Chapter II: Part 2

After reaching the southern coast the Sixth Division turned to retrace its steps back to the Kokuba, mopping up enemy remnants at it went.

The first week in July found the Sixth Marine Division busy with preparations for the trip to the new base camp on Guam. On 4 July there was an impressive ceremony held to dedicate the division cemetery. Although the division was preparing to leave Okinawa, it paused briefly to pay its respects to those of its members who would have to remain forever behind. In the last paragraph of the special order of dedication, General Shepherd admonished his men as follows:

“As this cemetery is dedicated to the dead and to the past that they made glorious by their heroic sacrifices, let there be in the minds of the members of this division the resolve to dedicate their future efforts to speeding the impending final defeat of the enemy to the end that there will no longer be occasion for the sacrifice that the honored dead of our division were called upon to make on this island.”

9. GUAM

On 16 July General Shepherd and his staff arrived at Guam and set up his new command post. By direction of Fleet Marine Force, Pacific, a base camp had been built for the Sixth Marine Division on Guam. As soon as the units had moved into their new areas, construction was begun on chapels and recreation facilities. A division training order was issued on 23 July outlining a program to last from 6 August to 15 December 1945.

On 26 July General Shepherd published a letter of gratitude from the people of Guam to the officers and men of the Sixth Marine Division. Written on the occasion of “Guam Liberation Day”, 21 July, one year after the Fourth and Twenty Second Marines had landed on the bloody beaches near Agat, the letter, signed by several leading Guamanians said in part:

“On behalf of the people of Guam we take this opportunity, as a token of everlasting gratitude, to extend our greetings and felicitations to you, the officers and men of the First Provisional Brigade which formed the nucleus of the Sixth Marine Division, with its supporting arms and services, on the first anniversary of D-Day.

“Through popular request, the twenty first of July has been designated as ‘Guam Liberation Day’. It is fitting and proper that we renew and reaffirm our loyalty and devotion to our mother country and the cause for which she stands.”

With general preparations for future combat operations against the enemy underway, the Sixth Marine Division launched an intensive training program in August. The main effort of the division was diverted, however, from 11-15 August to preparing and mounting out Task Group Able for the forthcoming occupation of Yokosuka Naval Base. This task group was a headquarters command headed by Brigadier General William T. Clement which was superimposed over the Fourth Marines (Reinforced), under the command of Lt. Col. Fred D. Beans. On 16 August, Task Group Able departed from Guam and three days later joined the Third Fleet.

As a part of the Fleet Landing Force, Task Group Able landed at Yokosuka Naval Base and Airfield on 30 August. There was no opposition to the landing. Here it remained as a part of the Sixth Marine Division until late in November when it passed from the administrative control of the division to that of Fleet Marine Force, Pacific. Its general duties consisted of demilitarizing the Naval area of responsibility, and in providing security for the Naval Base and Airfield. On 20 September, all reinforcing elements of the Fourth Marines and its superior command, Task Force Able Headquarters, returned to Guam, leaving the regiment under the operational control of the Eighth Army. By January the force had been reduced to the Third Battalion; the other two battalions, Weapons Company, and Headquarters and Service Company departed for the U. S. to be disbanded. Later a reduced regimental headquarters group left for Tsingtao to rejoin the division.

10. TSINGTAO

During the month of September the Sixth Marine Division prepared for an operation, the forthcoming occupation of Tsingtao, China. From 2 October until 11 October the division was aboard ship en route to China and commenced unloading at Tsingtao on the latter date.

While aboard the division command ship en route to Tsingtao, General Shepherd stated the general mission of his command:

“Our mission is to land and occupy Tsingtao and the adjacent Tsangkou Airfield; to assist local authorities in maintaining order and in preventing disease and starvation; to release, care for, and evacuate Recovered Allied Military personnel and Allied internees; to cooperate with Chinese Central Government forces; to accept, when necessary, local surrender of Japanese forces, as authorized by higher authority, and to assist the Chinese in effecting the disarming and confining of these forces.”

The city of Tsingtao, with 1,300,000 inhabitants is situated on a promontory on the southern coast of Shantung Peninsula. It is regarded as one of the finest ports in China, and is second only to Shanghai as a textile manufacturing center. When the division landed, it found the citizens of Tsingtao to be a polyglot group: Communist agents, former Nazis, White Russians, Koreans, Japanese civilians, Japanese military personnel, Europeans, Eurasians, and Chinese.

