers Medal, Life Saving Medal, and Reserve Special Commendation
Ribbon.
37
Commander R. B. Coffey, USN. "A Brief History of the Intervention in Haiti.
U. S. NAVAL INSTITUTE PROCEEDINGS, v. 48, no. 8 (Aug 1922), pp.1325-1344.
An account of the United States' intervention in Haiti, 1915-1934,
with emphasis on Marine activities in restoring order and maintaining
peace within the country.
Colonel Robert Debs Heinl, Jr., USMC. SOLDIERS OF THE SEA; THE UNITED STATES
MARINE CORPS, 1775-1962. Annapolis, Md.: U. S. Naval Institute, 1962.
xxxiii, 692 pp. illus., maps, notes, bibliog.
A general history of the U. S. Marine Corps with emphasis on the 20th
Century.
Major Carl W. Hoffman, USMC. SAIPAN; THE BEGINNING OF THE END. Washington:
Historical Division, Headquarters, U. S. Marine Corps, 1950. vii, 286 pp.
illus., maps, notes, bibliog.
Operations of the V Amphibious Corps, composed of the 2d and 4th
Marine Divisions, and the 27th Infantry Division, USA, together with the
Army XXIV Corps Artillery on Saipan Island in the Mariana group, 15 Jun -
19 Jul 1944. Includes a Japanese officer's personal account of the last
days of Lieutenant General Yoshitsugu Saito, commander of all Japanese
forces on Saipan.
Major Carl W. Hoffman, USMC. THE SEIZURE OF TINIAN. Washington: Historical
Division, Headquarters, U. S. Marine Corps, 1951. vi, 169 pp. illus.,
maps, notes, bibliog.
Operations of the 2d and 4th Marine Divisions, supported by Army and
Marine artillery, on Tinian Island in the Marianas group, 24 Jul - 1 Aug
1944. Includes the text of propaganda leaflets used by American forces
on Tinian.
Lieutenant Colonel Frank O. Hough, USMCR, Major Verle E. Ludwig, USMC, and
Henry I. Shaw, Jr. PEARL HARBOR TO GUADALCANAL---HISTORY OF U. S. MARINE
CORPS OPERATIONS IN WORLD WAR II, v. 1. Washington: Historical Branch,
G73 Division, Headquarters, U. S. Marine Corps, 1958. x, 439 pp. illus.,
maps, notes, bibliog.
Operations of Marine Corps units in Samoa, from 21 Dec 1945; Iceland,
7 Jul 1941 - 8 Mar 1942; Wake Island, 19 Aug - 23 Dec 1941; Philippines,
Jul 1941 - 6 May 1942; Guam, 8-10 Dec 1941; the Battle of Midway, 4-5
Jun 1942; Guadalcanal, 7 Aug 1942 - 9 Feb 1943. Contains in introductory
section on the pre-war development of amphibious techniques and doctrine
(pp. 1-56). Appendices include the task organization of Marine units in
the Wake, Philippines, Midway,
38
and Guadalcanal operations, a table of casualties, and unit commendations
awarded for the period.
Jeter A. Isley and Philip A. Crowl. THE U. S. MARINES AND AMPHIBIOUS WAR: ITS
THEORY AND ITS PRACTICE IN THE PACIFIC. Princeton, N. J.: Princeton
University Press, 1951. x, 636 pp. maps, notes.
An interpretive history of the development of amphibious weapons,
tactics, and doctrine by the Marine Corps during World War II. Includes
an introductory section covering the pre-war evolution of amphibious
warfare and contains a chapter devoted to the Tentative Landing
Operations Manual which formed the basis for all subsequent amphibious
doctrine.
Richard W. Johnston. FOLLOW ME; THE STORY OF THE SECOND MARINE DIVISION IN
WORLD WAR II. New York: Random House, 1948. xi, 305 pp. illus., maps.
An account of the division's campaigns: Tulagi, Gavutu, 7-10 Aug
1942; Guadalcanal, 14 Sep 1942 - 19 Feb 1943; Tarawa, 20 Nov - 4 Dec
1943; Saipan, 15 Jun - 9 Jul 1944; Tinian, 24 Jul - 3 Aug 1944; Okinawa,
1 Apr - 15 Jul 1945. Includes a table of casualties, photographs of
Medal of Honor recipients and commanding officers, and the text of the
Presidential Unit Citation awarded for the assault and capture of Tarawa.
Captain Edmund G. Love, USA. THE 27TH INFANTRY DIVISION IN WORLD WAR II.
Washington: Infantry Journal Press, 1949. viii, 677 pp. illus., maps.
A narrative of the Army division which served with the V Amphibious
Corps in the Gilberts and on Saipan, and with the Tenth Army in the
assault on Okinawa. Many references to Marines throughout.
Captain Herbert L. Merillat, USMCR. THE ISLAND; A HISTORY OF THE FIRST MARINE
DIVISION ON GUADALCANAL, AUGUST 7 - DECEMBER 9, 1942. Boston:
Houghton-Mifflin, 1944. xvi, 283 pp. illus., ports, maps.
A colorful account of the campaign by a combat correspondent. Contains
references to the 2d Marines.
