THIS WEEK CREW RESCUES PASSENGERS IN DISTRESS 2 - U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command
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THIS WEEK
CREW RESCUES
PASSENGERS IN DISTRESS 2
ROBOT LOGISTICS FROM LEFT: KWAJALEIN MARINE DEPARTMENT CAPT. SWITON TANAKA,
AT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 3 CAPT. WILLIAM “BRENT” EVANS, ENGINEMAN AITA BIEN AND DECK-
HAND FEDNER CAPELLE ON THE DECK OF LCM-8605 THIS WEEK, AFTER
CW4 JOHNSON
AIDING MORE THAN 40 MARSHALLESE CITIZENS STRANDED DURING A
SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY JAN. 24.
RECEIVES PROMOTION
Saturday, FEBRUARY 5, 20224/ Volume 63 Number 6 1 JESSICA DAMBRUCH The Kwajalein Hourglass
MARINE DEPARTMENT CREW AIDS STRANDED VESSEL
Personnel from the Kwajalein Marine De-
partment aided 44 Marshallese citizens
stranded during a recent small craft advi-
sory after their vessel suffered a mechani-
cal failure on Jan. 24.
While engaged in a routine mission to
Legan, the crew of LCM-8605 picked up
a faint distress call, the Marine Depart-
ment said in a statement.
The Laintok, a Marshall Islands Ma-
rine Resources Authority charter fishing
vessel carrying passengers from Ebeye to
Enniburr, drifted off-course after a me-
chanical failure. The boat and its passen-
gers were adrift oceanside, north of Eller
island.
In the rough seas, their captain said, 1
they needed help to continue their jour-
ney safely. Despite their weak radio sig-
nal, Capt. Switon Tanaka was able to com-
municate with the Laintok’s Marshallese
captain. He asked about the health of the
Laintok’s many passengers. Among them
were children, RMI garrison workforce
employees and family members. None
were reported injured.
“They said most of them were seasick,
but they were all still in good shape,”
Tanaka told Capt. Brent Evans.
After obtaining permission to respond
with help from Kwajalein Harbor Con-
trol, the LCM transited through 29-knot
winds to the Laintok. They faced chal-
lenging conditions on the water, said Ev- 2
ans, including nine-foot-tall waves. COURTESY PHOTOS BY CAPT. BRENT EVANS
“Transitioning in and out of the passes,
especially when it’s windy like that—and 1) In this courtesy photo by Capt. Brent Evans, crewmembers from the Laintok secure the
because of the islands and the reef struc- towing line from LCM-8605. 2) Laintok and its passengers enjoy a respite at their leeward
ture—causes that water to really stand anchorage at Eller after several hours adrift in the atoll.
up,” Evans said.
After drifting into the shallows of Eller,
the Laintok crew had anchored at a sweet RMI government boats arrived at the the water, once, trying to get to them.”
spot—a lone coral head girded by deeper scene and transported the passengers Tanaka is grateful to the crews of the
water—in a strong current. Their precari- safely home. LCM and Laintok for their close team-
ous luck held until the LCM arrived. Evans credits Tanaka’s skill as a captain work and the opportunity to assist a ves-
Together with Engineman Aita Bien with the success of the rescue. sel in distress.
and Deckhand Fedner Capelle, Tana- “It was pretty impressive, what he did “Working in bad weather is hard,”
ka and Evans worked with the Laintok’s with the boat,” Evans said, of Tanaka’s Tanaka said. “[Evans] kept an eye on my
three-man crew to tow the boat to the careful maneuvering of the lightweight guys, and the distance between [the Lain-
calmer, leeward side of Eller. Next, they LCM, as he chose the safest approach tok] and our boat. I want to thank my
retrieved Laintok’s primary anchor and to the Laintok. “At one point, the waves crew and my other captain. If they were
rode, or anchor line, the Marine Depart- pushed us so hard against them, [that not with me, we couldn’t have saved the
ment said, to ensure the vessel could hold Tanaka] had the rudder all the way to the people. We worked together. I would like
its position until assistance arrived. The starboard side, and the bow still swung to thank all of them, for everything, from
LCM waited with the vessel until three the other way. Our wheels came up out of the bottom of my heart.”
FEBRUARY IS BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Brenda Robinson became the first African American female graduate from the Navy's
Aviation Officer Candidate School, earning her wings in 1980, according to the nonprof-
it organization Women in Aviation. She was the first Black woman certified for C-1A
carrier onboard delivery landings the following year, the group said. Robinson retired
in 2008. https://www.military.com/daily-news/2020/07/10/after-110-years-of-aviation-navy-get-itsfirst-
black-female-fighter-pilot.html
THE KWAJALEIN HOURGLASS
The Kwajalein Hourglass is named for the insignia of Contents of the Hourglass are not necessarily official Garrison Commander.....................Col. Thomas Pugsley
the U.S. Army's 7th Infantry Division, which liberated views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, De- Garrison CSM............Command Sgt. Maj. Ismael Ortega
the island from the forces of Imperial Japan on Feb. partment of Defense, Department of the Army or US- Public Affairs Officer....................................Mike Brantley
4, 1944. The Kwajalein Hourglass is an authorized AG-KA. It is published Saturdays in accordance with Communications Manager............................Randall Hisle
publication for military personnel, federal employees, Army Regulation 360-1. Editor............................................Jessica “JD” Dambruch
contractor workers and their families assigned to U.S. Phone: Defense Switching Network 254-5169
Army Garrison-Kwajalein Atoll. Local phone: 5-5169
Saturday, FEBRUARY 5, 2022 / Volume 63 Number 6 2 The Kwajalein Hourglass
ROBOTICS TEAM COMBINES LOGISTICS WITH PROGRAMMING
George Seitz Elementary School Ro-
botics Team students at the Kwajalein
School System STEM Lab and Maker-
space shared their latest robot creations
with visitors during a recent open house.
Coordinator and 5th and 6th grade
math and science teacher Misti French,
and MIT LL Scientific Advisor Dr. Karyn
Lundberg visited with the students as
they progressed through the next steps
their hands-on STEM activities. The
day’s mission: program their Lego ro- A student checks out his robot’s progress as it travels to a checkpoint during a meeting of the
bots to deposit a “cargo” block at a Lego George Seitz Elementary School Robotics Team at the Kwajalein School System STEM Lab
cargo plane. The task came after months and Makerspace.
of building and training small robots to meet the day’s goal, several began to dis-
recognize and correct paths of travel. cuss online modules on laptop comput-
“These activities today simulate re- ers to refine their programming.
al-world logistics,” said French, of the “They are really understanding how
students’ work. “They have come so far to work together, and to leverage their
in the past few months. They are really team communication skills, along with
getting it.” their coding and programming skills,”
“We did it!” one student exclaimed. said French.
Classmates rushed to the team’s work- Students will share their work in a
station as the Lego bot, controlled via poster session and open house event for
a computer, slowly backed its cargo up parents scheduled for later this spring.
to the small cargo plane. Cheers rang
throughout the room. As other teams Check out these photos from the KSS
reconvened with newfound purpose to
STEM Lab and Makerspace.