Politically, Tsingtao, as the most coveted city on Shantung Peninsula, was a hotbed of intrigue and strife. The Communists, with a stronghold at Chefoo, hoped to gain control of the peninsula, and the city. Resisting them were Japanese troops, protecting rail lines leading into the city. Here too, were independent factions ostensibly aligned with the Chungking government. Still in evidence, but ineffective, were puppet groups. At large, but not easily identified with either Chungking or Yennan, were small groups of brigands which terrorized Tsingtao despite the Mayor and his poorly trained and discipined troops.

Most of the interior of the Shantung Peninsula was controlled by Communists; their only access to the sea was at the port of Chefoo. Early in the month of October an emissary from the Commander-in-Chief of the Liberation Army of the Communists entered the harbor and sought an audience with General Shepherd. Permission was granted and a letter was presented which proposed, in essence, passive collaboration between the Marines and the Communists. Offering to enter the city to “restore order” by killing puppet troops, that is those troops who professed allegiance to Chiang Kai-Shek’s Chinese Central Government, the Communists promised not to disturb the Marines of the Sixth Division. To this General Shepherd replied firmly that he would have no part in a fratricidal war between factions in China, and that his combat veterans could prevent any disorders in the city.

Obviously, the Communist forces had hoped to gain complete control of the Shantung Peninsula at the cessation of hostilities through the surrender of Japanese troops to them.

One of the earliest problems to confront the men of the Sixth Marine Division in Tsingtao was a financial one, the fluctuating rate of exchange. With inflation rampant, attempts to stabilize the exchange at one American dollar to 2,000 Chinese Federal Reserve Bank dollars failed. Black markets flourished for a while and speculation in local currency helped to make that currency unstable. Food was plentiful but there was a shortage of coal.

Law and order was more a matter of theory than practice. Throughout October uniformed Chinese perpetrated many small crimes against both the Japanese and German residents. These usually consisted of breaking into houses, threatening the occupants with rifles or pistols, and stealing jewelry, silver, or small valuables. Marine roving patrols remedied this situation. It wasn’t long before the Sixth Marine Division found itself regarded as the guardian of minority groups within the city.

The morning of 25 October found the Twenty Second Marines, the Twenty Ninth Marines, the Sixth Tank Battalion, the Sixth Engineers, the Sixth Marine Division Headquarters Battalion, and other troops, marching out to the race track at the edge of Tsingtao to witness the surrender ceremony of the Japanese to representatives of the United States and Chinese Central Governments.

At 1100 the ceremony began. For the Japanese, Maj. General Eiji Nagano, commanding officer of the Japanese 5th Independent Mixed Brigade, stepped up on the platform and affixed his signature to copies of the surrender document. After laying his sword on the table Nagano withdrew to rejoin his staff, who immediately followed his example. On the platform representing the United States was General Shepherd who signed his name next. Lt. Gen. Yen Nien Li, deputy commander of the 11th War Area and Generalissimo Chiang Kai-Shek’s personal representative, signed for the Chinese Central Government.

The surrender document stated that all Japanese forces in the Tsingtao area were to surrender unconditionally to Generalissimo Chiang Kai-Shek and that all equipment and records were to be turned over to the Allies in good condition. Civilian internees and prisoners of war were to be released immediately. General Shepherd, as Commanding General of the Sixth Marine Division, was named as Chiang’s authorized representative.

By the end of October, the division had settled to its routine duties. Guards had been established over American properties and Japanese warehouses; patrols were maintained throughout the non-Chinese sections of the city. A new training program was started. Special Services distributed athletic gear and arranged athletic events; in addition, an education program had been started. The division began to make plans for withdrawal as soon as the 8th Chinese National Army arrived. By 23 November, before a lapse occurred, 6,701 Japanese military personnel and 877 Japanese civilians had been evacuated to Japan. Along with the repatriation of the Japanese, many members of the division were “repatriated” to the United States through rotation as point scores dropped.

During the month of December the Sixth Marine Division continued its duties in Tsingtao; 7,827 military and 18,390 civilian Japanese were repatriated. Near the end of the month Major General A. F. Howard, USMC, arrived to relieve Major General Lemuel C. Shepherd, Jr., USMC, as Commanding General of the Sixth Marine Division.

Gradually many of the functions of the division were absorbed by the 8th Chinese National Army and the division turned to schools and training prior to deactivation on 1 April, when from its units the Third Marine Brigade was formed.