Lieutenant Colonel Clyde H. Metcalf, USMC. "The Marines in China." MARINE
CORPS GAZETTE, v. 22, no. 3 (Sep 1938), pp. 35-37, 53-58.
A narrative of Marine activities in China 1900-1901, 1911-1912, and
other years, including some discussion of tactics employed against
bandits and guerrillas.
39
Bernard C. Nalty. THE UNITED STATES MARINES IN THE GILBERTS CAMPAIGN---MARINE
CORPS HISTORICAL REFERENCE SERIES, No. 28. Washington: Historical
Branch, G-3 Division, Headquarters, U. S. Marine Corps, 1961. 9pp.
bibliog.
A brief account of the capture of Tarawa.
Captain James B. Stockman, USMC. THE BATTLE FOR TARAWA. Washington:
Historical Section, Division of Public Information, Headquarters, U. S.
Marine Corps, 1947. vii, 86 pp illus., maps, notes, bibliog.
Operations of the 2d Marine Division while serving under the V
Amphibious Corps on Tarawa Atoll, principally Betio Island, and brief
accounts of the seizures of Apamama, Abaiang, Marakei, and Mainana
Atolls in the Gilberts, 20 Nov - 4 Dec 1943.
Benis M. Frank and Henry I. Shaw, Jr. VICTORY AND OCCUPATION---HISTORY OF
U. S. MARINE CORPS OPERATIONS IN WORLD WAR II, v. V, Washington:
Historical Branch, G-3 Division, Headquarters, U. S. Marine Corps, 1968.
xiii, 945 pp. illus., maps, notes, bibliog.
A narrative covering Marine Corps activities in the Okinawa invasion
and the occupation of Japan and North China as well as the little known
story of Marine Prisoners of War.
40
APPENDIX A
NOTES
(1) Muster Rolls, 2d Regiment, Jan01 (Reference Branch, Historical Division,
HQMC), hereafter MUSTER ROLLS with unit, month, and year.
(2) "Report of the Commandant of the Marine Corps" in REPORT OF THE SECRETARY
OF THE NAVY, 1901, p. 1228, hereafter CMC REPORT with year; "History of
U.S. Marine Corps Activities at Subic Bay, P. I., 1899-1955," MS,
(HistBr, G-3 Archives, HQMC, Jun56), p. 11, hereafter SUBIC BAY.
(3) SUBIC BAY, p. 34.
(4) Joel D. Thacker, "Stand Gentlemen, He Served on Samar!" MS, (HistBr, G-3
Archives, HQMC, Mar45).
(5) SUBIC BAY, p. 23.
(6) The need for such a base was pointed out by navy experience in the
Spanish-American War. Special Report of the Commander in Chief, U. S.
Asiatic Fleet, Appendix Q to "Report of Chief of the Bureau Navigation,"
"Report of the Secretary of the Navy, 1903," p. 651.
(7) SUBIC BAY, p. 25.
(8) CMC REPORT, 1912, p. 590.
(9) MUSTER ROLLS, Companies B, C, and E, 2d Regiment, Dec11; Company A, 2d
Regiment, Aug12.
(10) MUSTER ROLLS, 2d Regiment, Jan14; SUBIC BAY, p. 35.
(11) MUSTER ROLLS, 2d Regiment, 1st Provisional Brigade, Dec03. In the early
years of 1900, several instances occurred when more than one regiment
with the same designation existed concurrently because of the forming of
provisional regiments to handle specific missions. Each regiment
designated "Second" or "2d" in muster rolls and unit diaries is
chronologically treated herein as of its date of activation.
(12) Clyde R. Metcalf, A HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS (New York:
G. P. Putnam's Sons, 1939), p. 294ff, hereafter Metcalf, USMC HISTORY.
(13) CMC REPORT, 1904, p. 1192.
41
(14) MUSTER ROLLS, 2d Regiment, 1st Provisional Brigade, Feb04.
(15) United States intervention in Cuba was authorized by the Platt Amendment
which implemented certain provisions of the Treaty of Paris. Thomas A.
Bailey, A DIPLOMATIC HISTORY OF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE (New York: F. S.
Crofts & Co., 1947), p. 549, hereafter Bailey, DIPLOMATIC HISTORY.
(16) MUSTER ROLLS, 4th Expeditionary Battalion, Sep06.
(17) MUSTER ROLLS, 2d Regiment, 1st Expeditionary Brigade, Oct06.
(18) MUSTER ROLLS, 2d Expeditionary Regiment, Dec09.
(19) CMC REPORT, 1910, p. 803.
(20) MUSTER ROLLS, 2d Regiment, 1st Provisional Brigade, Mar11. p. 457.
(21) MUSTER ROLLS, 2d Regiment, 1st Provisional Brigade, Jun11.
(22) MUSTER ROLLS, 2d Provisional Regiment, May12.
(23) MUSTER ROLLS, 2d Provisional Regiment, Aug12; WAR DIARY, 1st Provisional
Brigade, Marines, May-Aug12, (Cuba file, HistBr, G-3 Archives, HQMC).
(24) Bailey, DIPLOMATIC HISTORY, p. 559.
(25) MUSTER ROLLS, 2d Provisional Regiment, Sep12.
(26) CMC REPORT, 1904, p. 1193; Metcalf, USMC HISTORY, p. 340.