1 2
4
1-4) Students in action: GSES Robotics Team students work on activ-
ities at the KSS STEM Lab and Maker Space and share their activities
U.S. ARMY PHOTOS BY JESSICA DAMBRUCH
3 and progress with visitors.
ONCE A KWAJ RESIDENT,
ALWAYS A KWAJ RESIDENT.
HELP US PROTECT THE MISSION.
OPSEC DOESN’T END WHEN YOU PCS.
PLEASE THINK BEFORE POSTING PHOTOS
AND VIDEOS TO SOCIAL MEDIA.
Saturday, FEBRUARY 5, 2022 / Volume 63 Number 6 3 The Kwajalein Hourglass
1 U.S. ARMY PHOTOS BY JESSICA DAMBRUCH 2
1) Chief Warrant Officer 4 Yessenia Johnson, center, with her daughters Jemila, left, and Genevieve, right, following her promotion ceremony Feb.
1 on U.S. Army Garrison-Kwajalein Atoll. 2) Col. Tom Pugsley, USAG-KA Commander, leads Johnson in the Oath of Service.
CHIEF WARRANT OFFICER 4 YESSENIA JOHNSON PROMOTED
nity and workforce. You just feel better this place.”
off for being around her. …Regardless Asked to say a few words, Johnson
Personnel from the Department of the of the situation, having Chief on the thanked God, the USAG-KA Command
Army gathered on oceanside Kwajalein team is unbelievable [for] supporting team, LOGCAP staff and her friends
to celebrate the promotion of Chief the overall morale and welfare of the and daughters.
Warrant Officer 4 Yessenia Johnson. organization.” “I just want to say thank you,” John-
USAG-KA Commander Col. Tom Pugsley, and Johnson’s daughters son said. “I think it’s obvious they say
Pugsley said officer promotions are Yamila and Genevieve, placed the war- hard work does get you places. I could
unique events that deserve a moment rant officer’s new rank on her Army Ser- not have done it without my family.
“to reflect on the sacrifices, accomplish- vice uniform. They have supported me along my en-
ments and work” that has helped every Prior to her Kwajalein tour, Johnson, tire path: My mom, who couldn’t be
Soldier ascend in the ranks as leaders a mother of two daughters, completed here today; my sisters, who have taken
and team members striving to serve the two Iraq deployments and three de- care of my children every time that I’ve
Army mission and accomplish its goals ployments to Afghanistan. She has also deployed. Thank you, ladies, for allow-
Pugsley addressed the gathering with worked as a contract officer represen- ing me to take my path. Thank you, ev-
Johnson and her two daughters, Jami- tative for U.S. Army Contracting Com- eryone.”
la and Genevieve, and described John- mand. Following the ceremony this week,
son’s character and contributions to the On Kwajalein, Johnson has worked after reflecting on the meaning of pro-
USAG-KA team. closely with LOGCAP food services motion, Johnson submitted a statement
“First and foremost, if you don’t know personnel. Among her special events for publication.
Chief, you need to take some time and this past year were a surf and turf cel- “Thank you so much. I’ve been so
pick her brain,” Pugsley said. “She’s an ebration of the U.S. Navy birthday, to blessed by the Army with the exposure
amazing individual and has lots of good show appreciation for the work the U.S. to cultures, traveling, and meeting so
stories. You’ll me amazed at what you Navy Seabees continue to perform on many people—officers, NCOs, and ci-
can learn from her.” the garrison. vilians—who have crossed paths with
Pugsley likened Johnson, a native of “She hit the ground running and has me and shaped me in some way or form,
Newark, New Jersey, who grew up in done remarkable stuff for food services it’s important to learn from the ‘good’
Puerto Rico, and her tenacious posi- for this installation,” Pugsley said. “I and ‘bad’ without these we’d have no
tivity to an Abram’s tank that runs on cannot be happier with what she has compass on values and appreciation.
a precious fuel: coffee. The garrison’s done so far, I am looking forward to “I’d like to add that a great leader once
Installation Senior Food Officer, John- what she will do for us in the future, told me, ‘Leadership involves being ap-
son worked in food service and retail and she focuses on the community, as proachable, available and accessible,’
grocery industry before enlisting in the a good food services officer should do. CSM Paul J. Denson. It was an honor
Army as a cook. In a short eight years, “Chief Johnson, you are a fantastic to have my two precious children share
she moved from staff sergeant to war- officer. You’re truly a pleasure to work such a special milestone in my career.
rant officer one, an achievement Pugs- with. I look forward to everything you’ll “I’d also like to thank all of those who
ley described as remarkable. do while you are here. You’ve already were able to attend, those who wanted
“She breathes optimism,” Pugsley earned my trust, and I look forward to but couldn’t, and Col. Pugsley for the
said. “She inserts herself into a commu- seeing how much better you can make kind words.”
NEVER FORGET.
https://kwajaleinmiaproject.us/
Saturday, FEBRUARY 5, 2022 / Volume 63 Number 6 4 The Kwajalein Hourglass
• The all-black airborne unit in WWII
• The brave drivers of the “Red Ball
Express,” who brought supplies to
Allied Forces after D-Day
• The “Black Panthers” of the 761st
Tank Battalion in WWII
The Army is dedicated to leveraging
the strength of our diverse force and
ensuring equality for all its members.
To sustain a high-quality Army that is
trained and ready, the Army will contin-
ue to ensure that all Soldiers and Civil-
ians are given the opportunity to maxi-
FEBRUARY IS BLACK HISTORY MONTH
mize their talents and potential.
African Americans make up more than
19 percent of the Total Army and the
generations and will continue to do so in
Department of the Army Civilian Work-
the future. force. African Americans play vital roles
Provided by Assistant Secretary of the in today’s Army as Soldiers, Army Civil-
The Army stands on the tradition of ians and family members, and are criti-
Army Manpower and Reserve Affairs
sacrifice by African-American Sol- cal members of the Army team.
diers: The Army strongly embraces diversity
February is African American History
• Those who joined the Continental as a way to maximize individual talent,
Month, and the Army reflects upon and
Army in exchange for the promise of increase morale and greatly enhance
celebrates the tremendous contribu-
freedom military effectiveness. The Army finds
tions of African-Americans to the nation.
• The Louisiana Free Men of Color its strength not only in its diversity, but
What are the current and past ef- who fought in the Battle of New Or- in its ability to bring together people of
forts of the Army? leans in the War of 1812 different faiths, cultures, and races who
African Americans have defended • The 54th Massachusetts Infantry share common values like duty, honor,
the nation since the Revolutionary War. Regiment of the Union Army selfless service, loyalty, and respect.
They continue to serve the Army with • The Buffalo Soldiers The Army is confident that the myr-
great honor and distinction and built a • The WWII Harlem Hell Fighters of iad of talent, skills, and abilities in the
legacy of courage and professionalism. New York’s 369th Infantry Regiment diverse force will help to meet future
This legacy inspired current and past • The Tuskegee Airmen; the “Triple defense challenges and win the nation’s
Nickels” wars.
YOUR THOUGHTS MATTER
The Army began its annual hous- about 10 minutes. Army pri-
ing tenant satisfaction survey on vatized, government-owned
Jan. 11 to gather feedback about and government-leased hous-
living in Army housing. ing tenants can rate their sat-
isfaction with services, prop-
• Tenants have 45 days to com- erty and the overall housing
plete the confidential survey, experience through the on-
ending Feb. 24. line survey.