The career of the Sixth Marine Division had been relatively brief, a few days less than nineteen months, but in that short time the division had won a respected position among the fighting divisions of this war. For its excellent work on Okinawa the division was warmly commended by both Lt. General Roy S. Geiger, Commanding General, III Amphibious Corps, and the late Lt. General Simon B. Buckner, Commanding General, Tenth Army. To each of the three infantry regiments of the Sixth Marine Division, the Twenty Second Marines, the Twenty-Ninth Marines and the Fourth Marines, went the highly coveted Presidential Unit Citation. While it lived, the division not only upheld all the proud traditions of the Marine Corps, but added to the impressive record of brave deeds long associated with the Corps.

APPENDICES

APPENDIX “A”

_Copy_

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
Office of the Commanding General
Second Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force
c/o Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, California

26 September 1944

From: The Commanding General.
To: The Commanding General, 6th Marine Division.
Subject: Services rendered by personnel of 1st Battalion, 29th
Marines.

1. I wish to express my appreciation of the heroic part played by the officers and men of the 1st Battalion, 29th Marines (Reinf), while attached to the 2d Marine Division, in the defeat of the Japanese forces on Saipan.

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

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

4. It has been a pleasure to have under my command these officers and men who were of inestimable value to the success of the operation as a part of the 2d Marine Division, Reinforced. The parent organization of the 1st Battalion, 29th Marines can well be proud of the accomplishments of this battalion during the Saipan operation.

/s/ T. E. Watson
T. E. WATSON

First Endorsement 8 October 1944

HEADQUARTERS, SIXTH MARINE DIVISION, IN THE FIELD

From: The Commanding General.

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

_Copy_

Subject: Services rendered by personnel of 1st Battalion, Twenty-ninth Marines, Reinforced.

1. Forwarded.

2. This is a fine tribute to the 1st Battalion, Twenty-ninth Marines, Reinforced, and will be an inspiration to the remainder of your excellent regiment.

LEMUEL C. SHEPHERD, JR.

2d Endorsement 11 October 1944

HEADQUARTERS, 29th MARINES, REINF., SIXTH MARINE DIVISION,
IN THE FIELD

From: The Commanding Officer.

To: The Commanding Officer, First Battalion, 29th
Marines, Reinf.

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

1. Forwarded with congratulations.

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

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

VICTOR F. BLEASDALE

_Copy_

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

16 November 1944

REGIMENTAL MEMORANDUM

Combat Record of the First Battalion,
29th Marines.

_NUMBER 129 1944_

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

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

2. The officers and men of the 29th Marines are very proud of the splendid reputation already established by our First Battalion.

VICTOR F. BLEASDALE,
Colonel, U. S. Marine Corps
Commanding

THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY

WASHINGTON

The Secretary of the Navy takes pleasure in commending the

FIRST PROVISIONAL MARINE BRIGADE

for service as follows:

“For outstanding heroism in action against enemy Japanese forces, during the invasion of Guam, Marianas Islands, from July 21 to August 10, 1944. Functioning as a combat unit for the first time, the First Provisional Marine Brigade forced a landing against strong hostile defenses and well camouflaged positions, steadily advancing inland under the relentless fury of the enemy’s heavy artillery, mortar and small arms fire to secure a firm beachhead by nightfall. Executing a difficult turning movement to the north, this daring and courageous unit fought its way ahead yard by yard through mangrove swamps, dense jungles and over cliffs and, although terrifically reduced in strength under the enemy’s fanatical counterattacks, hunted the Japanese in caves, pillboxes and foxholes and exterminated them. By their individual acts of gallantry and their indomitable fighting teamwork throughout this bitter and costly struggle, the men of the First Provisional Marine Brigade aided immeasurably in the restoration of Guam to our sovereignty.”

/S/ JAMES FORRESTAL
Secretary of the Navy.

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

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1990-10-10
018/159

HEADQUARTERS
SIXTH MARINE DIVISION
IN THE FIELD

22 April 1945.

S.O.—78-45:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

_COPY_

_COPY_

1990-10-10
018/125 17 May 1945.