(27) MUSTER ROLLS, 2d Regiment, 2d Provisional Brigade.
(28) MUSTER ROLLS, 2d Regiment, Expeditionary Force, USMC, May13.
(29) MUSTER ROLLS, 2d Regiment, Expeditionary Force, USMC, Jun13; Metcalf,
USMC HISTORY, p. 298.
(30) CMC REPORT, 1913, p. 543; MUSTER ROLLS, 1st Advance Base Regiment, Jun13.
This regiment was designed to be made up of specialist for fixed defense
activities of a permanent advance base force. The 2d Advance Base
Regiment was to be composed of infantry and artillery for mobile defense
service by the force.
(31) CMC REPORT, 1914, p. 470ff. With the formation of this brigade the
Advance base force came into being. It was composed of two permanently
organized regiments, each tailored to its specific part in the advance
base force concept. At the same tine, numerical designations for
companies were adopted to alleviate the problem of having more than one
company A, for example, in any one of the expeditionary force.
42
(32) MUSTER ROLLS, 1st Regiment, Feb14.
(33) Kenneth W. Condit and Edwin T. Turnbladh, HOLD HIGH THE TORCH, A HISTORY
OF THE 4TH MARINES (Washington: HistBr, G-3, HQMC, 1960), p. 12.
(34) CMC REPORT, 1914, p. 470ff.
(35) CMC REPORT, 1915, p. 662.
(36) MUSTER ROLLS, 1st Regiment, Dec14.
(37) D.A. Greber, CRISIS DIPLOMACY (Washington: Public Affairs Press, 1959),
p. 155.
(38) CMC REPORT, 1915, p. 662.
(39) MUSTER ROLLS, 2d Regiment, May-Jul16.
(40) James H. McCrocklin, GARDE D' HAITI: TWENTY YEARS OF ORGANIZATION AND
TRAINING BY THE UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS (Annapolis: U.S. Naval
Institute, 1956).
(41) MUSTER ROLLS, 10th Company, 2d Regiment, Nov16.
(42) MUSTER ROLLS, 2d Regiment and enumerated companies, Dec19.
(43) MUSTER ROLLS, 2d Regiment, Jan20.
(44) Metcalf, USMC HISTORY, p. 395ff.
(45) CMC REPORT, 1923, p. 969.
(46) MUSTER ROLLS, enumerated companies, 2d Regiment, Jul24.
(47) MUSTER ROLLS, Headquarters Company, 2d Regiment, Jun 25.
(48) MUSTER ROLLS, 2d Regiment and enumerated companies, Jul25.
(49) MUSTER ROLLS, 63d and 54th Companies, 2d Regiment, Mar26.
(50) MUSTER ROLLS, 2d Marines, Jan33.
(51) MUSTER ROLLS, 2d Marines, Jul-Aug34.
(52) MUSTER ROLLS, 2d Marines, Feb41.
(53) Richard W. Johnston, FOLLOW ME! THE STORY OF THE SECOND MARINE DIVISION
IN WORLD WAR II (New York: Random House, 1949), p. 13ff, hereafter
Johnston, 2DMARDIV HISTORY.
43
(54) Division Training Order #21-42, dated 28 May 42: Units were 2d Marines;
2d Bn, 10th Marines; Co C, 2d Tank Bn; 1st Plat, Btry A (AA) SW/Bn; 1st
Plat, Btry B (AT) SW/Bn; Co A, 2d EngBn; Co A, 2d Pion Bn plus CommTm #1;
Co C, 2d SerBn; Co A, 2d AmphTrBn, plus Repair Sec H&S Co, 2d SerBn; Det
PX, 2d SerBn;Det Commissary Unit, 2d SerBn; Two Bakery Units, Bakery
Section, Commissary Platoon.
(55) Isely and Crowl, USMC AMPHIBIOUS WAR, (Princeton, New Jersey: Princeton
University Press, 1951), p. 114; John L. Zimmerman, THE GUADALCANAL
CAMPAIGN (Washington: HistBr, G-3, HQMC, 1949), p. 22, hereafter
Zimmerman, GUADALCANAL.
(56) LtCol Frank O. Hough, Maj Verle E. Ludwin, and Henry I. Shaw, Jr., PEARL
HARBOR TO GUADALCANAL, HISTORY OF U. S. MARINE CORPS OPERATIONS IN WORLD
WAR II, Vol. I (Washington: HistBr, G-3; HQMC, 1958), p. 263, and, unless
otherwise cited, the source of the following account of the 2d Marines in
the Guadalcanal area.
(57) Zimmermann, GUADALCANAL, Map following p. 94.
(58) Zimmermann, GUADALCANAL, p. 112.
(59) The 2d was stationed at Camp McKay's Crossing, where all attached units
reverted to their parent control on 7 February. MUSTER ROLLS, 2d Marine
Division, Feb43.
(60) Capt James R. Stockman, THE BATTLE FOR TARAWA (Washington: Historical
Section, Division of Public Information, HQMC, 1947), p. 3, and, unless
otherwise cited, the source of the following account of the 2d Marines on
Tarawa.
(61) Johnston, 2DMARDIV HISTORY, p. 98ff.
(62) MUSTER ROLLS, 2d Marine Division, Nov43.
(63) Johnston, 2DMARDIV HISTORY, p. 132.