• An online survey link will be • Feedback is used by the Army
emailed to more than 110,000 to help maintain a high quali-
tenants living in privatized, ty of life for service members
government-owned and and their families.
government-leased housing
across the globe. • The survey will be emailed
from ArmyHousingSurvey@
• Completing the survey takes celassociates.com.
Saturday, FEBRUARY 5, 2022 / Volume 63 Number 6 5 The Kwajalein Hourglass
The Fight BEGINS
With Operation Flintlock, U.S. forces undertook one of the most impressive
amphibious military campaigns in history.
O
peration Flintlock, the code name
for America’s invasion of the Mar-
shall Islands, would involve troop
landings on the atolls of Majuro,
Eniwetok and Kwajalein, result-
ing in the clearing upwards of 100
small islands of Japanese resistance
and destroying critical enemy naval and air
bases.
What follows are a series of stories on the
invasion of Kwajalein Atoll, the fulcrum of
Operation Flintlock, with a focus on Kwa-
jalein Island, where the Army’s 7th Infan-
try would take on the men of Japan’s 6th
Base Force, 6th Defense Force, amphibious
brigades, naval special landing forces and
South Seas detachments.
These stories come from a report by for-
mer Kwaj resident and Kwajalein Hourglass
editor Pat Cataldo. They were printed in
1994 in a special edition for the 50th anni-
versary of the Battle of Kwajalein.
Jan. 30, 1944
Kwajalein Island lay battered and
burning after two days of pulverizing
naval bombardment, intensive bombing
and strafing by land and carrier-based
planes.
The fires of destruction on Japan’s
principal naval base in the Marshalls 1
were visible to men of the 7th Infantry
Division (the “Hourglass Division”),
veteran troops who waited for D-Day
aboard vessels of the Southern Attack
Force.
Roi and Namur islands, the center of
Japan’s air power in the Marshalls, were
under attack from planes and ships of
the Northern Attack Force, while men
of the 4th Marine Division, not yet tried
in battle, also waited for D-Day.
That afternoon, the battleships Mas-
sachusetts, Indiana and Washington
pounded Kwajalein with 1,000 rounds of
16-inch ammunition—an average of one
250-pound shell every 15 seconds of the
four-hour bombardment.
The attacks on Kwajalein, Roi and
Namur began early the day prior.
Though weather was ‘squally’ and skies
were overcast, planes from the carriers
Cowpens, Monterey and Bunker Hill,
positioned southwest of Kwajalein, took
off an hour before sunrise for the first
bombing run on Kwajalein’s airfield and
nearby buildings. 2
Despite intense and accurate anti-air-
craft fire, the bombing and strafing con-
tinued over the entire island throughout
the day. tons of bombs on Kwajalein and 15 tons 1) Exhausted enlisted crew mem-
At Roi and Namur, planes from the on Roi. bers aboard aircraft carrier USS
carriers Essex, Intrepid and Cabot be- More than 400 sorties were flown Lexington, CV-16, sleep in tangled
gan their assault at dawn, dropping over Kwajalein, Roi and Namur by car- patterns after 24 hours at General
2,000-pound bombs on runways and rier-based planes. U.S. losses totaled Quarters, off Kwajalein Atoll, Mar-
scouring numerous hits on hangars, fuel four Helicats and a torpedo bomber over shall Islands, Dec. 5, 1943. (Color-
dumps and gun positions. Ninety-two Kwajalein. No U.S. ship was attacked by ized WWII photo courtesy of Co-
Japanese aircraft were based on Roi, but enemy aircraft. lourised Pieces of Jake) 2) The USS
U.S. planes at once gained command In related actions over the past two Indiana, en route to the Marshall
of the air, and after 0800, no Japanese days, the airstrip at Majuro had been Islands, January 1944. (U.S. Navy
planes were seen flying airborne. completely neutralized by air attack, photo)
B-25s, flying from bases in the Gilbert and Japanese installations on Wotje,
Islands, joined in the attack to drop 23 Maloelap, Jaluit and Mili were severely
Saturday, FEBRUARY 5, 2022 / Volume 63 Number 6 6 The Kwajalein Hourglass
A unique part of the day’s
operation was the use, for the
first time in the Pacific, of an
underwater demolition team.
At 1000 hours, and again at
1600, this team worked its
way within 300 yards of the
beach at the western end of
Kwajalein island where U.S.
forces landed the next day.
They searched for under-
water obstacles and anti-boat
mines.
As light faded on Jan. 31,
troops of the 32nd and 184th
Regimental Combat Teams
(RCTs) of the 7th Infantry Di-
vision moved from transports
to LVTs. They were scheduled
to make the initial landings
on Kwajalein the next morn-
ing.
The U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Yorktown, pictured in Aug. 31, 1943 during the raid on Marcus Island.
Lt. Cmdr. James H. "Jimmy" Flatley, Commander of Air Group 5, sits in his Grumman F6F-3 Hellcat be- Feb. 1, 1944
fore takeoff. During the Battle of Kwajalein, the Yorktown's aircraft continued to fly air cover over the A Day on Kwajalein
atoll from Jan. 29 through 31, and from Feb. 1 to 3. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Charles Kerlee) After a near-perfect am-
phibious assault on beaches
damaged by bombing and invasion. naissance, during which four at the west end of Kwajalein,
strafing guns. The action began at dawn, Japanese were killed and two troops of the 32nd and 184th
when Battleships Pennsyl- taken prisoner. When troops RCTs, and the 767th Tank
Jan. 31, 1944 vania and Mississippi began proceeded to Ninni, they Battalion advanced approxi-
7th Infantry Troops firing on the western end of found it unoccupied and took mately one-third the length
Ashore Near Strongholds Kwajalein. By 0830, Enubuj, possession at once. of the island against stiffen-
After a series of highly Ennylabegan, Kwajalein, Eb- Opposed only by a few Jap- ing Japanese resistance.
successful amphibious land- eye and South Guegeegue anese firing light rifles and The most devastating na-
ings, American troops were (Beverly) were systematically automatic weapons, the 17th val, artillery and air bom-
ashore on four small islands raked by the fire of four bat- RCT captured Ennylabegan bardment yet seen in the
near Kwajalein and on five is- tleships, three cruisers and by 1300 without a single Pacific began at dawn and
lets flanking Roi and Namur. four destroyers. American casualty. Organi- continued until H-Hour. At
They closed in on the two In preparation for land- zation began immediately to one time, two shells per sec-
major Japanese strongholds. ings by the 17th Regimental set up supply dumps and re- ond were hitting specific tar-
Every objective was gained. Combat Team on Enubuj pair stations. gets and areas ahead of the
U.S. casualties were classified and Ennylabegan, more assault troops.
as light. than 2,000 rounds of 5-inch
In Jan. 31 actions around shells poured onto the is-
Kwajalein island (codename: lands. Twenty-one tons of
Porcelain), U.S. troops cap- bombs and 50,000 rounds of
tured Enubuj (Carlson), 50-caliber ammunition were
Ennylabegan (Carlos), Gea expended by 51 escort carrier
(Carter) and Ninni (Cecil) planes in bombing and straf-
islands and brought Gea Pass ing runs.