HEADQUARTERS
SIXTH MARINE DIVISION
IN THE FIELD

SO: 120-45

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

_COPY_

_COPY_

1990-10-10
018/125

HEADQUARTERS
SIXTH MARINE DIVISION
IN THE FIELD

19 May 1945

SO: 125-45

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

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

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

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

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

“4. ——

“5. ——

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

H. B. KNOWLES”

_COPY_

OFFICERS AND MEN

OF THE SIXTH MARINE DIVISION

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

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

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

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

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

(Signed) LEMUEL C. SHEPHERD, JR.
Major General, U. S. Marine Corps
Commanding Sixth Marine Division

_COPY_

1990-10-10
015/210

HEADQUARTERS
SIXTH MARINE DIVISION
IN THE FIELD

13 June 1945.

SO: 146-45

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

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

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

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

_COPY_

1990-10-15
015/210

HEADQUARTERS
SIXTH MARINE DIVISION
IN THE FIELD

14 June 1945.

MEMO: 126-45

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

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

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

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

_COPY_

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1990-10-10
046/171

HEADQUARTERS
SIXTH MARINE DIVISION
IN THE FIELD

21 June 1945.

SO: 155-45

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

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

_COPY_

_COPY_

1355
015-214

HEADQUARTERS
SIXTH MARINE DIVISION
IN THE FIELD

23 June 1945.

SO: 158-45.

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

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

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

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

_COPY_

1990-10-50
048-214

HEADQUARTERS
SIXTH MARINE DIVISION
IN THE FIELD

27 June 1945.

SO: 164-45.

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

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

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

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

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

A. A. VANDEGRIFT”

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

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

_COPY_

APPENDIX “B”
SIXTH MARINE DIVISION COMMAND LIST

From 7Sep44 to 31Mar46

=Division Commander=:

Brig. Gen. Lemuel C. Shepherd, Jr., USMC
7-11Sept44.
Maj. Gen. Lemuel C. Shepherd, Jr. USMC
12Sept44 to 23Dec45.
Maj. Gen. Archie F. Howard, USMC
24Dec45 to 31Mar46.

=Assistant Division Commander=:
Brig. Gen. William T. Clement, USMC
11Nov44 to 31Mar46.

=Chief of Staff=:
Col. John T. Walker, USMC
7Sept to 16Nov44.
Col. John C. McQueen, USMC
17Nov44 to 16Feb46.
Col. Harry E. Dunkelberger, USMC
17Feb to 31Mar46.

=Assistant Chief of Staff, G-1=:
Major Addison B. Overstreet, USMCR
7Sept44 to 22Jul45.
Col. Karl K. Louther, USMC
23Jul to 17Nov45.
Lt. Col. Frederick Belton, USMC
18Nov45 to 31Mar46.

=Assistant Chief of Staff, G-2=:
Lt. Col. August Larson, USMC
7Sept to 30Sept44.
Major William R. Watson, Jr., USMCR
1Oct to 9Nov44.
Lt. Col. Thomas E. Williams, USMCR
10Nov44 to 16Feb46.
Lt. Col. Carl V. Larsen, USMC
17Feb to 31Mar46.

=Assistant Chief of Staff, G-3=:
Lt. Col. Thomas A. Culhane, Jr., USMC
7Sept to 10Nov44.
Lt. Col. Victor H. Krulak, USMC
11Nov44 to 26Oct45.
Lt. Col. Wayne H. Adams, USMC
27Oct to 31Dec45.
Lt. Col. George W. Killen, USMC
1Jan to 31Mar46.

=Assistant Chief of Staff, G-4=:
Lt. Col. August Larson, USMC
1Oct44 to 17May45.
Lt. Col. Wayne H. Adams, USMC
18May45 to 31Dec45.
Lt. Col. Samuel R. Shaw, USMC
1Jan to 31Mar46.

=CO Hq Bn=:
Lt. Col. Floyd A. Stephenson, USMC
(Activated 25Sept44)
25Sept44 to 31Mar46.

=CO Service Troops=:
Lt. Col. Floyd A. Stephenson, USMC
(Activated 24Oct44)
24Oct to 11Nov44.
Col. William W. Orr, USMC
12Nov44 to 3Dec45.

=CO 6th Motor Transport Bn=:
Major Ernest H. Gould, USMCR
(Activated 23Sept44)
23Sept44 to 30Mar45.
Lt. Col. Ernest H. Gould, USMCR
30Mar to 24Jul45.
Lt. Col. Robert E. McCook, USMC
25Jul45 to 31Mar46.

=CO 6th Service Bn=:
Lt. Col. Floyd A. Stephenson, USMC
(Activated 24Oct44)
24Oct to 12Nov44.
Major Charles N. Hulvey, Jr., USMCR
13Nov to 17Dec44.
Lt. Col. Erma A. Wright, USMC
18Dec44 to 26Jan45.
Lt. Col. George B. Bell, USMC
27Jan to 26Mar45.
Lt. Col. Alexander N. Entringer, USMC
27Mar45 to 19Mar46.
Lt. Col. Robert E. McCook, USMC
20-31Mar46.