(64) For his leadership, tactics, and devotion to duty, Colonel Shoup received
our Country's highest award, the Congressional Medal of Honor.
(65) Maj Carl W. Hoffman, SAIPAN: THE BEGINNING OF THE END (Historical
Division, HQMC, 1950, pp. 30-31 and, unless otherwise cited, the source
of the following account of the 2d Marines on Saipan.
(66) At this time, the regiment was composed of its own 3d Battalion and the
2d Battalion, 6th Marines. Its 2d Battalion was still attached to the
6th Marines, while its 1st Battalion was under 2d Marine Division
control. One company of the 1st Battalion, 2d Marines returned to 2d
Marine control late in the afternoon of the 17th.
44
(67) Maj Carl W. Hoffman, THE SEIZURE OF TINIAN (Washington: Historical
Division, HQMC, 1951), p. 69, and, unless otherwise cited, the source of
the following account of the 2d Marines on Tinian.
(68) Maj Charles S. Nichols and Henry I. Shaw, Jr., OKINAWA: VICTORY IN THE
PACIFIC (Washington: HistBr, G-3, HQMC, 1955), p. 63, and, unless
otherwise cited, the source of the following account of the 2d Marines at
Okinawa.
(69) Johnston, 2DMARDIV HISTORY, p. 262. The word Kamikaze which is Japanese
for divine wind was the name of those manned aircraft deliberately
crashed on the enemy in a suicidal attempt to forestall defeat.
(70) Henry I. Shaw, Jr., THE UNITED STATES MARINES IN THE OCCUPATION OF JAPAN,
MS (HistBr, G-3, HQMC, 1960), p. 32, and, unless otherwise cited, the
source of the following account of the 2d Marines in Japan.
(71) Points were awarded for time overseas, combat operations participated in,
personal citations, and dependents.
(72) MUSTER ROLLS, 2dMarDiv, Jun-Jul46.
(73) "THE CAMP LEJEUNE GLOBE (Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, 18 Dec 46 - 26 Mar
47), and, unless otherwise cited, the source of the remainder of the 2d
Marines' narrative.
(74) This reduction was part of a 2d Marine Division reorganization as
announced by Division General Order #157-47, dated 8Nov47; MUSTER ROLLS,
2dMarDiv, Nov47.
(75) The 2d Marines was redesignated 2d Marines (Reinforced) in compliance
with CG, FMFLant confidential dispatch 24135, dated Dec47: MUSTER ROLLS,
2dMarDiv, Jan48. Mediterranean duty for the regiment, BLTs thereof, and
other Marine units during the years to the present (1960) involved
participating as the landing force of the Sixth Fleet patrolling the
Mediterranean and North Atlantic waters in accordance with United States
policy of promoting peace and stability in the area.
(76) MUSTER ROLLS, 1stProvMarReg, Nov48.
(77) CO, Hq., 1stProvMarReg, confidential letter, Serial 02, dated 13Dec48:
MUSTER ROLLS, 2dMarDiv, Dec48.
(78) CG, 2dMarDiv letter, Serial 9926, dated 31May49: MUSTER ROLLS,
1stProvMarReg, May49.
45
(79) THE CAMP LEJEUNE GLOBE (Camp Lejeune, North Carolina) 16Feb42.
(80) GLOBE, 19Apr62.
(81) UNIT DIARY, Headquarters Company, 2d Regiment, 1962.
(82) IBID., 14Nov63.
(83) IBID., 30Jan64.
(84) UNIT DIARY, Headquarters Company, 2d Regiment, 1964.
(85) THE CAMP LEJEUNE GLOBE, 3Jun65.
(86) IBID., 2Dec65.
(87) IBID., 2Jun66.
(88) IBID., 22Dec66.
(89) COMMAND CHRONOLOGY, 2d Marines, July 1966 - December 1967, (enc. 5).
(90) POST EXERCISE REPORT 2d Marines, 1967 (Exercise "Shamrock").
(91) GLOBE, 23Aug68.
(92) IBID., 25Apr69.
(93) IBID., 18May69.
46
APPENDIX B
Commanding Officers, 2d Marines, 1901-1960
Introduction
Since 1901, there have been a number of regimental organizations in the
Marine Corps bearing the designation "Second." The following list enumerates
the Commanding Officers of all of these regiments. In the early days, there
were instances in which there were more than one "2d Regiment" at the same
time. Each of these has been entered in the list chronologically by the date
of activation. A series of asterisks have been used at the end of particular
rosters to indicate total disbandment of a regiment. Absence of asterisks
between regimental headings indicates a redesignation. Single asterisks
indicate those Commanding Officers later to become Commandants of the Marine
Corps.
2d Regiment, 1st Brigade
Note: Organized in the Philippines upon the forming of the provisional 1st
Brigade in January 1901.