under U.S. control. American The landing on Gea was
casualties were one dead, two made shortly after by B Troop,
wounded. a provisional unit made up of
Forty-eight 105-mm how- men of the 7th Calvary Re-
itzers were set up on Enubuj connaissance Troop and Co.
and harassed Kwajalein, as B, 111th Infantry.
heavier 155mm guns rapidly After a short fight, the is-
landed. The naval bombard- land was secured at 0930.
ment of Kwajalein’s defenses Twenty-two Japanese were
continued, and the wall of killed, and one was taken
destroyers delivered harass- prisoner. American losses
ing fire on Ebeye (Burton), included one killed and one
Japan’s chief seaplane base in wounded.
the Marshalls. It was known U.S. troops captured
to harbor several hundred Enubuj at noon, taking 20
Japanese troops. prisoners after very light re-
At the northern end of sistance. Within an hour,
the atoll, the 25th Regimen- divisional artillery began
tal Combat Team of the 4th coming ashore. By 1800, the
Marine Division secured five howitzers were registered on
islands near Roi and Namur Kwajalein.
at a cost of 18 American dead, Ninni, which with Gea,
eight missing and 40 wound- guards an important entrance
ed. Artillery was established to the lagoon, was captured
ashore, and North Pass was by A Troop at 1230. The men
later safe for the passage of first mistakenly landed on
ships. Gehh, the next island north-
As evening fell, fresh land- west of Ninni, after fighting
ing troops were poised for strong currents and offshore
the next day’s strikes against winds in their rubber land-
Kwajalein, Roi and Namur, ing craft. The error was dis- A B-24J bomber flies over the island of Kwajalein, softening up
the main objectives for the covered after a brief recon- Japanese defense positions in anticipation of the ground assault.
Saturday, FEBRUARY 5, 2022 / Volume 63 Number 6 7 The Kwajalein Hourglass
Altogether, nearly 7,000 14-inch,
8-inch and 5-inch shells hit Kwajalein
after being fired from supporting naval
vessels alone. Most landed on the main
beaches before the assault.
Field artillery on Enubuj (Carlson) ex-
pended 29,000 rounds of 105mm ammu-
nition. Heavy bombers flew from Tarawa
to drop 15 1,000- and 2,000-pound bombs
on the landing area. Carrier-based dive
and torpedo bombers and fighters flew a
total of 96 supporting sorties.
As the landing craft started for shore,
Navy aircraft made a last strafing run.
Artillery shells from Enubuj continued
to strike the beach when the LVTs were
within 35 yards.
The first wave of troops landed ex-
actly on schedule at 0930 at Red Beach
1 (in the vicinity) of the invasion beach
marker). One minute later, troops went
ashore at Red Beach 2 (near the USAKA
Photo Lab).
Within 12 minutes, 1,200 men and
their equipment had landed without a
single casualty, and amphibious tanks
had advanced 100 yards to support the Battle on Kwajalein was fierce, and continued for several days following the initial na-
troops as they organized. val bombardment. Miraculously, one survivor would be a dog that U.S. military members
So effective was the prelanding bom- named Tinker, who would live for several more years on island as “chief of dogs.”
bardment that Japanese resistance was
at first largely confined to sporadic small
arms fire as the 32nd RCT advanced
along the ocean side, and the 184th RCT halfway across the island. around what is now the intersection of
moved forward on the lagoon side. These troops were dug in for the night 9th St. and Lagoon Rd., they came with-
By 1130, determined Japanese resis- in the abandoned trenches and shell out warning upon the most heavily for-
tance had developed, but U.S. troops craters around the tank trap. tified area of the island.
continued their advancement. By about The 184th, in its push up the lagoon Facing them on the near edge of this
1800, they had driven approximately side, met considerable resistance in the area stood a great blockhouse of rein-
1,600 yards along the length of the island area now covered by freshwater tanks. forced concrete. Fifty yards beyond,
from the landing beaches. There, the rubble of a large number of nearly undamaged by bombardment,
The 184th had established defensive buildings offered enough cover for Jap- were two huge shelters of thick, rein-
positions for the night on a line inland anese snipers and machine gun crews. forced concrete, steel plate and logs un-
of the lagoon (just west of Bldg. 1010), Because tanks assigned to the 184th had der a mound of sand several feet thick.
with the 32nd dug in on a line inland been loaned to the 32nd for assault on Other underground shelters and con-
from the ocean (in the area of the weath- “Corn” strong point, the infantry ad- crete blockhouses, intact and active,
er station). vance was temporarily stalled. were scattered through dense ruins,
American casualties at the end of the The 184th had positions for the night rubble and trees.
first day of the Battle of Kwajalein were on a line slightly westward of that of the One observer described it as “trying to
17 dead and 46 wounded. Japanese ca- 32nd. U.S. casualties for the day totalled fight one’s way across the landscape of a
sualties numbered 500 killed and 11 cap- 11 killed in action and 241 wounded. nightmare.” Small, often isolated groups
tured. In 70 sorties, carrier-based planes of infantrymen with rifles and whatev-
dropped 40 tons of bombs and expend- er demolition charges they could carry
Feb. 2, 1944, D+1 ed 20,800 rounds of 50-caliber ammuni- or drag, blasted out one nest of enemy
At the end of the second day’s fight- tion. No Japanese aircraft was seen oper- combatants after another.
ing on Kwajalein, hopes were high for ating in the entire Marshall Islands area. Smoke and flying debris were so thick
a speedy victory. But U.S. troops were Naval units of the Kwajalein Defense that units operating 10 yards apart were
wary and watchful for suicide counterat- Group and transports carrying reserve unaware of each other’s presence.
tacks by the 200 to 300 Japanese Soldiers forces arrived in the lagoon, along with One building was found to be empty.
believed to be the only enemy survivors. the hospital ship Relief. To prevent its possible reentry by enemy
Reports from prisoners indicated that troops, it was demolished and set afire.
1,000 to 1,200 Japanese fell during the Feb. 3, 1944, D+2 Later it was discovered that the build-
day’s assault, and that remaining de- U.S. infantrymen pushed forward ing had contained all the beer, sake and
fensive positions were in ruins, with all against a fanatically determined and candy the Japanese had on Kwajalein.
communications broken. heavily defended enemy to gain another Only a few bottles of beer were saved.
Orders came from the headquarters of thousand yards in the Battle of Kwajalein. The 32nd RCT had an easier time of it.
Maj. Gen. C. H. Corlett, commander of It was the costliest day yet for American From their jump-off point to about the
the 7th Infantry Division, to be alert, as troops on the island, with 54 killed in ac- location of the Terminal Building, there
“the Japanese soldier makes his suicide tion and 255 wounded. was little resistance.
counterattack at dawn on the day after The previous night’s estimates by pris- Then, a pillbox off to the left—near
his cause becomes hopeless.” oners of 200 to 300 Japanese survivors the forrmer location of the Richardson
The day’s action began at 0715, when proved to be way off the mark. The 184th Theater projection booth—caused a
men of the 32nd and 184th Regimental Regimental Combat Team reported 800 temporary halt. Demolition charges and
Combat Teams and 767th Tank Battal- to 1,000 enemy soldiers killed in their 75mm shells from medium tanks drove
ion moved forward after 15 minutes of area. In one huge blockhouse alone, 200 the enemy out one by one.
preparatory fire from artillery on Enubuj were found, most of them apparent sui- With resistance continuing light, the
(Carlson) Island. cides. The 32nd reported an additional 32nd advanced to the area of the Adult
Advancing along the ocean side, the 300 enemy dead in the advance along the Pool.