=CO 6th Medical Bn=:
Lt. Comdr. John S. Cowan, USN(MC)
(Activated 24Nov44)
24Nov44 to 18Jun45.
Commander John S. Cowan, USN(MC)
19Jun45 to 27Jan46.
Lt. Comdr. Rich H. Pembroke, USNR(MC)
28Jan to 26Mar46.

=CO 6th Engineer Bn=:
Capt. Wm. C. McLaughlin, USMC
(Activated 1Nov44)
1-13Nov44.
Major Elliot B. Robertson, USMC
14Nov to 28Dec44.
Major Paul F. Sackett, USMCR
29Dec44 to 23Jul45.
Major Robert S. Mayo, USMC
24-31Jul45.
Major Paul F. Sackett, USMCR
1Aug to 22Sept45.
Lt. Col. Orin C. Bjornsrud, USMC
23Sept45 to 25Mar46.

=CO 6th Pioneer Bn=:
Lt. Col. Samuel R. Shaw, USMC
(Activated 10Nov44)
10Nov44 to 10May45.
Major John G. Dibble, USMC
11May to 22Jun45.
Lt. Col. Samuel R. Shaw, USMC
23Jun to 21Oct45.
Lt. Col. Harry A. Schmitz, USMC
22Oct45 to 31Mar46.

=CO 6th Tank Bn=:
Major Harry T. Milne, USMC
29Sept to 16Oct44.
Lt. Col. Robert L. Denig, Jr., USMC
17Oct44 to 26Mar46.

=CO 15th Marines=:
Col. Wilburt S. Brown, USMC
(Activated 23Oct44)
23Oct to 17Nov44.
Lt. Col. Robert B. Luckey, USMC
18Nov to 23Dec44.
Col. Robert B. Luckey, USMC
24Dec44 to 15Mar46.

=CO 4th Marines=:
Col. Alan Shapley, USMC
7Sept44 to 3Jul45.
Lt. Col. Fred D. Beans, USMC
4Jul45 to 28Jan46.

=CO 22d Marines=:
Col. Merlin F. Schneider, USMC
(Activated Jun42)
7Sept44 to 16May45.
Col. Harold C. Roberts, USMC
17May to 18Jun45.
Lt. Col. August Larson, USMC
19-24Jun45.
Col. John D. Blanchard, USMC
25Jun45 to 31Mar46.

=CO 29th Marines=:
Col. Victor F. Bleasdale, USMC
(Activated 1May44)
7Sept44 to 14Apr45.
Col. William J. Whaling, USMC
15Apr45 to 31Mar46.

APPENDIX “C”
Sixth Marine Division Insignia

The basic design for the shoulder patch of the Sixth Marine Division was submitted by Colonel Victor Bleasdale of the Twenty Ninth Marines. The design as finally adopted, incorporated ideas of Corporal Michael W. Pawl and Major General Lemuel C. Shepherd, Jr. The artist who actually drew and colored the design was Lieutenant George Thompson.

The outside diameter of the patch is three inches and the diameter of the inner circle is two and one fourth inches. Embroidered on the red outer border are the words Melanesia—Micronesia—Orient. Superimposed upon a crusader sword in the center of the patch is a one and a quarter inch block numeral “6”, two inches long. The shading of the “6” is in the same color as the outer border. The “6” and the lettering of the words on the border is golden yellow. Cobalt blue is the color of the center background and the crusader sword is silver white.

To commemorate the fighting in the Solomons of the Raider Battalions, from which the Fourth Regiment was formed, the word Melanesia was chosen. Similarly, the word Micronesia commemorates the fighting of the Twenty Second Marines at Eniwetok, the First Provisional Brigade on Guam, and the First Battalion, Twenty Ninth Marines, at Saipan.

The board of officers, representing all units of the division, which adopted the patch selected the word Orient for two reasons: First, because China was the home of the old Fourth Marine Regiment, lost in the early days of the war on Bataan. The Raider Battalions were the units used to reactivate the Fourth Marines. The second reason advanced by the board was, that it was their belief that in its final stages, the war against Japan would have to be fought in the Orient. It is significant that the division took part in the last campaign, which was fought on Okinawa, and, as predicted, in the Orient.

The crusader’s sword was chosen as a symbol of the Sixth Marine Division’s crusade against the tyrannical principles of the axis powers.

In a special order, dated 17 October 1944, General Shepherd brought the insignia into official existence.

● Transcriber’s Notes:
○ Text that was in italics is enclosed by underscores (_italics_).
○ Footnotes have been moved to follow the lectures in which they are
referenced.