LtCol Allen C. Kelton 1 Jan 1901 - 29 Sep 1901
Maj Randolph Dickens 30 Sep 1901 - 17 Oct 1901
LtCol Otway C. Berryman 18 Oct 1901 - 19 Jan 1903
Maj Randolph Dickens 20 Jan 1903 - 4 Feb 1903
Maj Lincoln Karmany 5 Feb 1903 - 7 Aug 1903
Capt Arthur J. Matthews 8 Aug 1903 - 14 Aug 1903
Capt Eli K. Cole 15 Aug 1903 - 28 Aug 1903
Maj Lincoln Karmany 29 Aug 1903 - 15 Apr 1904
Maj Charles A. Doyen 16 Apr 1904 - 24 Jan 1905
Capt Philip D. Brown 25 Jan 1905 - 28 Feb 1905
Maj Charles A. Doyen 1 Mar 1905 - 7 Apr 1905
Maj Joseph H. Pendleton 8 Apr 1905 - 5 Jul 1905
Maj Lewis C. Lucas 6 Jul 1905 - 7 Sep 1905
Maj Eli K. Cole 8 Sep 1905 - 16 Sep 1906
Capt Smedley D. Butler 17 Sep 1906 - 20 Nov 1906
Maj Eli K. Cole 21 Nov 1906 - 28 Aug 1907
Capt John W. Wright 29 Aug 1907 - 3 Sep 1907
Maj Eli K. Cole 4 Sep 1907 - 23 Nov 1907
Capt Hiram I. Bearss 24 Nov 1907 - 29 Feb 1908
Capt John W. Wright 1 Mar 1908 - 9 Nov 1908
Capt William H. Clifford 10 Nov 1908 - 3 Dec 1908
Maj William N. McKelvy 4 Dec 1908 - 10 Nov 1909
Maj Thomas C. Treadwell 11 Nov 1909 - 24 Jan 1910
LtCol Joseph H. Pendleton 25 Jan 1910 - 13 Jan 1911
Capt Alexander S. Williams 14 Jan 1911 - 15 Feb 1911
47
LtCol Joseph H. Pendleton 16 Feb 1911 - 7 Jul 1911
Capt Herbert J. Hirshinger 8 Jul 1911 - 7 Aug 1911
LtCol Joseph H. Pendleton 8 Aug 1911 - 11 Sep 1911
Capt John W. Wadleigh 12 Sep 1911 - 16 Sep 1911
Capt James McE. Huey 17 Sep 1911 - 9 Oct 1911
LtCol Joseph H. Pendleton 10 Oct 1911 - 11 Oct 1911
Capt James McE. Huey 12 Oct 1911 - 17 Oct 1911
LtCol Joseph H. Pendleton 18 Oct 1911 - 22 Nov 1911
Capt James McE. Huey 23 Nov 1911 - 25 Nov 1911
LtCol Joseph H. Pendleton 26 Nov 1911 - 19 Dec 1911
Capt James McE. Huey 20 Dec 1911 - 22 Dec 1911
LtCol Joseph H. Pendleton 23 Dec 1911 - 17 Jan 1912
Capt James McE. Huey 18 Jan 1912 - 31 Jan 1912
Col Joseph H. Pendleton 1 Feb 1912 - 6 May 1912
LtCol Laurence H. Moses 7 May 1912 - 15 Nov 1912
Capt Herbert J. Hirshinger 16 Nov 1912 - 1 Dec 1912
LtCol Laurence H. Moses 2 Dec 1912 - 23 Mar 1913
Capt Benjamin F. Rittenhouse 24 Mar 1913 - 28 Apr 1913
LtCol Laurence H. Moses 29 Apr 1913 - 20 Jan 1914
* * * * *
2d Regiment, 1st Provisional Brigade
Note: Organized at Philadelphia for duty in Panama.
LtCol Littleton W. T. Waller 26 Dec 1903 - 20 Feb 1904
* * * * *
2d Regiment, 1st Expeditionary Brigade
Note: Organized at Camp Columbia, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, by redesignation of
4th Expeditionary Battalion.
LtCol Franklin J. Moses 8 Oct 1906 - 31 Oct 1906
* * * * *
2d Regiment, Expeditionary Brigade
Note: Organized at Philadelphia for duty in Panama.
LtCol Eli K. Cole 12 Dec 1909 - 25 Apr 1910
* * * * *
2d Regiment, 1st Provisional Brigade
Note: Organized at Philadelphia for duty in Cuba.
Col Franklin J. Moses 11 Mar 1911 - 14 Jun 1911
48
2d Provisional Regiment
Note: Organized at Philadelphia for duty in Cuba.
Col James E. Mahoney 27 May 1912 - 13 Jul 1912
Capt Philip S. Brown 14 Jul 1912 - 1 Aug 1912
* * * * *
2d Provisional Regiment
Note: Organized at Philadelphia for duty in the Dominican Republic.
Col Franklin J. Moses 27 Sep 1912 - 7 Dec 1912
* * * * *
2d Regiment, 2d Provisional Brigade
Note: Organized at Philadelphia for duty in Cuba.
Col Joseph H. Pendleton 19 Feb 1913 - 30 Apr 1913
* * * * *
2d Regiment, Expeditionary Force, USMC
Col Joseph H. Pendleton 1 May 1913 - 1 Jun 1913
* * * * *
1st Advance Base Regiment
Note: This unit was organized at Advance Base School, Marine Barracks,
Philadelphia.