32nd with support tanks, reduced two ocean side. As night fell the threat of Japanese
Japanese strong points—“Cat” (in the U.S. troops had expected to make a counterattack increased. Some inci-
vicinity of the Country Club and golf rapid advance to the north end of Kwaja- dents occurred as far as 1,000 yards be-
course) and “Corn” (at the east end of lein, but the 184th ran into serious trou- hind the 32nd’s advanced positions.
the runway). Corn was protected by an ble shortly after it moved out at 0715. Just after sunset, a bugle was heard
elaborate tank trap that extended nearly As infantrymen approached the area among the Japanese at the foot of the
Saturday, FEBRUARY 5, 2022 / Volume 63 Number 6 8 The Kwajalein Hourglass
pier at 6th St., followed by a
headlong attack by scream-
ing Japanese. They were cut
down to the last man.
Illuminating shells and
naval searchlights, together
with sporadic artillery and
naval fire, are being em-
ployed to lessen the chance of
a night attack. But the Ameri-
can troops on Kwajalein await
the expected dawn charge.
Ebeye
Another phase of the Bat-
tle of Southern Kwajalein
Atoll began when the 17th
Regimental Combat Team
made an amphibious assault
on Ebeye (Burton), the chief
Japanese seaplane base in the 1
Marshalls.
Among Japanese facilities,
there were more than 120
machine shops, warehous-
es and other buildings. A
100-yard-wide concrete ramp
for seaplanes extended about
300 yards along the northern
lagoon shore, with large han-
gars and repair shops nearby.
A 160-yard concrete pier ex-
tended into the lagoon about
midway along the coast.
The morning’s preliminary
naval and air bombardment
was so effective that on the
landing beach (lagoon side,
south end of Ebeye) and for 2
200 yards inland, no live en-
emy Soldiers were encoun- 1) A corpsman administers aid to a wounded ally. 2) U.S. servicemembers observe a 21-gun salute
tered. during a memorial ceremony after the Battle on Kwajalein.
The advance proceeded
steadily northward, slowed
somewhat by enemy pillbox-
es and a large number of indi- other American victory was Thirty-one Koreans and odor of burned palm wood
vidual rifle pits in which en- won. Ebeye was declared fully Japanese ran out of one build- filled the air.
emy Soldiers were concealed, secured at 1537, after the 17th ing after the 184th brought up With satchel charges, gre-
waiting for the chance to fire RCT made a fast, almost un- a loudspeaker and Ninsei in- nades and ultimately flame
on U.S. troops from behind. opposed advance from the terpreters, who broadcasted throwers, the 32nd cleared
Though resistance was de- pier to the north shore. promises of food, water and dugouts and still-active pill-
termined, it seems to con- The final action on Kwaja- immunity from harm. More boxes and blockhouses.
sist mainly of individual and lein began at sunrise, short- than 90 prisoners were tak- When the weary victors
small group action without ly after 0700, when the 32nd en by the 184th during the reached the northern tip of
apparent direction. Some pushed off from the night’s morning. the island at 1920, organized
Japanese were discovered bivouac near present-day lo- In another area, men of the resistance had ceased.
fighting with spears made of cation of the Adult Pool for 32nd covered five with Kore-
bayonets attached to poles. an advance along the ocean to an prisoners with rifles and Feb. 5, 1944, D+4
The 17th RCT took defen- now-6th St. where the team moved them from shelter to The Southern Invasion
sive positions on a line about was to fan out for a sweep shelter while the prisoners Force completed the occupa-
50 yards south of the pier. over the entire island to the persuaded others to surren- tion of Southern Kwajalein
The islands Big and Little north end. der. In less than an hour, 33 Atoll from Ennugeliggelap in
Buster, between Kwajalein Almost immediately, there prisoners were taken. the west to Gellinam in the
and Ebeye, were also taken was heavy fire from Japanese By 1300, the 184th had east. American losses were
under fire, and occupation who had been bypassed the reached its objective at the 142 dead, two missing in ac-
was completed by 1630 that day prior on oceanside Kwa- foot of the pier. After cutting tion, 845 wounded. The best
day. jalein, near the former loca- off the enemy withdrawal estimate of enemy losses in
tion of the Pacific Bachelor across from 5th St., the 184th Southern Kwajalein Atoll was
Feb. 4, 1944, D+3: The 7th Quarters. The advance was turned its attention to a thor- 4,938 casualties and 206 pris-
Infantry, Victorious in Battle stalled for nearly three hours, ough mop-up of areas to the oners, including 127 Koreans.
of Kwajalein as units turned aside to clean rear. By 1430, all enemy action
out positions that fired on had been overcome on the Feb. 6, 1944, D+5
The Battle of Kwajalein them. lagoon side from the landing After a day spent burying
was over. At dusk, men of At the same time, the 184th beaches to the pier. enemy dead, the men of the
the 32nd Regimental Combat RCT encountered pockets of The 2nd Battalion, 32nd 32nd and 184th RCTs turned
Team surged across the last determined resistance in the RCT, was in position north Kwajalein Island over to gar-
150 yards of the island, over- area near 9th St. and Lagoon of 6th St. at 1345 to begin its rison and defense forces.
running the one remaining Rd. final assault through what is
bunker and gun emplace- At last, for the first time now the old Navy housing
ment known today as Bunker since the landings, the enemy area. The ground was a tan-
Hill, near Qtrs. 223. surrendered in considerable gle of debris interlaced with
Across the lagoon, two and numbers. Many had been trenches, many of which
a half miles to the north, U.S. isolated, without water, for contained the long dead. The
troops could see where an- the past two days. stench of decay and the acrid
Saturday, FEBRUARY 5, 2022 / Volume 63 Number 6 9 The Kwajalein Hourglass
THE NORTHERN ATOLL
Marines crouch low in their landing craft as they approach a battlefield on Kwajalein Atoll in 1944.
We continue our exploration of be on small, vital targets. It to invade Kwajalein. Richard L. Conolly, USN.
the phases of Operation Flint- amounted to 75 percent of the During the 18-day voyage
lock with the story of the battle original divisional strength. to the atoll, the Marines had Bombardment
to free Roi. It takes men to stand such plenty of time to study their Two days before D-Day,
The text that follows is an ex- losses and come up as deter- objective. With Tarawa fresh ships of the naval task forces
cerpt from “The Fourth Marine mined as ever. The 4th had in their minds, the prospect and aircraft of the Fast Carri-
Division” by Robert Sherrod, men. of hitting a small, heavily er Force in support of the 4th
which details the battle for Roi- Setting Records defended beach was not too Division began to systemat-
Namur. It first ran in The Kwaja- The 4th Marine Division cheerful. ically bomb and shell every
lein Hourglass in February 1994. set three new records on its Operation maps showed square yard of Roi-Namur.