LtCol Charles G. Long 19 Jun 1913 - 17 Feb 1914
1st Regiment, 1st Advance Base Brigade
LtCol Charles G. Long 18 Feb 1914 - 21 Apr 1914
1st Regiment, 1st Brigade
LtCol Charles G. Long 22 Apr 1914 - 5 May 1914
Col James E. Mahoney 6 May 1914 - 4 Dec 1914
LtCol Charles G. Long 5 Dec 1914 - 7 Aug 1915
Col Theodore P. Kane 8 Aug 1915 - 15 Aug 1915
Col Eli K. Cole 16 Aug 1915 - 8 May 1916
LtCol Laurence H. Moses 9 May 1916 - 24 Jun 1916
Col Eli K. Cole 25 Jun 1916 - 30 Jun 1916
Note: 1st and 2d Regiments exchanged designations in Santo Domingo, Dominican
Republic, 1 Jul 1916.
49
Col Eli K. Cole 1 Jul 1916 - 30 Nov 1916
LtCol Philip M. Bannon 1 Dec 1916 - 10 Jan 1918
MaJ Richard S. Hooker 11 Jan 1918 - 31 Mar 1918
Maj John W. Wadleigh 1 Apr 1918 - 28 Apr 1918
LtCol Richard S. Hooker 29 Apr 1918 - 14 Nov 1918
LtCol Thomas H. Brown 15 Nov 1918 - 28 Nov 1918
LtCol Richard S. Hooker 29 Nov 1918 - 9 Dec 1918
Maj Henry S. Green 10 Dec 1918 - 17 Jan 1919
LtCol Richard S. Hooker 18 Jan 1919 - 20 Jul 1919
LtCol Thomas H. Brown 21 Jul 1919 - 10 Sep 1919
Maj Charles A. Lutz 11 Sep 1919 - 2 Oct 1919
Col Randolph C. Berkeley 3 Oct 1919 - 20 Oct 1921
Col George Van Orden 21 Oct 1921 - 8 Apr 1923
LtCol William H. Pritchett 9 Apr 1923 - 9 Jul 1923
Col William N. McKelvy 10 Jul 1923 - 10 Nov 1924
Maj Maurice E. Shearer 11 Nov 1924 - 9 Jan 1925
Col William N. McKelvy 10 Jan 1925 - 10 Jun 1925
Maj Maurice E. Shearer 11 Jun 1925 - 30 Jun 1925
Col Harold C. Snyder 1 Jul 1925 - 8 Apr 1926
Col Macker Babb 9 Apr 1926 - 30 Jun 1927
Maj Archibald Young 1 Jul 1927 - 19 Aug 1927
Col Presley M. Rixey, II 20 Aug 1927 - 21 May 1929
Col Richard P. Williams 22 May 1929 - 30 May 1930
Col Edward B. Manwaring 31 May 1930 - 15 May 1932
Col Harry G. Bartlett 16 May 1932 - 16 Jun 1932
Col James T. Buttrick 17 Jun 1932 - 31 Dec 1932
2d Marines
Note: Redesignated by authority Article 5-41(4), Marine Corps Manual.
Col James T. Buttrick 1 Jan 1933 - 27 Dec 1933
Col Eli T. Fryer 28 Dec 1933 - 31 May 1934
Maj Samuel P. Budd 1 Jun 1934 - 15 Aug 1934
Note: On 15 Aug 1934, the 2d Marines disbanded upon the evacuation of the 1st
Brigade from the Republic of Haiti.
* * * * *
2d Marines
Note: Reactivated at Marine Corps Base, San Diego, as an integral part of the
2d Marine Division.
Col Joseph C. Fegan 1 Feb 1941 - 24 Oct 1941
LtCol Roy C. Swink 25 Oct 1941 - 20 Nov 1941
Col John M. Arthur 21 Nov 1941 - 6 Jun 1943
Col William M. Marshall 7 Jun 1943 - 18 Jul 1943
LtCol Arnold F. Johnston 19 Jul 1943 - 26 Sep 1943
Col William M. Marshall 27 Sep 1943 - 7 Nov 1943
*Col David M. Shoup 8 Nov 1943 - 23 Dec 1943
50
LtCol Lloyd Russell 24 Dec 1943 - 1 Jan 1944
LtCol Walter J. Stuart 2 Jan 1944 - 3 Sep 1944
Col Richard M. Cutts, Jr. 4 Sep 1944 - 24 Oct 1945
LtCol Clarence J. O'Donnell 25 Oct 1945 - 17 Apr 1946
LtCol Ronald B. Wilde 18 Apr 1946 - 1 Aug 1946
Col Francis H. Brink 2 Aug 1946 - 18 Nov 1947
2d Marines
Note: As of 18 Nov 1947, the 2d Marines was reduced to battalion strength
with
the 1st Battalion, 2d Marines, being designated "2d Marines."
Col Francis H. Brink 19 Nov 1947 - 6 Apr 1948
LtCol Max C. Chapman 7 Apr 1948 - 30 Apr 1948
LtCol Wilbur F. Meyerhoff 1 May 1948 - 18 May 1948
Col Randall M. Victory 19 May 1948 - 31 Oct 1948
2d Marines, 1st Provisional Marine Regiment
Col Randall M. Victory 1 Nov 1948 - 21 Nov 1948
LtCol Harold Granger 22 Nov 1948 - 13 Dec 1948
2d Marines, Reinforced, 2d Marine Division
LtCol Harold Granger 14 Dec 1948 - 23 May 1949
2d Marines, 1st Provisional Marine Regiment
LtCol Harold Granger 24 May 1949 - 31 Jul 1949
LtCol Jack W. Hawkins 1 Aug 1949 - 2 Oct 1949
Col Randall M. Victory 3 Oct 1949 - 16 Oct 1949
2d Marines
Note: On 17 Oct 1949, the 2d Marines was reorganized and enlarged to full
regimental status.