T
first operation. It became the numerous installations— Three battleships, the
here is no doubt in first division to go directly coast defense guns, heavy Tennessee, Maryland and
my mind. When the into combat from the Unit- and medium antiaircraft Colorado, five cruisers and
final returns are in, ed States. It was the first to guns, machine guns, block 19 destroyers combined in a
historians will de- capture Japanese-mandated houses, a total of 52 pillboxes, nonstop barrage which laid
cide that the Cen- territory in the Pacific, and numerous antitank trench- 2,655 tons of steel on the is-
tral Pacific was the it secured its objective in a es, rifle trenches and barbed lands.
main stroke against Japan shorter time than that of any wire. Added to this, the two The plan was to land the
(during WWII). This was the other important operation islands of Roi-Namur were 14th Regiment, with its 75mm
campaign where the 4th Ma- since the attack on Pearl Har- hardly more than overgrown pack howitzers and 105mm
rine Division fought all its bor. sand spits. Roi measured howitzers, on five small is-
battles—at Roi and Namur, For weeks, the coming 1,200 by 1,250 yards at its wid- lands that flanked Roi-Namur.
Saipan, Tinian and Iwo Jima. battle had been known only est points. Namur was 800 by Two of these islands flanked
The 4th Marine Division by its codename: “Opera- 900 yards. Neither island was the entrance to the lagoon.
was in combat a little over 60 tion Flintlock.” Not until a square mile in size. An es- By seizing them, we could
days in WWII. But in those the big convoy had passed timated 3,000 enemy troops
60-odd days, the division saw the Hawaiian island was its were there to defend them. It
more action than many divi- destination revealed to all was not a pleasant prospect.
sions see in 600 days—action hands—the twin islands of Against this, however, was
as fierce as any troops ever Roi and Namur in the Kwa- a preponderance of striking
saw. jalein Atoll of the Marshall power. The task force that
The price the division had Islands. Simultaneously, the accompanied the Marine and
to pay was heavy—as it must U.S. Army’s 7th Infantry was Army divisions to the Mar-
shalls was the largest in the
Pacific at that time. The as-
semblage of carriers, battle-
ships, cruisers and destroyers
that preceded and convoyed
the transports was a reassur-
ing sight to the Marines who
lined the rails. U.S. infantry,
furthermore, would outnum-
ber the defenders two to one.
The 4th Division was part of 1ST LT. JOHN VINCENT POWER
the Northern Landing Force,
under the command of Maj. Medal of Honor recipient 1st Lt.
John Vincent Power was born in
Gen. Harry Schmidt. Ground Worcester, Massachusetts and
operations as a whole, includ- graduated from Classical High
ing Kwajalein Island, were School in 1937.
under the 5th Amphibious While attending the College of
the Holy Cross in 1941, he played
Corps. Maj. Gen. Holland several sports, including golf, foot-
M. Smith. The Joint Expe- ball, tennis and basketball. Power
ditionary Forces were com- graduated in 1941 and enlisted in
Marine Corps Col. Franklin A. Hart, left, commander of the 24th Ma- manded by U.S. Navy Rear the Marine Corps on July 7, 1942.
Adm. Richmond K. Turner. The Gearing-class destroyer
rine Regiment, briefs his staff on Roi-Namur invasion plans during a USS Power, DD-839, is named
Jan. 28, 1944 meeting on a ship of the coast of Roi. In attendance is The Northern Attack Force, for him. The vessel participated in
Lt. Col. Aquilla James “Jimmie” Dyess, far right, who in less than a of which the 4th Division was the first Project Mercury launches
week would fall in battle. the landing force, was under and transited the Panama Canal in
the command of Rear Adm. 1968.
Saturday, FEBRUARY 5, 2022 / Volume 63 Number 6 10 The Kwajalein HourglassPFC RICHARD BEATTY
ANDERSON
Born in Tacoma, Washington,
Medal of Honor recipient Pfc.
Richard Beatty Anderson was a
graduate of Sequim High School.
According to the Marine Corps
University online, Anderson had
a tattoo on his arm, “Death Be-
fore Dishonor” and worked at the
Richmond Shipyards in California
before entered the Marine Corps in
July 1942. Anderson joined Com-
pany E, 2nd Battalion, 23rd Ma-
rines, and with his unit, deployed to
the Pacific in January 1944. Their 1
destination: Roi.
Details surrounding Anderson’s
fate vary. One account credited to
Pvt. Harry Pearce, who was in the can flag in the Marshalls— on
fateful shell hole with Anderson on
Feb. 1, 1944, recalls his comrade’s
a coconut tree. This battalion
keen eye, and how, as a mortar- seized an important commu-
man, Anderson could “‘lay his eggs nications center containing
in the basket’ without even using great quantities of Ameri-
the base plate on the launcher.” can-made radio equipment.
Phase Two
secure passage that would al- The attack on Roi and
low us to assault Roi Namur Namur was Phase Two of the
from inside the lagoon. From operation. It was to be made
these flanking islands, the ar- from the lagoon side by the
tillery was to set up its close 23rd and 24th Regimental
fire support to the assault
troops. This was Phase One
Combat Teams, each landing 2
two battalions abreast on the
of the operation that took islands’ four beaches.
place Jan. 31, 1944. The 1st and 2nd battalions 1) Sailors on board USS Bolivar receive final instructions before
of the 23rd were to strike landings on Roi Island, Kwajalein Atoll, Jan. 31, 1944. A chart of
Phase One Beaches Red 2 and 3 on Roi, ship-to-shore movements for Roi and Namur Islands is on exhibit at
The seizure of the small and the 2nd and 3rd Bat- right (U.S. Navy photo). 2) Marines begin their ground assault after
islands on either side of Roi talions of the 24th were to landing on a Kwajalein Atoll beach.
and Namur fell to the 4th strike Beaches Green 1 and 2
Division’s Scout company on Namur. The day was Feb.
and 25th Regimental Combat 1, 1944. For most of the men salvos against the beach, dive disorganized and the beach
Team. To the Scout Company in the division, this was their bombers plummeted to drop was virtually undefended.
and the 1st battalion of the first time under fire. 1,000-pound blockbusters on By 1217 the regiment had
25th Marines went the honor installations not yet demol- reached Phase Line 01, and
of being the first to land on D-Day: Feb. 1, 1944 ished and fighter planes came the good news was radioed
an enemy-defended island in Early in the morning, the over for strafing runs. It was to the commanding general:
the Marshalls. amphibian tractors rumbled the heaviest and most per- “This is a pip. Give us a word
They went ashore at 0958 down the ramps of the land- fectly coordinated concentra- and we’ll take the island.” The
hours on the seaward side of ing ships, tank (LSTs) and tion of prelanding bombard- order came back to halt and
Ennuebing and Mellu islands landing craft, vehicle, per- ment yet seen in the Pacific. reorganize, but the tanks and
southwest of Roi and Namur. sonnel (LCVPs) were swung two supporting companies
Ennuebing was secured at over the sides of the trans- Planes Crippled, had pushed ahead. To keep
1055 and the larger Mellu at ports. Enemy Flees them from being shelled by
1209. Artillery came ashore The ships were still far out The bombardment paid big naval guns, they were re-
within an hour. in the lagoon, and the smok- dividends. The first waves hit called.