Col Randall M. Victory 17 Oct 1949 - 1 Feb 1950
LtCol Gould P. Groves 2 Feb 1950 - 25 Feb 1950
LtCol Reynolds H. Hayden 26 Feb 1950 - 28 Apr 1950
LtCol Gould P. Groves 29 Apr 1950 - 4 Aug 1950
None Designated 5 Aug 1950 - 10 Aug 1950
LtCol Walter F. Layer 11 Aug 1990 - 5 Sep 1950
Col Reynolds H. Hayden 6 Sep 1950 - 20 Jul 1951
Col Bruno Hochmuth 21 Jul 1951 - 29 Jul 1952
Col Robert F. Scott 30 Jul 1952 - 16 Aug 1953
LtCol William A. Stiles 17 Aug 1953 - 19 Oct 1953
Col David W. Stonecliffe 20 Oct 1953 - 9 Jul 1954
51
Col George W. Hayes 10 Jul 1954 - 24 Aug 1955
Col William R. Collins 25 Aug 1955 - 5 Jul 1956
Col Robert E. Cushman, Jr. 6 Jul 1956 - 19 Feb 1957
Col Raymond L. Dean 20 Feb 1957 - 15 Jul 1957
LtCol Tillman N. Peters 16 Jul 1957 - 1 Aug 1957
Col John J. Gormley 2 Aug 1957 - 25 Jun 1958
Col Charles R. Baker 26 Jun 1958 - 1 Dec 1959
Col Erma A. Wright 2 Dec 1959 - 12 Jun 1960
Col Charles W. Kelly, Jr. 13 Jun 1960 - 16 Jun 1961
Col Alfred L. Booth 17 Jun 1961 - 4 Apr 1962
Col Robert M. Richards 5 Apr 1962 - 2 Jul 1963
LtCol John B. Bristow 3 Jul 1963 - 31 Jul 1963
Col James Taul 1 Aug 1963 - 1 Aug 1964
Col Paul M. Smith 2 Aug 1964 - 6 Feb 1965
Col Charles H. Brush, Jr. 7 Feb 1965 - 7 Jun 1966
Col William R. Burgoyne, Jr. 8 Jun 1966 - 31 Aug 1967
Col Leroy V. Corbett 1 Sep 1967 - 18 Feb 1968
Col William E. Barber 19 Feb 1968 - 13 May 1969
Col Lawrence J. Bradley 14 May 1969 - 28 May 1970
LtCol David M. Twomey 29 May 1970 -
52
APPENDIX C
Chronology - Provisional Regiments
1 Jan 1901 2d Regiment organized at Cavite, Philippine Islands.
20 Jan 1914 2d Regiment dissolved by reassignment of elements.
6 Dec 1903 2d Regiment, 1st Provisional Brigade organized at League Island,
Pennsylvania, for duty in Panama.
14 Feb 1904 2d Regiment, 1st Provisional Brigade disbanded at Panama.
8 Oct 1906 2d Regiment, 1st Expeditionary Brigade formed in Cuba.
31 Oct 1906 2d Regiment, 1st Expeditionary Brigade disbanded in Cuba.
12 Dec 1909 2d Expeditionary Regiment formed at Philadelphia.
25 Apr 1910 2d Expeditionary Regiment disbanded at Philadelphia.
9 Mar 1911 2d Regiment, 1st Provisional Brigade formed at Philadelphia.
14 Jun 1911 2d Regiment, 1st Provisional Brigade disbanded at Philadelphia.
27 May 1912 2d Provisional Regiment formed at Philadelphia for duty in Cuba.
1 Aug 1912 2d Provisional Regiment dissolved in Cuba.
27 Sep 1912 2d Provisional Regiment formed at Philadelphia for duty in Santo
Domingo.
7 Dec 1912 2d Provisional Regiment returned to and disbanded at
Philadelphia.
19 Feb 1913 2d Regiment, 2d Provisional Brigade formed at Philadelphia
intended for duty in Mexico but went to Cuba awaiting an
emergency.
1 May 1913 Redesignated 2d Regiment, Expeditionary Force.
1 Jun 1913 2d Regiment, Expeditionary Force returned to and disbanded at
Philadelphia.
53
APPENDIX D
Chronology, 2d Marines
19 Jun 1913 1st Advance Base Regiment organized at Philadelphia.
23 Dec 1913 Redesignated as 1st Advance Base Regiment, Advance Base Brigade.
18 Feb 1914 Redesignated as 1st Regiment, Advance Base Brigade.
22 Apr 1914 1st Regiment landed at Vera Cruz, Mexico.
23 Nov 1914 1st Regiment departed Mexico for Philadelphia.
15 Aug 1915 1st Regiment relocated to Cape Haitien.
1 Jul 1916 1st Regiment redesignated 2d Regiment.
1 Jan 1933 2d Regiment redesignated as 2d Marines.
15 Aug 1934 2d Marines deactivated in Haiti.
1 Feb 1941 2d Marines reactivated at Marine Corps Base, San Diego.
1 Jul 1942 2d Marines deployed to Koro Island.
7 Aug 1942 2d Marines participated in Solomon Islands campaign.
to
31 Jan 1943
6 Feb 1943 2d Marines redeployed to Wellington, New Zealand.
20-24 Nov 2d Marines participated in Tarawa campaign.