The 2nd and 3rd battalions ing island was but a streak the beach at 1200. On Roi, the
of the 25th landed on three of sand and haze in the dis- large, three-strip airfield was Tough Going on Namur
other islands southeast of tance. H-Hour was set for dotted with crippled Japa- On nearby Namur, the go-
Roi and Namur—Enniburr, 1000, but shortly after the nese planes and wrecked de- ing was not so easy. Here, the
Ennumennet and Ennugar- boats began to rendezvous, fenses. All but a few hundred Japanese had set up a stron-
ret (also known as Abraham word came that the landing of the enemy combatants had ger defense in the form of fire
Island). They were secured by had been delayed. Men in the retreated to nearby Namur, trenches and pillboxes. Thick
nightfall. Artillery landed the boats waited. which afforded better protec- vegetation gave them excel-
following morning. Shortly after 1100, the as- tion against the shelling. lent concealment and served
sault units were waved over When assault companies of as camouflage. Although the
Flag on a Coconut Tree the line of departure, 4,000 the 23rd landed, the situation naval shelling had killed and
On Enniburr, the 2nd Bat- yards from the shore. Naval seemed almost too good to wounded many hundreds, a
talion raised the first Ameri- gunfire began to hurl its final believe. Opposition had been sizeable force remained.
Saturday, FEBRUARY 5, 2022 / Volume 63 Number 6 11 The Kwajalein HourglassPVT RICHARD KEITH
SORENSON
The son of a WWI Navy veteran
and a native of Anoka, Minneso-
ta, Medal of Honor recipient Pvt
Richard Keith Sorenson graduated
from high school in 1942. Wound-
ed during the battle for Namur, So-
renson survived to accept boththe
MOH and a Purple Heart.
Private 1st Class John E. Mompher investigates the inside of the shattered machinery of a Japa- Sorenson enlisted in the Marine
nese coastal defense gun, circa Feb. 2, 1944, with fellow Marines. (U.S. Navy photograph) Corps Reserve in 1947 and in April
1954, completed the Basic School
for Marine officers. He achieved
The 2nd Battalion, on the waterfilled crater. Men were ter he was ashore on Namur. the rank of first lieutenant in Sep-
right, received only a little killed and wounded in small A corpsman bandaged the tember 1954, and voluntarily ac-
boats a considerable distance wound and Scheidt stayed cepted the rank of Master Sergeant
scattered small-arms fire upon his discharge in 1954.
from the beach and pushed from the beach by the flying with his company. At one During his civilian career, So-
inland some 200 yards debris. Two more violent ex- point, his platoon inadver- renson worked for the Veterans
against the light opposition. plosions, but lesser in inten- tently pushed too far forward Administration and served on the
sity than the first, occurred and was ordered to withdraw. board of directors for the United
The 3rd Battalion, on the left, Way and Navy League, and the
ran into trouble immediately among the assault troops Upon reaching the new regional Boy Scout Council. Soren-
from several undamaged pill- during the next half hour.” position, Scheidt saw a Ma- son died in Reno, Nevada, at the
boxes. Many men were hit as The battalion suffered rine, Edward Mann, 100 yards age of 80, survived by his wife and
they stepped from the land- more than half of its total ahead of the lines. Mann was their five children.
ing boats. The assault compa- battle casualties in this swift wounded in the eyes and un-
nies were ordered to bypass moment, and its advance was able to see to make his way ahead after resuming the
the pillboxes and leave them held up temporarily. back. Bullets sprayed the attack at 1600. The enemy,
for demolition teams. The By this time, the Japanese field around him. Despite his thoroughly disorganized
companies reached the Phase were recovering somewhat wound, Scheidt went forward from the shelling, put up no
Line 01 by 1400, paused to re- and beginning to offer fierc- alone. single, well-planned defense.
organize and waited for tanks er resistance. The battle for There was no way to lead Instead there were separate
and halftracks. Namur was not going to be the blinded comrade back fights by individuals and
easy. The 3rd Battalion, with except to stand up. Scheidt small groups without unified
“The whole island has tanks in support, pushed unfastened the sling of his ri- command. Under such con-
blown up” ahead at 1630. fle, gave Mann one end, and ditions, the Japanese soldier
Meanwhile, the 2nd Battal- started back to his lines. Ma- proved a brave and stubborn
ion moved ahead. Suddenly, First Medal of Honor rines stopped firing to avoid fighter.
a large enemy blockhouse, A platoon under Lt. John hitting them. With Japanese On Roi, the enemy took
used as a storage place for V. Power soon encountered soldiers blazing away, the two the partially covered drain-
aerial bombs and torpedo a pillbox that was spraying men made it to safety. Scheidt age ditches that surrounded
warheads, exploded without death all along the Marine was later awarded the Silver the airstrips, popping up to
warning. An immense tower lines. They rushed it, trying Star. fire into the U.S. troops. This
of smoke and rubble, includ- to lob grenades through the caused some confusion and
ing many torpedo warheads, gun port or to get a place- Slow Going many casualties, but the op-
shot into the sky. Concussion charge against it. The fire was The 24th’s 2nd Battalion, posing position was hopeless.
felled men in every direction too hot. They decided to work held up by the three violent U.S. demolitions and flame
and fragments of metal and around the pillbox and attack explosions in its midst, got throwers routed enemy com-
cement caught dozens before from the rear. Lt. Power led underway again at 1700. The batants out of hiding, and
they could jump into shell the way. As he approached going was slow through the riflemen dispatched those
holes. An officer vividly de- the doorway, a bullet caught stiffening resistance in the who had not already fallen on
scribed the scene. him in the stomach. rubble of destroyed build- their own grenades.
“An ink-black darkness He didn’t stop. To the ings. By 1530, when the order By 1800, six hours after the
spread over a large part of amazement of the enemy, came to dig in for the night, landing, and with less than
Namur such that the hand Power charged forward, emp- the battalion had achieved three hours of actual offen-
could not be seen in front of tying his carbine into the nar- a maximum advance of 300 sive assault, the island of Roi
the face. Debris continued to row slot of a door. A Marine yards. was declared secured.
fall for a considerable length pulled the lieutenant back The 3rd Battalion’s forward
of time, which seemed un- into the safety of a bomb cra- elements were within a few Second Medal of Honor
ending to those in the area ter, where he died a few min- hundred yards of the island’s There was little opportu-
who were all unprotected utes later. Lt. Power was post- northern shore. Its right nity for individual heroism
from the huge chunks of steel humously awarded the Medal flank, however, angled sharp- on Roi, but one man, Pfc.
and concrete thudding on of Honor. ly back to tie in with the 2nd Richard B. Anderson, found
the ground about them. Be- There were many other Battalion. The two battalions himself in a position to save
fore the explosion, the large acts of heroism on Roi and set up perimeter defense for several comrades from death
blockhouse was conspicu- Namur that day. Not all of the night. or injury from a hand gre-
ously silhouetted against the them were recorded. Typical nade. He was killed, but his
skyline. was the action of Pfc. Richard One Hundred Flights comrades were unhurt and
After the explosion, noth- Scheidt. A bullet hit Scheidt Across the causeway on for this self-sacrifice Ander-
ing remained but a huge in the arm a few minutes af- Roi, the 23rd Regiment raced son was awarded the Medal
Saturday, FEBRUARY 5, 2022 / Volume 63 Number 6 12 The Kwajalein Hourglassof Honor.