1943
24 Nov 1943 2d Marines redeployed to Camp Tarawa, Hawaii.
15 Jun 1944 2d Marines participated in Saipan Campaign and Tinian Campaign.
to
7 Aug 1944
8 Aug 1944 2d Marines performed duty in Saipan.
to
Mar 1945
1 Apr 1945 2d Marines participated in Okinawa-Gunto Campaign.
to
30 Jun 1945
54
23 Sep 1945 2d Marines performed occupation duty in Japan.
to
13 Jun 1946
12 Jul 1946 2d Marines arrived at Camp Lejeune.
31 Oct 1956 Elements of 2d Marines assisted in the evacuation of U.S.
to observors and other nationals from Alexandria, Egypt.
3 Nov 1956
24 Oct 1962 Elements of 2d Marines participated in Cuban Missile Crisis.
to
12 Dec 1962
1 May 1965 Elements of 2d Marines participated in Dominican Republic Crisis.
to
29 May 1965
55
APPENDIX E
Honors of the 2d Marines
PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION STREAMER WITH ONE BRONZE STAR
(Guadalcanal, 7 Aug - 9 Dec 1942)
(Tarawa, 20-24 Nov 1943)
MEXICAN SERVICE STREAMER
(21-23 Apr 1914)
HAITIAN CAMPAIGN STREAMER WITH 1915 - 1919 - 1920 CLASP
(4 Aug 1915 - 6 Dec 1915, 1 Apr 1919 - 15 Jun 1920)
MARINE CORPS EXPEDITIONARY STREAMER WITH ONE BRONZE STAR
(Haiti, 7 Dec 1915 - 5 Apr 1917, 12 Nov 1918 - 31 Mar 1919;
16 Jun 1920 - 25 Nov 1924; 4 Dec 1929 - 5 Aug 1931)
(Cuba, 3-14 Jan, 22 Jan - 16 Mar, 22 Apr - 22 Jun, and
11 Oct 1961 - 1 Feb 1962)
WORLD WAR I VICTORY STREAMER WITH ONE BRONZE STAR
(West Indies, 6 Apr 1917 - 11 Nov 1918)
AMERICAN DEFENSE SERVICE STREAMER
(1 Feb - 7 Dec 1941)
ASIATIC-PACIFIC CAMPAIGN STREAMER WITH ONE SILVER AND ONE BRONZE STAR
(Guadalcanal-Tulagi Landings, 7-9 Aug 1942)
(Capture and Defense of Guadalcanal, 10 Aug 1942 - 31 Jan 1943)
(Gilbert Islands Operation, 20-24 Nov 1943)
(Capture and Occupation of Saipan, 15 Jun - 24 Jul 1944)
(Capture and Occupation of Tinian, 24 Jul - 10 Aug 1944)
(Assault and Occupation of Okinawa Gunto, 1-10 Apr 1945)
WORLD WAR II VICTORY STREAMER
(7 Dec 1941 - 31 Dec 1946)
NAVY OCCUPATION SERVICE STREAMER WITH ASIA AND EUROPE CLASPS
(Asia, 23 Sep 1945 - 12 Jun 1946)
(Europe, 15 Jan - 5 Mar 1943 and various dates through
1950)
NATIONAL DEFENSE SERVICE STREAMER WITH ONE BRONZE STAR
(27 Jun 1950 - 27 Jul 1954)
( 1 Jan 1961 to date)
56
ARMED FORCES EXPEDITIONARY STREAMER WITH TWO BRONZE STARS
(Lebanon, 15 Jul - 13 Aug 1958)
(Cuba, 24 Oct - 12 Dec 1962)
(Dominican Republic, 1 - 29 May 1965)
57
APPENDIX F
2d Marines Medal of Honor Recipients
Maj Randolph C. Berkeley 21-22 Apr 1914 Vera Cruz, Mexico
Maj Smedley D. Butler 21-22 Apr 1914 Vera Cruz, Mexico
Capt Eli T. Fryer 21-22 Apr 1914 Vera Cruz, Mexico
Capt Walter N. Hill 21-22 Apr 1914 Vera Cruz, Mexico
Capt John A. Hughes 21-22 Apr 1914 Vera Cruz, Mexico
LtCol Wendell C. Neville 21-22 Apr 1914 Vera Cruz, Mexico
GySgt Daniel J. Daly 24 Oct 1915 Ft. Liberte, Haiti
1stLt Edward A. Ostermann 24 Oct 1915 Ft. Liberte, Haiti
Capt William P. Upshur 24 Oct 1915 Ft. Liberte, Haiti
1stLt William D. Hawkins 20-21 Nov 1943 Tarawa, Gilbert Is.
Col David M. Shoup 20-21 Nov 1943 Tarawa, Gilbert Is.
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