By late afternoon, men
could pause for breath and
look around them for the first
time. There was hardly left
standing a trace of the Japa-
nese headquarters. On Roi,
the gaunt skeletons of a han-
gar and an operations build-
ing were all that remained
standing.
On Namur, only three
buildings, all severely bat-
tered, had survived shelling.
A large administrative build-
ing, a concrete radio station
and an ammunition storage The devastated landscape following the Battle of Roi and Namur, circa February 1944.
building were the only struc-
tures that remained standing.
Thousands of shells had ex- Yet, during the carnage, a
ploded on the island, leaving Phase Three ed shells, cleared the airfield
few traces of normal life had It was time to begin Phase and set up a water-distillation
the ground pitted with cra- survived. A dovecote on top Three: mopping up all the plant.
ters. Shattered breadfruit and of the concrete radio station islets in the northern two-
coconut palms stood at fan- was untouched and birds
tastic angles. Fallen enemy thirds of the atoll. The Inferno
nested there, oblivious to the The battle for Kwajalein On Feb. 12, enemy combat-
Soldiers were sprawled over noise of battle. A pig, sever- Island was still in progress ants hit the jackpot. A small
the island by the hundreds, al chickens and a very large when the 25th Regiment be- group of planes, flying high,
in shell holes, near ammuni- goose had somehow escaped gan its sweep down the atoll. dropped a few incendiary
tion dumps and in the ruins death and now wandered the The 2nd Battalion followed bombs on Roi. One of them
of buildings. island. the arm that extended south- struck a U.S. ammunition
Sheets of corrugated iron Yet the battle was not over. east from Roi and Namur, dump and a moment later the
were strewn everywhere, The last few enemy Soldiers while the 1st moved to the whole island was an explod-
twisted and ripped full of on Namur, pocketed against southwest. During the next ing inferno.
holes. Concrete pilings on the northern shore, staged a seven days, they reconnoi- The raid lasted five min-
which barracks had rested last attack against the 24th tered the string of islets, find- utes, but the bombardment
stuck out of the ground in Regiment’s 3rd Battalion that ing an occasional stray band from the ammunition dump
rows like tombstones. lasted several hours. of Japanese, a few friendly na- continued for four hours. Ca-
On Roi, many enemy
tives or the quiet beach. sualties were numerous, and
planes, caught when the Third Medal of Honor, Where the reef curves al- it was later estimated that
shelling began, lay like gi- Bronze Star most due west, the 3rd Bat- damage to U.S. supplies and
ant birds with broken wings, When daybreak came, and talion relieved the 31st and equipment amounted to $1
pinned to the ground by the banzai attack had been continued to drive toward million.
shrapnel. completely broken, a crew Ebadon, extreme western-
of corpsmen advanced to most isle of the atoll. Then Victory
Doves, Chickens, search for Pharmacist’s Mate they followed the reef in a With the capture of Kwaja-
Pigs and Geese 1st Class James V. Kirby. They general southeasterly direc- lein Atoll, the United States
found Kirby in a bomb crater, tion to complete the circuit. had strategic control of all
along with 15 wounded men Altogether, the 25th Regi- the Marshall Islands. Japa-
he had rescued before they ment secured 53 islands, with nese garrisons on Mili, Wotje,
weathered a long night. names like Boggerlapp, Mar- Maloelap and Jaluit were by-
One of those men was Pvt. sugalt, Gegibu and Oniotto, passed and isolated. Japanese
1st Class Richard K. Soren- harder to pronounce than to communications south from
son, who had hurled himself capture. Wake Island had acquired
on a grenade to save six of Meanwhile, the 15th De- another steppingstone on the
his company in a shell hole. fense Battalion came ashore U.S. march across the Pacif-
Following the battle, Kirby to garrison Roi and Namur. ic. The lagoon furnished an
was awarded the Bronze Star. Marshallese who had lived excellent staging base. The
Sorenson—whose action had on the islands were helped airfields brought Truk (now
saved the lives of his six com- back to their homes and paid spelled Chuuk) and other is-
panions—lived to receive the in U.S. currency to help clear lands in the Caroline Islands
Medal of Honor. the wreckage and bury fallen within Allied range. The U.S.
enemy combatants. On Roi, had won a great victory.
Fourth Medal of Honor tractors, bulldozers, trucks The 4th Marines reached
LT. COL AQUILLA Before the flag went up on and jeeps ground endlessly,
JAMES “BIG RED” DYESS
Maui during the period from
Roi-Namur, tragedy would bringing in supplies, ammu- Feb. 21-25, but there were
Lt. Col. Aquilla James “Big Red” strike in the last hours of nition and material for in- some who would not return
Dyess was an Eagle Scout, an avid the battle. Lt. Col. Aquilla J. stallations and clearing away to the atoll. A total of 190 Ma-
sports enthusiast and student at Dyess, commander of the 1st debris. Over the blasted Japa- rines had been killed in ac-
Clemson College. His friends knew
him as “Big Red.”
Battalion, 24th Marines, was nese operations building flew tion and 547 wounded during
To date, Dyess is the only Eagle leading his men against the a huge American flag. the brief engagement. Over-
Scout to have received the Medal last pocket of Japanese Sol- On both Roi and Namur, night, the “green” 4th had be-
of Honor, and the only American to diers when he was caught in a much of the reconstruction come Veterans. The U.S. had
receive the MOH and the Carnegie burst of enemy machine gun of the islands was done by
Medal for civilian heroism.
captured 264 prisoners and
The latter was awarded in 1929, fire. Dyess was killed instant- Seabees. For the first time laid 3,472 enemy combatants
following Dyess’ 1928 rescue of ly. He was the highest-rank- in the Pacific, they had been to rest in the soil of tiny Roi
a female swimmer while visiting ing officer to lose his life in trained and equipped as part and Namur.
Charleston, South Carolina. the operation. of a regular Marine Corps
Today, many landmarks and fa-
cilities are named in Dyess’ honor
Dyess was posthumously landing force. With the
of Dyess, including Dyess Army awarded the Medal of Hon- 20th (Engineer) Regiment, Names and spellings of islands
Airfield on Roi-Namur, and the or. His was the fourth for the they unloaded ammunition, and localities noted in this ex-
Jimmie Dyess Parkway, which con- division during the engage- brought in supplies, laid a cerpt have changed over the
nects the Fort Gordon Main Gate to ment—probably an all-time portable plank road on the
interstate highway I-20 at the U.S.
years. The text of this excerpt
Army Signal Center of Excellence. record for 24-hours of fight- beach, recovered unexplod- has been edited for publication.
ing.
Saturday, FEBRUARY 5, 2022 / Volume 63 Number 6 13 The Kwajalein HourglassYou can also read
